Prescott Historic District

Distant Drums RV Resort
Camp Verde, AZ
April 5, 2016

We met locals on the Lakeshore Trail last Tuesday who said the Prescott (pronounced Prescut by the locals) Historic District was a must see.  So yesterday off we went to check it our for ourselves.  The historic district is a town square filled with historic buildings full of trinkets, art, clothing and eateries. The Yavapai County Courthouse is the center of the square. 

Bronze Rough Rider in front of the Courthouse.  It is a creation of Solon Borglum, the brother of Gutzon Borglum who designed Mt. Rushmore.  The statue was unveiled in 1907. 

President Lincoln established the first territorial capital of Arizona in Prescott in 1864.  The capital moved to Tucson in 1867, back to Prescott in 1877, until Phoenix became the capital in 1889. 

Bronze statue Cowboy at Rest 

 Today, Prescott serves as the county seat for Yavapia County.  The first courthouse was a red brick structure built in 1867. It was demolished and replaced with this magnificent building in 1916.  Beginning in 1879, trees were planted along gravel walks. Today more than 170 trees on this 4.1 acre plaza provide a man made urban forest .  In addition to the extensive tree canopy, the plaza features large expanses of beautiful green grass, interlocking pavers, bronze statues, and even public restrooms under the western steps for the many annual activities hosted on the lawns and daily visitors.  It was from the steps below that Barry Goldwater announced his candidacy for president in 1964.

Strolling the streets was colorful and fun enhanced by an  absolutely gorgeous spring day. 

The Prescott National Bank opened it's doors in 1902.

A cherry tree in full bloom...

 For lunch, I knew right where I wanted to go.  Palace Saloon on Whisky Row has made quite a name for itself as the oldest frontier saloon in Arizona.  The likes of Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp, and Doc Holliday were regular patrons.  Virgil even owned a saw mill on Thumb Butte and was Town Constable.  The fire of 1900 destroyed the first Palace.  The ornately carved Brunswick Bar, still in use today was carried across the street to the plaza.    

Back in the day, men came to the Palace to check for notices of work, mineral claims were bought and sold over the bar, and it served as election central for several elections. 

A cherry tree in full bloom...

Joe and I are quite enamored with Prescott.  We made three trips there this week and would have liked to do more, but today was cleaning and packing day for our departure in the morning.

We think the Tan Clan would like Prescott too.  It is one of the best puppy friendly places we have visited. 

 Until next time, 

We have enjoyed the antics of our neighbor working at a steady pace to get his home ready.

 happy days and happy trails!

Peavine and Lakeshore Trails

Distant Drums RV Resort
Camp Verde, AZ
April 4, 2016


Our first hike in Prescott left us wanting more so our next hiking day took us to Watson Lake.  We enjoyed a very pleasant day on the Peavine and Lakeshore trails.  Parking is off Sundog Ranch Road and there is a $3 fee for parking.  Peavine is a rails to trails project with great views of Watson Lake as well as a great place for birding.

















What was originally built by the Santa Fe Railway in 1893, today is open for hiking, biking and horseback riding. 

A pair of Northern Shovelers...It's elongated, spoon-like bill has comblike projections along the edges which filter out food from water.

After a mile on Peavine, we turned left on Lakeshore Trail and headed toward Watson Lake.  Watson Lake was created as a reservoir by the Chino Valley Irrigation project in 1916 when Granite Creek was damed.  The City of Prescott purchased both Watson and Willow Lakes and surrounding areas in 1998.  

I sure am glad! 

The Dells owe their distinctive forms to long-term weathering of natural cracks in granite.  Their cracks originated during the cooling and stressing of a deeply buried molten mass.  Geologist estimate that the granite here is about 1.4 billion years old.  

A pair of Ring-necked ducks

Cinnamon Teals...

It was a great day of birding and hiking...  two of my favorite things to do.  Joe and I enjoyed both days we spent in Granite Dells very much.  We hope to visit this area again...there are so many hikes on the map.  I do believe you could hike there everyday for several months and never do the same hike twice.  There are also lots of biking trails. 



Until next time, 

happy days and happy trails!