Granite Mountain Hike in Prescott, AZ

When you go on a ten mile hike with a career US Marine (retired), there is no slouching involved. It's "all business", and that's what Paul Casto and I did covering the Granite Mountain hike in Prescott, AZ this morning. It was another glorious day in Arizona, with mild temperatures, brilliant sunshine and beautifully colored wildflowers still in bloom on October 4th! What can be better than that?

However, the great expanses and "granite grandeur" certainly help humble the noblest human being; it's like we are just a "smidge" on the universe's magnificent scale. There is nothing like "being one with the universe" and thanking the 'higher power' for this journey we call life, especially out it the wilderness of the Southwest. There is so much to take in; the sights, the sounds and the wind all converging on each rock, boulder and wild formations that has been here for thousands of years.

I am thankful for Paul Casto in taking me on the last hike in the AZ before we head home, and the jeep ride we all took late afternoon, looking for wildlife (we finally did see a family of javelinas right before we arrived at their home).

It's been a great week with Carrie and Paul showing us their "new" environs in Prescott and everything in between (Grand Canyon, horseback riding and Sedona). We were "cowgirls" for the week and it was super fun to play the role for a wee bit for sure!

BSoleille! The bright side of "socks on fire" from the longish hike this morning. No kidding, my wool socks were hot to the touch when I took them off for the drive home!

Terri

Paul Casto

Love the timer on the phone to take this photo (only saw five other people on this trail) 

Tree carcasses all over this canyon

Jeep ride to a Scull Valley lookout late this afternoon (Susie, Paul and Carrie)