Yesterday we had rain here in the Verde Valley but at higher elevations there was snow. Today we drove out near Prescott and into the mountains passing through Breezy Pines and Potato Patch.
Even if it is a dead end road who can resist going somewhere with a name like Big Bug Mesa?
Being alone this seemed like a sensible place to turn around. Too bad as we hadn't yet reached the edge of the mesa.
At approximately 7600 foot elevation.
The switchbacks are always fun. Here you can see two levels below.
We headed offroad south of Prescott Valley and returned to the pavement north of Prescott where we stopped at Watson Lake Park and the Granite Dells.
Massive boulders have weathered into fanciful shapes. Ruins and artifacts have been found that indicate Native Americans once lived here.
The granite has been dated to be 1.2 billion years old.
Legend of the Granite Dells
"In the 1800s, a party of successful prospectors were returning from the Big Sandy River to Prescott with a load of gold dust and nuggets held in several canvas bags. Taking a rest and water break at Granite Dells, about four miles north of Prescott, they were soon attacked by Indians. Quickly, the prospectors buried the gold near near the spring as the attack ensued. All but one of the prospectors were killed by the Indians. Later, the lone survivor would return to the site with a search party on several occasions. However, they never found any signs of the buried gold. Some have speculated that the Indians dug up the treasure and reburied it somewhere else in the same area. In any case the treasure remains somewhere in the Granite Dells waiting for discovery." --------------------- From www.granite-dells.com/
Beautiful pix, as usual, Paula.
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