AHHHH! That Fresh Mountain Air!

After a month of boondocking in the Quartzsite desert, we were both ready to leave. (More about that later.)
After a brief stop in Wickenburg to visit our PressurePro distributor and pick up more inventory, we began heading north to Prescott where we planned to overnight. As we gained elevation, the landscape began to change and we were soon driving through pine forests-- a welcome change of scenery. At Kirkland Junction, a sign warned that rigs over 50 ft. are not allowed to continue on Hwy. 89 due tight hairpin curves. So we took the detour through Skull Valley to the west.

In our campground directory we found Point of Rocks RV Campground, called and made a reservation. Appropriately named, the campground is surrounded by huge granite boulders. An older, rustic campground, it has been owned and run by the same family for 33 years and the “mom and pop” owners were still active in its operations. The staff was friendly and helpful and we had a nice space on the top level ($22 a night with the Good Sam discount) among huge boulders and Ponderosa pine with a spectacular view the city. The weather was mildly cool (sweatshirts) with a brisk breeze off the mountains.

Our plan was to spend one night here before going to Camp Verde where we had reservations for the next two weeks. But, after perusing the Chamber’s Visitor Guide, we decided we needed more time here to see more of what was described as a “beautiful and idyllic community.” Money Magazine recognized mile-high Prescott as one of the top five places to retire; and one of the top 10 most popular retirement towns by topretirements.com. (Tempting???)

We explored Whiskey Row, Prescott’s most famous street. In its heyday, the street was lined with saloons and brothels that welcomed many well-know cowboys and outlaws. In 1900, the entire block, along with three-quarters of the town, was destroyed by fire. Whiskey Row is now lined with shops, art galleries and restaurants. We did a little shopping but mostly looking. We browsed through The Palace bar and restaurant, a famous historic landmark displaying a lot of historical facts and photographs. In the early days, when The Palace caught fire, the bar customers all picked up the long wooden bar, carried it across the street, set it down on the courthouse lawn, and continue to drink the night away. That original bar is still in use at The Palace today.

Steve, our RV neighbor, from Michigan and his wife had been here for about a month. He likes to hike and told us of several hiking trails leading from the campground. The morning before we left, he invited us for a short hike. We walked along a rugged trail alongside granite boulders, and over huge rock outcrops, climbing to the top of a hill with a great view of Watson Lake. (Click on the photos to enlarge them.)

We ended up staying here three nights, still not really long enough to see it all. We were impressed with the small-town charm and hospitality. Just as the Visitor Guide said, the people were friendly everywhere we went (even at the Super Wal-Mart). We hope to visit Prescott again and next time, stay longer.