What: Granite Dells at Watson & Willow Lakes and Historic Prescott - Photo Shoot
When: Thursday, 21 February, 2019, departure time is planned for 5:30 am with arrival back in Sun City Grand at about 4:00 pm
Where: Watson Lake Park, Willow Lake Park, Historic Courthouse Square Prescott
Photo Shoot Leaders: Dennis Hilgar & Richard Coles
Who: On a first come/first served basis group size limit of 16 Club Members.
Degree of Difficulty: This photo shoot is appropriate for photographers of moderate fitness levels who can readily handle a long day, moderately strenuous activity such as being able to climb 35 stairs consecutively, have good balance, plus walk without difficulty at least 2 miles over loose or uneven surfaces with occasional steep slopes. Altitudes will range to 5,200 feet.
We will be walking over various trails and rock formations on a rugged trail through the Dells, over granite rock outcrops, and along the north edge of Willow Lake. All participants are expected to be able to carry their own camera, personal gear and water. Park temperatures in January are expected to be about 35F to 55F.
Photographers will be expected to follow a white dot trail behind leaders at Willow Lake to maintain group cohesion and schedule. At other locations there will be opportunities to be ‘on your own’ to wander about exploring and photographing, returning to your vehicles at agreed upon times.
Food/drinks: Bring your individual snacks and drinks to maintain your energy level & hydration though the day.
Camera Equipment Requirements: Any and all cameras you would like to use for a fun outing. Smartphones, point & shoot, DSLR’s, opportunities for a variety of lenses (telephoto, wide angle, etc.)
Clothing: Weather/temperature appropriate, layered clothing, sturdy shoes/boots with good traction required along with sunscreen, hats, gloves, sunglasses. Walking poles could be helpful if you have them/ use them regularly.
Itinerary: Enjoy a trail walk through Granite Dells a series of remarkable and huge weather shaped, 1.3-billion-year-old, granite boulders adjacent to Watson and Willow Lakes – two man made reservoirs that attract lots of interesting water birds.
Afterward a visit to the Courthouse Plaza Square Historic District of Prescott for lunch at the Palace Restaurant and Saloon.
Afterward a short ‘photo opportunity’ walk around the Square bounded by Cortez, Gurley, Goodwin and Montezuma Streets and perhaps ice cream cones for some!
Upon leaving Prescott for the return trip there will be at least two additional “surprise” stops for photo opportunities at interesting locations along US 89 through Wilhoit, Peeples Valley, and Skull Valley
Downtown Historic Area in Prescott is home to some of the oldest buildings in the area. In fact, many of the city's buildings that are in the National Register of Historic Places reside in the downtown area, so it's a great place to go to indulge in some true Old West history. Many buildings in the area date back to the 1800s, and most have been beautifully restored to reflect the era. One of the most famous parts of the downtown area has got to be Whiskey Row. Whiskey Row dates back to 1864 and was frequented by many well-known figures of the time, including the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday, who were made famous thanks to the gunfight at O.K. Corral in 1881. It was home to numerous saloons and breweries, before fires destroyed most of the buildings in 1883 and again in 1900. Whiskey Row has been restored and today it stands as a monument of days gone by, with old-style saloons, bars and restaurants filling the street. The Palace is one such place that has been beautifully restored and is now Arizona's oldest saloon, and the Hotel St. Michael, dating back to 1891, is also one of the oldest hotels in the area.
Entrance Fees: Watson Lake/Willow Lake Entrance Fees: $3 per vehicle. Participants will be responsible for costs of their own food and beverages.
Car Pools: We will meet in the parking lot outside of Angela's at 5:15 am to form car pools and depart at 5:30 am. Use the parking lot on the south side of Remington drive farthest from the restaurant. Passengers will share fuel expenses; estimated fuel cost for the round trip is $33.00 per vehicle.
Review: TBD
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, February 19, 2019 and please indicate if you are willing to drive. We will draw from the waiting list if there are cancellations.
Registration: will be available starting Sunday, January 27, 2019
Note: This shoot is dependent upon good weather and may be cancelled if inclement weather is forecast or if there is insufficient interest.
