I wanted to be looking over Grand Canyon for the August full moon rise. But with so many fires and much smoke, plus the long drive, I’d bagged that idea. Instead, a photography friend suggested Watson Lake in Prescott only about 30 miles north of Yarnell. Better yet, she drove. We actually went two nights before the fullest as then the rise would be just before sunset.
How come I’ve never been to Watson Lake before? I guess when driving by I’m always on the way to somewhere, else. There is a $3 entry fee for day use, $15 for dry camping way too close to the SR89/road and closed during winter. Miles and miles of trails, lots of wonderful boulders, kayakers and more. The moon was expected to rise almost dead center in this shot.
Glad we didn’t go to the Pavilion because on a Friday night the park was busy and loud music poured from there. Yet it looks like a nice hilltop place for sunrise.
The launch ramp near where we parked and started hiking was full of what looked like an organized group of kayaks.
I’ll bet the perspective from the water is spectacular. I do enjoy Sherry’s pics from the point of view. Sadly, my worn out shoulders won’t take paddling anymore. But I’d be happy to go along for the ride.
We followed a trail a short ways into the boulders until finding the “perfect” place. Set up tripods and began to shoot.
Saw some guys carrying a dog down the boulders and some other guys rock climbing.
A young man from Florida was blown away with the landscape and lack of mosquitoes. A light breeze helped. I can feel fall in the air. Not sure I’m happy about that except for some cooler temperatures. Summer slipped away from me.
It really wasn’t crowded along the trail or surrounding boulders.
Sadly, those low clouds blocked the rise of the moon so instead we enjoyed a showy monsoon cloud sunset with reflections in the lake.
Then at dusk, as we returned down the trail, the moon made an appearance. I don’t see water or reflections often so will return to Watson Lake.
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