Prescott Hiking Club

Prescott, Arizona

I am old – very old!

I have lived in the shadow of Granite Mountain for almost a thousand years.
I know the secrets of this wilderness and this land.
I have survived droughts and floods but one day in June, the fire came.
I had nowhere to go. I was born here and I will die here – and I was ready.
But then, my heroes came – the Granite Mountain Hotshots!
They knew I was in danger and despite the raging fire, they saved me.
I am still here – but 19 brave souls are gone!
They perished in another wildfire – doing what they lived for – saving lives and
giving a helpful hand to whoever needed help.
Thanks to them, I hopefully have many more centuries to live.
From now on, I will stand strong and majestic as Prescott’s living monument in
honor of our fallen heroes.
Thank you Granite Mountain Hotshots for saving me.
Your big old alligator Juniper tree.
​
By Erika M. Goebel
July 9, 2013