Life's Little Surprises

One Former Slow Moving Yarnell Resident

Yarnell, Arizona, is a quiet unassuming small town nestled on the edge of the heights just before a precipitous drop to the desert floor.  Its one main road, four wide lanes, looks like it was built for a sudden spurt of growth that never came, but for it 649 year-round residents, its close to paradise, or so I am told by a few of its resident-merchants!

At an elevation of 4780 feet, Yarnell has relatively cool nights, warm days, and is quite a bit more temperate than its cousin to the south, Congress, smack dab in the desert 2,500 feet below.  Why am I mentioning this small town that is about 35 miles south by southwest from Prescott?  Two reasons, well maybe three.  First, but not the greatest reason, is the little old country-style cafe, known as The Ranch House, a bit outside of town to the south - open to its customers for breakfast and lunch which has been in operation since the early 1940s.  Forget the plastic, its two policies is cash only and good food at a reasonable price. 

Second reason to mention this town is its history in GOLD!  In May, 1863, on a mesa just southeast of the fledgling outpost, acres of gold nuggets were found just lying on the ground!  This area is Arizona richest single placer gold discovery ever.   But then there are many little towns with claims to fame, pleasant places to live.  So, what is that third reason for mention that "other gem" discovery in this quiet community tucked in the semi-arid hills?  For those who are spiritually inclined, there is a non-denominational, volunteer-run and maintained, outdoor shrine for meditation and prayer.
Its natural shrine setting is organized around the 12 stations of the cross, following the New Testament's teachings of the week surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.   Louise and I toured the site and shared a meal at The Ranch House with a couple we have become friends with in Prescott, Dave and Peggy.  Here are a few of the pictures of our time at the shrine, known as the The Shrine of St. Joseph of the Mountains.

A metal sculpture with a crown of barb wire, a poignant reminder...

Dave and Peggy, just last month, visited the Holy Land and stood by the historic grave, but this too was full of meaning and remembrance.

We spent perhaps and hour walking the stations for our own prayer and meditation.   This site is well worth the stop and is only supported by volunteer donations.  As we left town, we were visited by several deer grazing in someone's yard, but also by some Javalina, the wild pigs of Arizona, who think they own the road and everyone's vegetable gardens!

Louise and Kevin bid you farewell, for now!

Next entry will be set in lights, Christmas Lights, and plenty of them.  Prescott is known as Arizona's Christmas Town, and for very good reasons as you will see.