As a firefighter who moves around a lot, one of the things we stress on the job is area familiarization. Basically it's getting the gist of what terrain, fuels, and weather systems you're in at the time. There is a whole big science behind it...but for my recreational purposes I don't want a print out and multiple graphs showing trends. I want to put my boots on the ground and be IN the area I'm familiarizing myself with.

As an outdoorsy person, I like to hike and walk and drive around and see stuff. Not just read it in a brochure or see it from the pavement.

Here are some photos of a hike I took a bit ago here in Prescott, AZ.

I'm not the biggest fan of AZ but it does have some redeeming qualities...that's a pretty decent view.

The naturalist in me can't pass up the simple growing things without documenting.

Not even sorry.

This is Alligator Juniper. If you can't figure out why...then I am sorry :)

Nice to be close to the top. The joy of the hike is in the summit and the VIEW!

Since I'm a wildland firefighter and in Prescott where the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots were located out of, it's impossible to go a day without seeing the reminder of the tragedy that cost those men their lives.

Our goal every day is to go home to the people we love. Your prayers for a safe season are appreciated!