Monday, March 11, 2013

Butcher Jones Trail Hike



Monday morning again and it is sunny with clear blue skies and a temperature of 52F when we meet at the flag pole to carpool to the trailhead on Saguaro Lake . We ride with our friends Kip and Paula from Calgary. They have been away to Ottawa to help her brother after heart surgery. They are glad to be back into the sunshine after 12 days of overcast and gloom with snowy roads and sidewalks.

Saguaro Lake was created by the Stewart Mountain Dam on the Salt River in 1928. Because it has blocked the river's course, the lake has many little coves as it follows the contours of the terrain. At the parking area, there is a lovely sand beach, much used by Phoenix residents in the hot, hot summers. There is also good fishing and we see several boats and fishermen this morning.





We hiked around this arm of the lake.


The group of 42 stretches out along the trail!


After 2.7 miles of hiking, we come to Burro Cove - and a wonderful view of Four Peaks.
We stop here for a snack break and a rest before we return along the same trail.
I am excited to see that the Mexican poppies are really starting to bloom - we saw several patches on hillsides that were facing the sun - as the shade evaporates, the sun coaxes them into opening fully so we can enjoy their beauty.








  Purple lupines are also mixed with the poppies.
  The cactus are starting to bloom - the desert is ready to burst with new growth and beauty!!


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