Fifteen high spirited hikers and one dog enjoyed each other’s company on the Butcher Jones hike up by Saguaro Lake.

Hikers included: Cory G. and her dog Daisy, Robert G., Joe M., Doug E., Jenni J., Larry P., Michael H., Dave & Yu-Ling L., Beth B., Stan R., Lyndon T., Wayne S., Kay L. and hike leader Debbie M.

This hike offered magnificent views of the lake and surrounding desert scenery. The group set off at 9:30 AM starting with group pictures and then hiking past Peregrine Point where the pavement ended and the actual trail picked up. The weather was made to order—temperatures in the 70s with slightly overcast skies. We hiked along the lake enjoying a fabulous view of the lake, sometimes still and serene, sometimes rocked with waves from the occasional boat. Several hikers pointed out a variety of birds, including blue herons. We even stopped and cheered on an impressive water skier. The lake was not crowded nor was the trail.

After lunch, the group took a vote and it was decided that we would continue hiking a bit farther—this involved some risk due to the hike leader being directionally challenged. We persevered however, and other than encountering an abandoned and dilapidated pontoon boat, no major mishaps occurred. The leader did an impressive job of navigating through a forest of long black mesquite branches hanging overhead—it was quite scary at times and we were fortunate that it was daylight.

If the goal of hiking is to get some exercise, appreciate nature and nice weather, and enjoy the good company of your fellow hikers, then this 6.5 mile round trip hike was a definite success. I would be hard pressed to say which I enjoyed more: the stimulating conversation, the perfect weather, invigorating exercise, or the breathtaking scenery.

All photos courtesy of Wayne Shimata.