It has been said: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” That’s how the Arizona Trailblazers Apache Lake camping trip materialized. With Debbie still recuperating from a foot injury, she decided a camping trip was better than no trip at all. So nine lucky Trailblazers got to sample what Apache Lake, one of the most remote lakes in the state, has to offer.

The four dams on the Salt River were formed to eliminate the erratic flow of the river and provide the valley with a consistent water source for irrigation and power generation. Roosevelt Dam forms, of course, Roosevelt Lake. Further down stream Horse Mesa Dam holds back the waters of Apache Lake. The nearby Horse Mesa, for which Horse Mesa Dam was named, got its name from being a hideout for stolen livestock back in Arizona’s “wild and woolly” days. Below Apache Lake, Mormon Flat Dam created Canyon Lake. Mormon pioneers camped at a nearby “flat” on their way to the valley; hence the name, Mormon Flat Dam. The final dam is Stewart Mountain Dam, which forms Saguaro Lake.

Debbie and Ray drove up to Apache Lake’s Burnt Corral Campground early on Thanksgiving Day to secure adequate campsites for the group.

They drove through Apache Junction and past Tortilla Flat, with Fish Creek Hill being the final hurdle before reaching the lake.

This was just a little treacherous, especially after recent heavy rains!

After stopping at the Apache Lake Marina for worms, they continued up to the campground. There were plenty of beautiful sites available right on the lake. The day was overcast and threatening rain, but thankfully, the storms held off until the tent was erected. Thanksgiving dinner was turkey and stuffing with gravy and cranberries, enjoyed in the tent with lightening and thunder for special effect. Debbie and Ray were thankful for a good waterproof tent! On Friday afternoon, Mike, Andy, Pat, and Doug arrived and got their tents set up, despite intermittent showers. The rain failed to dampen the spirits of the campers and since Mike was only staying one night, it was decided a potluck was in order.

Karen arrived just in time to join the meal and get her tent set up before dark settled over the campground.

Food was shared just as the pioneers must have shared theirs a hundred years ago as they traveled not too far from where the group camped.

After the meal was cleaned up, everyone gathered around the campfire to enjoy the camaraderie that marks every Trailblazers camping trip.

Saturday morning brought sunshine and beautiful weather. The views of the surrounding mountains “rising up” from the lake were fantastic and provided many photo opportunities.

Several of the campers decided to drive back to the Reavis Ranch Trailhead to join Ted’s hike.

Debbie’s injured foot was a good reason for Debbie, Ray, Andy, and Pat to remain behind and enjoy relaxing at the water’s edge.

Ray entertained the four with his fruitless fishing attempts while Andy accompanied him on the guitar (maybe the fish didn’t care for the music??)

The hikers returned with an additional camper in tow — Karen’s friend, Rich.

It was agreed that another potluck was in order. This time the group ate by lantern light and then once again gathered around the campfire. The night was clear, with lots of stars.

Andy brought out his guitar and played some great tunes as Ray and Pat joined in with vocals.

There was even a compliment the next day from a neighboring camp!

Hikers, campers, and now minstrels?

The Arizona Trailblazers are a multi-faceted bunch!