Trailblazers at Boyce Thompson Arboretum.

Front: Lin, Li and Cindy; Back - Jade, Jan, John, Rudy, Tom, Helen, Rick.

Ten of us — Lin, Jade, Li, Tom, Cindy, Helen, Rick, Jan, John, and Rudy — met at Boyce Thompson Arboretum at 9:00 AM for a festive morning on the trails. The weather started on the cold side, but with calm winds and plenty of sunshine, it turned into a perfect day for walking.

Jade and Helen try to warm up by going up the steps.

Three awesomeness.

Say Hi to our friends who are at suspension bridge.

To celebrate the holiday spirit, everyone arrived wearing something red, green, or even an ugly Christmas shirt. With that cheerful energy, we set off on the High Trail first, hoping a good climb would warm us up. It was a bit chilly in the shade, but the sun quickly took care of that.

Keep the bridge steady.

The famous Picket Post Thompson Mansion.

Another group photo - Cindy, Helen, Rick, Jade, Li Tom, Rudy, Jan and John.

From there, we wandered through some of BTA best highlights the Herb Garden, the golden hues of the Fall Color Area, the peaceful Palm Grove, Mediterranean Garden, Wing Memorial Garden, Pistacia Grove, Agave Hill, and finally the always-lovely Demonstration Gardens. With about 3.5 miles of relaxed walking, great company, and beautiful scenery, it truly felt like an ideal day at BTA.

Fall Color.

Blue Sky Day at BTA.

Group photo under the Fall color tree: front - Cindy, Lin, Li; back - Tom, John, Rick, Helen, Jan and Rudy.

After our refreshing morning, our stomachs reminded us it was time to refuel. Tom picked BJ Restaurant at Power & Superstition Blvd, where we enjoyed delicious food and plenty of laughs.

Beautiful Fall color.

Ayer Lake.

Be Nice to the Birthday boy, Jan.

Be careful, Tom and Li.

A very Brave Rudy,

We also had two special reasons to celebrate:
Congratulations to John for completing the entire Arizona Trail — an incredible achievement!
And since John birthday is coming up on Thursday, we lit a candle and sang him a birthday song.
It was a wonderful day filled with camaraderie, nature, celebration, and holiday cheer. A perfect way to welcome the season!

Lin and Jade, such beautiful day.

Helen and Rick.

Glass butterfly.

Yes, it is strawberry tree.

Butterfly,

Beautiful Glass display at BTA,

Beeeesy bee,

Big Lunch after walk is always happy time,