Sixteen of us set out on a scorching, 110-degree day for a strenuous hike from the parking lot to the boat marina.

We were fortunate to have a cloud cover which gave the sky character and kept the sun from beating down on us. The clouds grew thicker and grayer, and it looked as if it were raining off to the north of Four Peaks.

We boarded the Desert Belle boat and assumed our seats.

The boat left the harbor and we were afforded spectacular views of the marina, the dam, the lake, the surrounding canyon walls, Four Peaks, turkey vultures soaring overhead, caves and rock outcroppings, saguaros growing out of the rock, and a blue heron nest.

We could see the Butcher Jones trail, a hike which Debbie had led in February, and we were able to pick out our lunch spot on the beach.

We passed some rock arches and a small rock island with a beacon on top to prevent boats from crashing into it (which happened in the past). Ted pointed out some canyons which are nice hikes.

We turned around near a campground which can only be reached by boat, while ahead of us lay a rock formation with the layers at a 45-degree angle.

It felt great to have a cool breeze blowing in our faces and cool water splashing our feet, and it was very enjoyable to sit back and relax with a nice group of people.

The ninety-minute cruise went by too quickly, and then a bunch of us headed to the Lakeshore Restaurant for dinner.