On a Saturday afternoon, seven of us (Ted and Jacque, Andy and Pat, Dana, Brian T., and Beth) braved oven-like temperatures of 112° and boarded the Desert Belle for a leisurely cruise on Saguaro Lake.

Once the boat started moving, a nice breeze blew in our faces and cooled us off.

Boat Docks near Stewart Mountain Dam.

Disaster Canyon flows into Saguaro Lake from the south.

A little further ahead, Ted pointed out Disaster Canyon to the right. I wasn’t so sure that it sounded like an appealing place to hike.

We proceeded onward and saw the arch to the left which was purported to look like an elephant head (an odd bird?) and then past the rock island with the light on top that people have crashed into (presumably when they’ve had too much to drink).

We went past Bagley Flat, an area of reeds and grass, and on toward the campground in the middle of the lake before turning around.

In this area on a previous cruise, I had seen a bald eagle fly over the boat, but today we saw only turkey vultures circling overhead.

Where were the blue herons?

We returned by the route we had come, enjoying the scenery and the captain’s interesting commentary (with some tall tales thrown in). The cruise was relaxing and enjoyable with pleasant company.

Some of us had lunch at the Lakeshore Restaurant afterward. I highly recommend this cruise.

All photos courtesy of Ted Tenny.