Desert Belle Tour stories and photos

 Ever get hit by a surprise cold shower on a boat? With the rain and fog from the night before, the Desert Belle awning was filled with water. Before boarding most of it was splashed overboard but there was just enough to soak Mariamne Moore and Scott as the boat turned in the water. Pat Christopherson was caught in the drenching. Squeals and laughter erupted. Captain John rushed over with towels and apologies.

It was enough to drive Sue Eberle, guest Vikki Kortsen and Claire Nullmeyer to drink Margaritas!

Kayakers, fishermen, water skiers, birders, photographers . . . what else will you see on Saguaro Lake in November? Fabulous scenery, towering cliffs and all sorts of vegetation including Sahuaro, Prickly Pear, Barrel, Crested Sahuaro, Ocotillo, Palo Verde and more. With twenty seven attending the tour, it was a day to embrace the beauty of Arizona as we re-connected with friends (with no business meeting involved).

Sue Eberle

Bonnie Newhoff

Crested Sahuaro

Susan Dale and Ruth McLeod

Pat Grogg and Anne Lupica

Julie Moore and Anne Lupica

Shiprock restaurant is at the top of the stairs with a beautiful view of Sahuaro Lake & the marina. Lunch was in a large room for the 27 of us. Delicious sandwiches & salads were served.

 Thanks to tour organizer Lynn Wood who has been planning this trip since May!

Dr. Barbara Chechanowicz and Laurie-Sue Rhetts

Zona Lorig, Ruth McLeod, Mary McMahon, Linda Fritsch

Dr Barbara Cechanowicz

Sue Eberle

Desert Belle on Sahuaro Lake tour

 

Do you remember, before all the development, when Phoenix and surrounding areas were mostly desert? A trip to Sahuaro Lake will bring it all back. Thanks to Lynn Wood for organizing a very successful scenic trip Thursday on the Desert Belle at Sahuaro Lake.

As he piloted the boat, Captain John gave a well-educated talk sprinkled with humor remarking, “When I learned The Historical League was touring today, I made sure all my facts and stories were accurate.” True words as two of the most knowledgeable history members, Zona Lorig and Norma Jean Coulter, were sitting up front!

Zona Lorig, Norma Jean Coulter with her granddaughter

Enjoying the view before boarding, Ruth McLeod, tour organizer Lynn Wood,

Sandy Loeffler, Mike Wood, Pat Christopherson

Not a bad seat in the house as we toured Saguaro Lake on the Desert Belle. With 27 League members on board there was a lot of conversation and laughter as we soaked in the beauty of nature. The rock walls towered over the calm lake. A big horn sheep was sighted and we searched the sky for eagles but none on this day

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Tour organizer Lynn and Mike Wood with Bonnie Newhoff, Zona Lorig and
Norma Jean Coulter & granddaughter in row behind them

Pat Christopherson and Sandy Loeffler

Sue Eberle

Julie Moore, President Chris Hacket, Sharron McKinney

Mariamne Moore and Scott

Bonnie Newhoff pointed out the Four Peaks that she has climbed many times, shrouded in clouds today.

Nothing like wiping out while waterskiing in front of an audience. In this case a crowded cruise boat filled with Historical League members on Saguaro Lake. Notice he was not wearing a wet suit on a chilly day in November. But he got a round of applause and thumbs up.

The Upper Salt River ends here with the dam creating the Lower Salt. There is always something to learn on Historical League tours.

Susan Dale