40 JULY 2018 By Rachael Bouley W e may live in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, but that doesn’t mean we can’t cool off in our gorgeous natural surroundings. With summer in full swing, many Valley residents are looking for fun day trips or afternoon outings, preferably with a refreshing body of water to catch a break from the endless heat. Here are four options that are within a couple hours of Arcadia, perfect for a summer outing with family and friends. LAKE PLEASANT 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown, 85342 maricopacountyparks.org/lake-pleasant Located less than an hour’s drive from Arcadia, Lake Pleasant is arguably one of the most popular outdoor recreation sites for the Phoenix metro area. There, 10,000 acres of smooth waters and 116 miles of sandy shoreline await. It’s hard to find a better spot in the state for boating and water sports. The lake’s two big marinas, Scorpion Bay and Pleasant Harbor, both offer a variety of boat rentals, including power boats, pontoons, fishing boats, kayaks and more. You can also take water tubes, inflatables and skis out for a spin. There are several good swimming spots around Fireman’s Cove, Coles Bay and Humbug Cove, which are especially popular as temperatures remain in the triple digits. Many families enjoy fishing together on the lake, which boasts largemouth bass, white bass, striper bass, crappies, channel catfish and tilapia. Although the boat rentals are great, they aren’t necessary, as visitors can enjoy an afternoon picnic after a long and leisurely hike or bike ride. There’s also a Visitor and Desert Education center for curious minds, as well as options for overnight camping. LYNX LAKE Lynx Lake Store Road, Prescott, 86303 shorturl.at/gsK16 Hop in the car for a gorgeous drive north toward Lynx Lake, situated several miles outside of Prescott in the Bradshaw Mountains. This is a great spot in the heart of the Prescott National Forest, with 55 acres of cool and calm waters for a much-needed break from the scorching Phoenix heat. Although swimming in the lake is prohibited, the temps at 5,530 feet are much more comfortable as visitors can Lake Pleasant has 10,000 acres of smooth waters and 116 miles of sandy shoreline. LAKE LIFE PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FREEMAN FAMILY 5 refreshing destinations for family fun

41 JULY 2018 partake in hiking, boating, fishing and camping. This is a place for tranquil solitude and successful fishing. Beneath the shade of ponderosa pines, fishers can reel in a variety of rainbow trout, crappie, largemouth bass and more. CANYON LAKE 16802 N.E. Highway 88 Tortilla Flat, 85219 canyonlakemarina.com Drive 45 miles east to see the stunning scenery of Canyon Lake. Fed by the Salt River, Canyon Lake is renowned for its impressive cliffs and vistas within the Superstition Mountains. There’s a beach, swimming area, boat rentals and, of course, some of the best views for a summer day trip. Whether you want to sunbathe or snorkel, hop on jet skis or hike to a lovely spot for a picnic, you can do it all here. Visitors can rent speed boats, kayaks, paddle boards and more. There are 28 miles of shoreline for picnics and lazing around, or you can grab a bite to eat at the Lakeside Restaurant and Cantina. Another great option for families is the famous Dolly Steamboat, which offers scenic nature cruises and glimpses of bald eagles and desert bighorn sheep. SAGUARO LAKE 14011 N. Bush Highway Mesa, 85215 saguarolakemarina.com Just 50 minutes east of Arcadia in the Tonto National Forest lies Saguaro Lake. As the name suggests, the 22 miles of shoreline are studded with beautiful Saguaro cacti, creating an oasis in the desert. Bring the whole family along for an afternoon of power boating, water-skiing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing and fishing. Rentals are available from the Saguaro Lake Marina and Precision Marine. After splashing around at Butcher Jones Beach, reserved for swimming and picnicking only, you can enjoy a sunset cruise on Desert Belle. Visitors on this double decker sightseeing boat often catch glimpses of bobcats, mountain lions and javelinas in their natural habitats. ROSE CANYON LAKE East Mt. Lemmon Highway Tucson, 85619 shorturl.at/kmqW8 Get a change of scenery and head south toward Tucson. Rose Canyon Lake is a gem, tucked away on the side of Mount Lemmon in the Coronado National Forest. At 7,000 feet, you’ll feel much cooler walking along the glassy water of this tiny 7-acre lake. The shoreline is dotted with downed logs, ideal for a picnic in the great outdoors, and the natural landscape is prime photography inspiration. This is a lovely spot for families who want a quieter, less congested day at the lake. Kids can go exploring by the shore or try their luck at reeling in a big rainbow trout. Saguaro Lake offers visitors 22 miles of shoreline studded with beautiful Saguaro cacti, creating an oasis in the desert. Canyon Lake is renowned for its impressive cliffs and vistas within the Superstition Mountains. There’s a beach, swimming area, boat rentals and, of course, some of the best views for a summer day trip. PHOTO: ADAM BEECH CHECK OUT OUR SUMMER DRINK AND FOOD DAILY SPECIALS FROZEN MARGARITAS, ICE COLD BEER TRY OUR FULL CATERING SERVICE CALL KATHY AT 602-300-7133 FOR CATERING OR RESERVATIONS 602-956-0178 | 4144 E. Indian School Rd. JOIN U S AND ENJOY ALL YOUR TEEPEE FAVORITE S! Christ Lutheran School Preschool - Grade 8 • www.clsphx.org LC-MS 3901 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix | www.cclphoenix.org | (602) 955-4830 LOVE GROW SERVE Worship Sunday 8:00am & 10:45am – Traditional* | Sunday 8:30am & 10:30am – Contemporary* Sunday School/Bible Classes – 9:40am* | Sunday 12:30pm – Spanish Sunday 5pm – Sunday Night Devotions 3rd-4th Grade Youth Group – Sunday 3:30 – 5:30pm 5th-6th Grade Youth Group – Sunday 5:00 – 7:00pm Wednesday 7:00pm – Traditional | Saturday 5:00pm – Contemporary *Nursery Care is available at all Sunday AM services