Saguaro Lake

I wanted to see some wildflowers and get out of the city for the afternoon. Keeper was happy to oblige. We decided to take Chloe with us and hoped to find a not-too-crowded trail to hike on. So we went up the Bee Line Highway and found the Saguaro Lake Marina in the Tonto National Forest. We needed a day pass (which are not sold at the Marina). Nearest place to buy a day pass? 14 miles back (yep, a gas station we already passed). So we turned around, bought one, filled up on expensive gas, and drove back towards the lake. Since we had no use for the marina we tried parking at a different recreation area designated for non-boaters. It must have been sketchy family picnic day and no one told us. The place was absolutely PACKED with drunk white trash and their broods of nasty children. No dogs allowed on the one trail we found. Out we drove again and back to the marina. So we finally parked and realized there were still white trash families getting drunk at most every picnic ramada we passed. Oh well. The weather was absolutely beautiful and breezy and the views were breathtaking. We found a little trail that took us up to a good vista with which to view the lake. Our dog (practicing her new training skills) was an angel while walking around. We didn't encounter too many people hiking but she was happy to be outside and moving around. The car ride home was another story...."I have trouble riding in cars, Lois"...