SLHC member Mike Josephson coordinated a great experience for the club in Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park this past season. Many made the trek up to Superior, Arizona, to join Mike and guide Rich Adams, a park volunteer, for a narrated walk along the unique hiking trails the Arboretum has to offer. There are a…
Judith Kuse The heat of summer often results in a slower pace of life. This is true whether it’s the extreme heat of an Arizona summer or a warm summer day at a northern lake. On these lazy days, many indulge themselves in leisure reading, and booklovers can be heard asking, “Can you recommend a…
Judith Kuse For the past 13 years, the Sun Lakes Hiking Club has offered its members a Special Hike. Special Hikes involve traveling to another region of the Southwest to explore it through daily hikes, shared meals and other experiences which highlight the region’s distinctive character. Members reserve their places on the trip in spring,…
Judith Kuse It’s a Sun Lakes Hiking Club annual tradition to bestow awards on deserving members at its year-end picnic. This year was no exception. While members were gathered at Oasis Park for a potluck lunch in late March, the SLHC leadership made its official and unofficial presentations. In the “official” category, the Sunshine…
Judith Kuse My friend Dave has been heard to declare, “There’s an Arizona for everyone,” in reference to the variety of housing possibilities for retirees who plan to move here seasonally or permanently. Indeed, options abound — rentals, condominium neighborhoods, RV campgrounds, mobile home parks, apartments, ranches, gated communities. I’d amend that declaration to…
Judith Kuse Hiking in the desert calls for good preparation and a keen sense of one’s capabilities. Hydration is of utmost importance. Drink a liter of water one to two hours before hiking. Carry one liter of water per hour you plan to hike, especially when it’s hot or you’re hiking at a higher altitude.…
Judith Kuse The Sun Lakes Hiking Club (SLHC) is excited to welcome hikers of every skill level to its 2017-18 hiking season, which officially begins November 1, and also extends a special invitation to new-to-Sun Lakes hikers. The club’s Fall Picnic and first meeting of the season will be held at Oasis Park in Sun…
Judith Kuse As October brings us ever closer to the onset of the Sun Lakes Hiking Club’s official season, it’s also time for a book recommendation. This book, a true story, will likely whet your appetite for upcoming hiking and exploration, and will certainly entertain those of you who are, or have ever been, in…
Judith Kuse Sun Lakes Hiking Club members were recently asked to recommend memorable summer hikes they’ve taken in locales outside of the Valley of the Sun. These hikes may be of interest to those who return to the northern states or Canada for the summer, plan to vacation away from the Phoenix area during the…
The National Park Service calls it “Quintessential Arizona.” It is only accessible from November-April, and one needs to make a tour reservation to hike it. In an effort to reduce impact on this sensitive backcountry site, hikers are only permitted on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. There is one tour a day, and it leaves…