Today my parents have been married 65 years. Holy matrimony! I can’t even commit to a show on Netflix to binge watch. In their honor we decided to take a picnic to Mt Lemmon. We are so lucky to have this beautiful piney forest just minutes away from the hot desert floor. Along the way we spotted a few waterfalls in the 7 Cataracts area.
Tucson is around 2400 feet and in a few minutes we are pulling into Rose Canyon Lake at 7000 feet. We arrive at the lake early (but not too early, puleeze). It’s around 10 and there is a family excitedly walking up the trail toward us with a very full stringer of fish.
The approaching kids exclaimed loudly that they used worms, elaborating on all the gross details of putting a live worm on their hook. Of course we had an OBLIGATION to hear their fish story. They were showing off as local experts sharing their knowledge and establishing themselves as Rose Canyon Lake Royalty. Once at the bottom of the very easy trail we see the lake shining on this clear day.
The lake has a cement walking path on the right (South? I am all turned around up here! ) There is a nice a dock for fishing too. The cement walk and dock are full of giggling families. We turned left on the dirt trail and soon found a picnic spot. Voices carry across the water which make it so fun to hear the glee of the children as they celebrated their catch! We watched two men teach another grown man how to fish for the first time. Sheepishly he followed their instructions, made a beautiful cast and wham! Fish! He was so happy and sounded exactly like the children across the lake.
A few years ago we watched this mountain in horror from the valley below as most of the trees in this area burned. At night it looked like the crack in Amelia Pond’s room. (Random Dr. Who reference for my whovians)
I am now happy to report there are a lot of new trees beginning their young life. I know I won’t get to see the forest regrow my lifetime. I am just so happy for future hikers and future families that the forest will return to the glory I remember.
It’s not easy being a tree here on this granite mountain. Sometimes fancy roots are the only answer.
A breeze swirls around transporting the most delicious pine smell.
This is THE perfect place for a picnic.
After a while we head back down to the valley with a fresh sense of being. Beautiful day here at Rose Canyon Lake.
shenaniganswithleannagainwebdotme 
Absolutely beautiful! I loved going on picnics to Rose Canyon, when I was a kid. It was our favorite spot for a weekend get-away! I really miss those times.
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