Pena Blanca National Forest 2016

Jim recalled that there was another lake closer to Nogales.  So we took Rte 289 to see if we could find it.

No cactus at this elevation.  Hills leading into canyons with towering mountains all around

A squiggly sign is a sure indication of switchback turns

It still surprises me that this is prime grazing land for cattle.

We can't see the lake yet.  We're not deep enough into the canyon.

Pena Blanca is Spanish for white rock.

The lake is absolutely beautiful.  The rock formations that surround the lake were so impressive.

There were several fishermen in boats on the lake.  We talked to one fellow who caught a good sized trout.

We figured we could handle the Children's Forest Trail.

It was so peaceful and serene.  There was not a sound.

Amazing rock wall formation

The smooth stones indicate that this lake was once much higher.

Those towering mountains rise above the lake

This rock is named the Thumbrock

We discovered a path that circles the lake.

The fishermen that we talked to said they could not find the origin of the spring that feed the lake.  This is the swampy end of the lake

We were surprised by the well maintained paths.  These stairs lead up to overlook areas.

More of that reddish rock

This is the shady side of the lake

Looking up at the rocky side of the path

Hold on tree, there's a giant rock trying to fall down behind you!!

A duck convention gathered on a sunken log.

We decided to have our picnic lunch here.

Organ pipe like rock formation on the mountains across the way.

Our picnic spot

A large blackbird complained that we did leave any crumbs.

The road back out of the canyon.  

 Remember the phrase, "before the hills got dusty" or "older than dirt."  These mountains remind me how insignificant we are, how new our civilization is on this planet we are,  and how magnificent God's creation is.  Then I remember the Mexicans who try to climb through these mountains to get into the United States.  Before the border wall went up, I am sure travelers came to this lake because water is so rare here.  Now, the border is locked up here.  It is easier to cross in Texas.  The ancient history of these mountains............