Woods Canyon Lake is located 30 minutes east of Payson on Arizona State Route 260. The now four-lane divided highway shortens the drive while absorbing easy-on-the eyes scenery. The lake was created by damming up Chevelon Creek and is just one of seven lakes in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area, nestled on the northeastern part of the Mogollon Rim. There are stands of prolific trees including rocky aspen, oak, Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine. The lake is over 7,000 feet in elevation and frequently stocked with rainbow trout fish make it a paradise for the seasoned and newbie fishermen. You can also catch golden shiner and brown trout. 
 

 I only caught a glimpse of a shy, gentle deer but many birds fluttered overhead, and squirrels scampered around the day picnickers — and you won’t be disappointed to see “the big boys!” This is elk country. There is much to do in the Rim Country Lake area: camping, birding, cross-country skiing, biking, side-road trips, and even use of cabins run by the forest service. Wildlife photographers frequent this area to photograph the many species of birds that are attracted to the fish-rich waters of this lake.
 

 Many activities are free, and for essential items, there is a store at the lake, where you can purchase permits for fishing and a boat launching area where you can rent boats. It’s rumored the Lake store stocks a large selection of irresistible ice cream, a favorite throughout the summertime!
 

 For those of us who like to hike, or even take leisurely walks, The Woods Canyon Lake Trail encircles the entire lake and is 5.2-mile scenic trail. You may also enjoy walking the smooth, asphalt handicap-accessible walking path along the edge of the Rim. I watched an elderly gentleman being pushed in a wheelchair on this path, as he gazed at the beauty of the vistas below and the variety of passing flora and fauna. I saw several plants with blooming flowers that I would identify when I got home. The familiar dandelions reminded me that they are great for salads and how dandelion tea — an infusion of the plant’s leaves and/or its roots are roasted and used as a diuretic to promote detoxification of the liver. The roasted dandelion root has also been used as a coffee substitute. There are many other health uses for the humble dandelion weed.


 A few minutes east of Woods Canyon Lake sits another Lake,Willow Springs. It is a charming cold-water lake surrounded by a towering pine tree forest at an elevation of 7,600 feet — stocked with trout from Spring through Fall. 
 This lake of 150 acres has rocky shorelines not sandy beaches, but the large, sculptured rocks make a nice ensemble for sitting and leisurely looking at the lake, the magnificent blue of the Arizona sky, people-watching in the passing boats and families along the shoreline having a day outing together. 
 Willow Springs Lake was created as a trout fishing lake and your 10hp or electric boat is welcomed. Fishingrequires an Arizona State fishing license and camping is not allowed within a half mile from the lake; but Sinkhole Campground is nearby. Campgrounds are open May through Labor Day and I heard that this lake has great mountain biking trails. I can’t verify this, because I would rather have my feet on terra firma.
 

 I only spent a part of a day revisiting the two lakes which I like very much. I didn’t bring my kayak this time — a blow-up two-seater — I was just content to enjoy the simplicity of a little drive and sauntering about with a friend. The willow trees have also inspired me to make a little artsy fencing along the river rock front of my house. Best to harvest them in spring when their limbs are flexible.
 It was remarkably rewarding to see people out and enjoying simple joys of being outside in nature and with each other. The concerns of the past year seemed to dissolve in the bright cheerful sunlight and the sparkling waters and the laughter from the lake’s visitors. I took a deep breath in. Maybe we are getting back to normal again.
 

 I will savor my little outing as a reminder of what is important and not what is urgent. What a joy to be alive and well and seeing it reflected with others. 
It is well documented that being outside in the sunshine helps maintain our health and I support having fun in nature enhances our immune systems and does our hearts good. 
 

 Wishing for all of you to have a safe and healthy summer. And I invite you to spend time in nature, in sunshine and share appreciation with those you love by visiting the Rim Lakes for a refreshing and relaxing day you will remember.