Today, Jim, Bear, and I escaped to the high country around the Mogollon Rim area, 20 miles east of Payson, Arizona, and inhaled the crisp air all day. Jim fished, I hiked, and Bear swam. Here are five + three shots of this pretty lake.
Which shot do you like best?
Cindy Bruchman 
I’ll go with the first one. I love the ways the trees frame the shot, and the way the bit of snow covers the shore.
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Hi James! Thanks–it was a brisk, gorgeous day. Can’t wait to revisit when it’s summer. I wanted to be out on the water and not next to it 😉
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I agree with jjames36. The first one is framed beautifully by the trees and I love the contrast of the snow. My favorite part of the series is how still the lake is and the reflection it provides. Great hike!
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Greetings, Mr. Mike! Winter visits keep the tourists away. Only a few families out there. The best part is the AZ sunshine. Even though it was 40, the sunshine on your back felt like you were next to a fire. Perfect day for a hike. Thanks 🙂
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that sounds spectacular. Here in Korea all the parks are pretty crowded. I’m hoping with a little more exploration I can get away from the locals but its a small country with a lot of people haha. Its nice that hiking is such a popular past time… except when you want to be alone
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Anna here!! SO beautiful. Can’t wait to see it for myself 😀
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The one and only? How great! Can’t wait for you to be here, too 🙂 There’s so many photo-ops here.
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I can’t choose between your photographs of the natural beauty of Willow Springs Lake, so I’ll say the fishing float and hook is my favourite.
The lake and its surrounds looks fabulous, and it must be nice when the three of you can enjoy your different activities in the same place.
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Yep! I did a lot of writing, too, and a bottle of wine kept me warm. What a writer’s retreat. Thanks, Paul.
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Like the last shot the best – the blues are vibrant.
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Looking like spring there … for here.
Just gotta get through February.
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