Our Spring Fling was sold out, and rightfully so! Thirty-eight members of the ASU Retirees Association and their guests had a pleasant and relaxing day trip on Thursday, March 18, 2010. The weather was just about perfect for the outing, which was almost entirely outdoors, being sunny and in the high 70s. Lots of other people were also out enjoying this beautiful day, since it was Spring Break week at ASU and at many local public school districts.

In the morning, we traveled from our meeting point at the Tempe Public Library by comfortable bus to the Queen Creek Olive Mill, located at the base of the San Tan Mountains. At the Olive Mill, Arizona's only working olive farm and mill, we took a 30-minute tour. We learned about the Olive Mill's products, their unique olive tree varieties, and how Extra Virgin Olive Oil is made. The Mill's olive grove in Queen Creek is at the base of the San Tan Mountains in the Gila River flood plain. This region is famous for its high-quality fruits and vegetables. After the tour, we enjoyed lunch at The Olive Mill's del Piero Mediterranean cafe.

After lunch, we re-boarded our bus and traveled up to Canyon Lake for a voyage aboard the Dolly Steamboat, which is a 103-foot replica of the sternwheeler from America's riverboat days. We cruised the secluded inner waterways of the "Junior Grand Canyon" on Canyon Lake. We relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful geology, flora and fauna that we floated by. Almost everyone on board was able to get a look at some Big-horned Sheep along the way.

We thank ASURA Travel Committee Co-Chair, Bill Stasi, who planned and organized this trip, including overseeing the contract with Synergy Tours.