Gene Garza sits in a cool pool of shade on the banks of Silverbell Lake — waiting patiently for a catfish or a bass to show some interest in his fishing line.
"Maybe I'll catch something. You never know," says Garza. "But it's shady. It's quiet. It's just nice to be out here by the water."
That's precisely the appeal of Silverbell Lake in these hot-and-getting-hotter days of late spring in the desert. Relaxing under a canopy of leaves beside a tranquil body of water is a way to take the edge off the heat without retreating to an air-conditioned refuge.
For anglers like Garza, the lake is a place to slow down and ponder questions such as: What's the best bait?
"I use shrimp sometimes, or worms," he says. "I also use hot dogs and chicken livers. It just depends."
The 13-acre lake, in Christopher Columbus Regional Park near Silverbell Road and Sweetwater Drive, is popular not only with anglers but also with walkers, runners, picnickers and people who enjoy paddling canoes or small boats.
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Facilities include picnic tables, ramadas, restrooms, a playground and a boat ramp.
The splendid shade valued by Garza and others comes courtesy of pines, palms, eucalyptus trees and other species. Native vegetation, including palo verde and mesquite trees, adds variety to the landscape around the lake.
Even though the water might look appealing on a sweltering day, visitors should be aware that wading and swimming are prohibited.
Several types of waterfowl add to the beauty of the lake. The drill is: Enjoy their presence but don't feed them.
To get to the lake, follow Grant Road west of Interstate 10 to Silverbell Road. Turn right, northwest, onto Silverbell Road and follow it past Sweetwater Drive to the park entrance on the right.
Admission is free.
Next week: To get cool, go higher.
