advertisement
19 June 2023
Photo credit: The Dolly Steamboat
For over three decades, the Grimh Family has been the proud operator of the renowned Dolly Steamboat, a magnificent vessel that has captivated the hearts of visitors since 1987. Cindi, a skilled professional, manages the Dolly Steamboat’s office operations, advertising, and marketing aspects, while Jeff, the senior captain, oversees boat operations and training. Together with our dedicated staff and crew members, they strive to deliver an unparalleled cruising and dining experience that exceeds all expectations.
The Dolly Steamboat owes its name to its original owners, Dolly and Paul Kennedy, who commenced their extraordinary tours in 1983. However, in October 1987, Roger and Margie Grimh took the helm of the Dolly Steamboat, and it was during this period that Jeff and Cindi joined the team, providing a remarkable venue that enables individuals of all ages and abilities to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring scenery and abundant wildlife of Canyon Lake.
The history of boating on Canyon Lake dates back to October 3rd, 1925, when the S.S. Geronimo, a vessel measuring 35 feet in length with a 10-foot beam, set sail. Equipped with a 35-horsepower engine, it could cruise approximately 15 miles per hour. With a crew of five, it could transport 50 passengers. Fast forward to the present day, the Dolly Steamboat boasts an impressive size, spanning 103 feet long with a beam of 20 feet. Powered by twin 225-horsepower John Deere marine diesel engines, it can accommodate up to 142 passengers with a crew of three.
One of the standout offerings of the Dolly Steamboat is the Game & Fish Bighorn Sheep Cruise. This extraordinary experience unfolds over a three-hour lake cruise, allowing guests to witness the majestic bighorn sheep in their natural habitat at Canyon Lake. Accompanied by knowledgeable Arizona Game and Fish Biologists and Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society members, this exclusive event requires advanced reservations due to limited boat capacity.
The Game & Fish Bighorn Sheep Cruise comprises two distinct parts. The first evening begins with an informative classroom session, where participants can delve into the bighorn sheep’s natural history, management, and historical significance. Delivered by experts, this session sets the stage for the incredible journey ahead.
The following morning, as the sun begins to grace the sky, the group embarks on the Dolly Steamboat to embark on a memorable tour of Canyon Lake. This is the prime time to catch sight of the wild bighorn sheep, as they tend to remain near the water during June and July. With the mating season underway, the warmer temperatures present a greater opportunity for guests to witness these majestic creatures along the water’s edge.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and the marvels of wildlife as you embark on a captivating voyage with the Dolly Steamboat. Let the serenity of Canyon Lake envelop you as you witness the grace and grandeur of bighorn sheep in their natural habitat. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
advertisement
The Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) is one of the rarest subspecies of gray wolf in North America and a symbol of both ecological resilience and conservation success. Once nearly extinct, this small gray wolf has become the focus of one of the most closely monitored wildlife recovery efforts in the United States. advertisement A Species on the Brink By the late 1970s, only seven Mexican gray wolves remained in captivity. Their disappearance from the wild was driven by habitat loss, hunting, and predator control programs. The survival of this subspecies depended entirely on careful intervention and breeding programs.
Tucson is taking a bold new step to support its most vulnerable residents. The city has announced plans to create its first city-sanctioned outdoor sleep area, named Star Village, aimed at providing unhoused Tucsonans with a safe place to sleep at night. advertisement A New Approach to Homelessness For many people living on Tucson’s streets, “home” is constantly shifting. Park clear-outs, law enforcement patrols, severe weather, or conflicts can force unhoused residents to move frequently. City officials hope Star Village will provide not just shelter but stability, a stepping stone toward permanent housing. “This was a really bold step,” said
Living in Arizona means accepting a fundamental truth: as one desert dweller puts it, “everything in the desert hates you.” The Sonoran Desert’s plant life seems designed to leave its mark on anyone who dares to venture too close. But what happens when these prickly cactus encounters become unavoidable, and how do you deal with the aftermath? advertisement The Reality of Arizona’s Cactus Encounters Jumping Cholla Despite its name, jumping cholla doesn’t actually jump. However, its segments are so loosely attached and the barbed spines so effective at grabbing onto anything that brushes against them, it certainly seems like an
When it comes to historical facts, Arizona is known for its Wild West days. However, Arizona holds a treasure trove of fascinating stories. Let’s dive into some of the coolest historical facts about Arizona that you may not know. advertisement 1. Phoenix Was Almost Named “Pumpkinville.” (Sort of) In the mid-1800s, when settlers first arrived in Phoenix, they found fields of pumpkins growing where the Hohokam Native tribes had once established an intricate system of canals. These canals had been built to irrigate crops, and when settlers came across them, they were impressed by the thriving agriculture in the region.
