June 2025
June 2025

Activities
Annual Membership Meeting is June 8th in the Clubhouse 8am-9am. If you have anything you believe needs to be discussed regarding the membership as a whole it needs to be brought to the attention of the office no later than 5pm on Friday June 6th.
ShangriLa is hosting community swim camp again this year.
Classes will be on Tues/Wed/Thursday for 2 weeks. June 10, 11, 12 and 17, 18, 19. 10:00 am to 1:00pm
All residents and guests must be dressed from 9am thru till 1:30pm to allow for our swim camp participants to arrive and depart.
National Skinny Dip Day is July 12th. We will celebrate with our annual picture in the pool at 1pm.
Reservations are open for 4th of July Weekend and Labor Day Weekend

Summertime is on its way — time for keeping cool by the pool. The swimming pool area is a great place to catch some rays, work on that all-over tan whilst socializing with friends and visitors. We want to keep the deck clean, the water safe and the atmosphere welcoming. Have you ever noticed there are blue recycling bins placed around the fenced-in pool area yet no garbage cans? There’s a reason for their absence: no “trash-able” items are to be brought onto the pool deck. That includes food, household rubbish, unwanted pool toys, cigarette butts and even more interesting items which somehow find their way into the area.
Food inside the fences is strictly verboten according to county ordinances. Not too long ago, a discarded sandwich was left on the ground and the ants had a feast! It took days to break up the party. Even with signs posted at each gate and on Millennium Hall reminding us not to bring lunch to the pool, the problem persists.
Beverages cannot be in glass bottles or any breakable container; and if it spills, please clean it! There is a concerted effort to minimize stains and sticky spots on the deck, and your assistance is greatly appreciated. Also, remember to take your containers to the recycling bin; no one wants to drink from those beer or soda cans left under a chaise-lounge — well, maybe the bugs will! Pool toys are a menace when they are left floating on the water or in the pathways. The wind loves to throw them around and they become a trip hazard. If you bring floats or noodles, and are finished with them, please take them back to your place; we cannot guarantee they will still be waiting for you poolside tomorrow. Smoking is allowed only in the designated area.
Shangri La Ranch will be hosting a number of events in the coming months, including the New River swim camp, Independence Day weekend and International Skinny Dip Day. We expect a lot of visitors at the Shang so let’s welcome them to a clean and safe environment. Set a good example and gently remind those who may be unaware of these guidelines.
As a reminder, there is NO NUDITY anywhere on the Ranch during the hours of swim camp.
Health and safety are our priorities. The same rules for the pool area apply to the hot tub area as well. We will save the chat about those who remain in the water for hours drinking a twelve-pack for another time!

Heat Safety
As temp are now reaching triple digits be aware of the heat. Hydrate frequently with water and electrolytes.
The temperature will increase all around including the ground where you and your fur babies are walking.
Shoes should be worn across the pool deck especially as the concrete holds the heat from the hot sun and can cause burns on the bottom of your feet.

Joshua Tree
The Joshua Tree got its name from the Mormon pioneers who thought the tree reminded them of Joshua, from the old testament of the Bible, a prophet who was waving them on to the Promised Land. The unusual Joshua Tree grows in the protective setting of the Joshua Tree National Park in California and in the Joshua Forest Parkway in western Arizona. The Joshua Tree is the largest of the yuccas and grows only in the Mojave Desert. The Joshua Tree's height varies from 15 to 40 feet and has a diameter of 1 to 3 feet. The Joshua tree has a lifespan of about 200 years. The Joshua Tree is a member of the lily family. The growing habitat of the Joshua Tree is similar to one of the palm trees.
The Joshua Tree bears 1.25 to 1.5 inch flowers that are a creamy yellow and green. The flower is bell shaped, and has many 12 to 18 inch clusters on each branch. There is a very unpleasant odor that goes along with the flower. Some Joshua Trees do not flower annually. The fruit of the Joshua Tree is green and brown, and is 2.5 to 2 inches long. Soon after the Joshua Tree Tree's fruit matures in late spring, it will fry and fall off the branches. When the fruit falls it lets off many flat seed.
The Joshua Tree grows in arid deserts; they often grow in groups called groves. The Joshua Tree can be found in the Mojave Desert with elevations from 2,000 to 6,000 feet.
The Joshua Tree has two sets of root systems, one stores any surplus water and it also develops bulbs. The bulbs are buried 10 to 30 feet under the soil. Sometimes they reach up to 4 feet in circumference and weigh up to 40 pounds. The other set is a shallow root system; the shallow roots only reach down to a couple of feet. The spiny leaf of the Joshua Tree is turned upwards in hopes it will catch any moisture in the air. Then it stores the water in the limbs and trunk. The Joshua Tree is only pollinated by the Pronuda Moth. The moth is commonly called the Yucca Moth. The moth evolved special organs so that it is possible for the moth to pollinate the Joshua flower. The larvae of the Yucca Moth feed on the seeds of the Yucca. The Joshua Tree could not reproduce without the moth's pollination and likewise the moth is equally dependent on the tree.
Both people and animals have relied on the Joshua Tree for survival. The Indians would remove the rope-like centers from the limbs to use as canisters for nuts and berries. They also used the lightweight bark for dishes and bowls. As far back as 1883 the pulp of the Joshua Tree was used to make paper for the London Daily Telegraph. During WWI, the U.S. government used the strong wood as splints for injured soldiers. The pioneers used the Joshua Tree as fence posts, and roasted parts of the tree and gave it to children for a sugary treat.
The Joshua tree is plentiful in the wild but only grows in the Joshua Tree National Park. The Joshua Tree is protected by the U.S government and you must have permission to cut one down even if it is on your own property
Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce

Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
This Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce combines bold Cajun spices with a creamy, tangy white sauce for a flavorful grilling experience. Perfect for summer BBQs or family dinners, this dish offers a smoky and spicy kick, balanced with the richness of the Alabama white sauce. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just looking for a new favorite recipe, this dish delivers on taste and simplicity. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Alabama White Sauce:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Cajun Grilled Chicken:
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).
In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and coat them generously with the spice mixture. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken.
Let the chicken marinate for 10-15 minutes.
Grill the Chicken:
Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes.
Make the Alabama White Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve:
Serve the grilled chicken with the Alabama white sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
https://recipessmile.com/cajun-grilled-chicken-with-alabama-white-sauce/#google_vignette

Upcoming Events
4th of July Weekend: rooms are almost fully booked while there are some RV spaces still available. Book now to secure your spot for the weekend.
Skinny Dip Day is July 12th the annual pool photo will be taken at 1 pm.