65.15 On a trip from San Diego, we capture scenes as we move north covering parts of Arizona, California and Nevada.

  This trip took place nearly 2 years ago. It was over a 2 months period but after viewing the photographs, perhaps twenty-five of them, it would appear to be only a couple of days out. One thing we are sure of is that it was another wonderful experience. We visited regular haunts, added in a number of new ones and tried a less formal approach to the hikes and selections. Some of the days in Reno, Nevada, were outstanding and others were even better. All-in-all, it was most enjoyable which was the reason for choosing that particular single Hike-about adventure. We also incorporated a visit to each of our sons and families who live some distance from San Diego. Hope you enjoy it as we are still on a break from Nepal! 

"Hey, fellas, let's see whether we can hold the line. (Morro Bay.)"
If two's a crowd, what to call this lot in Morro Bay?
Climbing in Reno, NV.
Follow that curve.
"Now how do I cross that stream, Big Boy? I trust you will prostrate yourself across the Colorado for me. (Arizona.)"
"Hey, where are we? Nice window with view plus a bridge to nowhere. I should have my head read for following you. (Liberty Bell, Arizona.)"
Just for the record, if I may. You are not participating in a Rocky Movie (Morro Bay).
"Do they have anything but deserts in California? How about some greenery for a change?""Not too much greenery but I really like it. There is real depth in this photograph, we think. (Mission Peak in Freemont, CA.)" 

  Aha! Elderry Rocky Ridge, in color...now you're learning...sort of."
"I'll take it. It's not green but those are magnificent colors. By the way, love the subject, too...although I say myself"...muttered Jen. Below Fortification Hill, Arizona.
"I love it. I'll take it especially as we sat on the peak a couple of times at Lava Butte. It looks so cute and petite. What do they say about deceptive looks. (Boulder City, Nevada.)"
"Back to Central California. Isn't that the red bridge on the right side (Golden Gate, San Francisco and downtown)? " 

We really like Reno, Nevada.
Not forgetting Arizona/Nevada with the remarkable rock formations and color.
Some prefer green.
Others prefer healthy greens for brunch with a smattering of blue. Lagoon Park outside San Raphael, CA).
Mount Rose, Nevada, is most attractive.
That's Jen on the way up.
Berryessa, California again, a magnificent place with Jen reaching Annie Rock, a high point. In the distance is another lake.
Who's making the first move? Come on up, Jen. (Del Valle Lake, California).
Lake Del Valle, an interesting shape.
From a mountaintop in the distance, we spot Morro Bay and its surround with the aid of the telephoto.
We close with two shots of Lake Mead.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

65.14 Desert Lakes, mostly in the West. The common thread is wonder.

Taking a break from Nepal, we focus on a handful of South-Western Lakes in the USA.

Berryessa...beautiful...one of the stunning places we have enjoyed.
Hallelujah at Morro Bay...baying on the heavily "painted" rocks by birds.
Not unusual to be mesmerized by the views of Berryessa Lake.
Sunset at Lake Mead, Nevada and Arizona.
George Lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Roosevelt Lake, Tonto National Forest, Arizona.
Lake Mead close to sunset...now that's what we like, with Fortification Hill behind.
"Hey fella, the lake is the other way."
Morro Bay's triple towers along the bay and of course, one of the morros.
Through the window pane, a calm scene on the Morro today.
Wahweep, Lake Powell...why indeed.
Lake Valle in Central California.
One of the horseshoes on Colorado River/Antelope Canyon, Page, Arizona.
The lake and dam at Berryessa, in California.
On Fortification Hill, Arizona, overlooking Lake Mead and Nevada. The hills are alive with...
In the Sierras, covered in lakes.
Blue Donkey Lake in the Sierras. There has to be some logic to its naming.
Jen strolls toward the morro while negotiating the rocks and beach as well.
Lake Tahoe area from Mount Tallac.
Tonto National Forest, late afternoon at Roosevelt Dam.
Hamblin Peak above Lake Mead, some 20 miles along the Colorado River.
Lake Powell, Page, Arizona.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

70.28 Nepal: A hike to Methlang, onto Sedi, and back home...loved the coloring.

The blossom-trees have something that touches the spot within us.
Not too bad either. Nature sure has a way of creating beauty.
"So how's the shape? Do you think I should trim a little?" 

'Are we talking of the flowers or something more personal?' 

There's a beautiful shape as the lake edges inland.
Across the lake at the mountain top is the hotel complex we pass on the way to Buddha Park. (See earlier blogs.)
The flora are gorgeous.
Lords Shiva and Buddha take it easy at the Rock Garden.
After elevation of over 2,000 feet, we arrive at one of our favorite places. It's where we stop for breakfast and meet our young (very) friends. Even to enter the premises one has to climb steeply. The first hut is where 'non-family' members have to put down a deposit. (Refer to an earlier story.) Roshni senior (20), Roshni junior (19) and Denys work at the restaurant, a truly lovely trio of friends. Lately, when Roshni senior is on duty, soon after we enter, the music changes from what was playing to classical instrumental music that is truly beautiful. Thank you, Roshni.
At the top, you can see the 'hand that feeds' us.
Upon continuing further on, heading down to close a loop, we turn around and view the restaurant...the arm and hand are prominent.
Look, Buddy, we've been standing on two legs all our lives.
Frankly, we'd suggest you select a much softer tissue paper to complete your ablutions. Just saying... 

  Back to business. Jen climbs a rocky area.
At the blue house ahead, we'll leave the road and walk back into the forest. In front of us is Sarangkot Tower, a destination reached the previous week. This will be an easier hike.
Another perspective from deep in the jungle.
Jen continues down after I took us on the wrong route when we came to a fork in the path. Win some, lose some.
A frequent, beautiful sight. The blue building on the lower mountain is on our route in one of the approaches to Sarangkot.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

Goodnight.

And top of the morning to you...after a snow fall the previous evening. (Note the two hotels below the 'big mountains'.)