9.15 Back to Rock climbing; warming up at 94 degrees

Balancing Matilda—angle is more acute than it looks, although not as cute as Matilda

Our first attempt ever to reach the rock high, the peak above the platform

We had a rest but not our car; it did some work for a change—a 1,000 miles roundtrip. We travelled to San Diego via Desert Springs for the Sclar bar mitzvah and an Ellie (granddaughter) catch-up, arriving Friday afternoon. Thereafter, we left Sunday, spent the night in Yuma and returned late afternoon to the condo in Oak Creek. Upon walking inside, we realized how much we missed it. Strange people, lovely locale.

We met long time friend and golf partner, Colyn Levin and his brother Maish, in Desert Springs. What a treat. To top it all, Dani Marcus, joined us for dinner, the cherry on the top, dessert in the desert. Colyn, from the old country, is visiting his brother in Canada but currently playing golf on neutral territory. In the last eighteen months, we dined with Colyn and Sharon in Johannesburg, La Lucia near Durban, Sea Point in the Cape and Palm Springs without Sharon. This moving about sure is a way to burn off calories.

The desert gang

Jenni on the platform giving instructions on how to descend

Our stay in Yuma was interesting; it isn’t an oxymoron. Spring in these desert areas is, to put it frankly, unpleasantly hot. In summer, it is unbearable. We wanted to ask whether the town receives any rain. However, we decided against it. What if the residents don’t know what rain is—that would be an embarrassing question. At our motel, we spoke to the proprietor, an Indian woman from Zambia. So there we were, three Africans discussing local issues, particularly children in American society. She mentioned her two sons, the doctors in training—remind you of anyone? Eventually, we had to excuse ourselves as we wished to get some sleep by the earlier of sunrise or a rainstorm. We are reminded constantly that whereas you can take the African out of the bush, you can’t take the bush out of the African.

"Hey, Jen. Do you remember the way down?"

After getting rid of the backpack (near feet below), planning the next move or...substitute 'praying' for 'planning'

I'd like to know your next move, fellow...me too

After doing work this morning, we headed for some rock climbing. It is a way to keep the blood flowing as well as rid the system of the last few days of inertia. We reached the highest point we have ever attempted at one of our favorites, ensuring great blood supply but not that much oxygen. We always believe that if we start in an exciting manner, it augurs well for that which follows. The first part certainly occurred today.

Please come back up here, I won't squeeze your butt again...just kidding.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

The stately Courthouse Butte

A happy birthday to a special son, Gavin.