Many of us inquire about the Garden of Eden: Where was it and what was it really like. We don’t know. However, we would offer there are numerous places in the world that, in our opinion, give one a very good idea of original beauty. Today’s hike of more than 7 miles with a modest elevation gain of 1,500 feet is one such place. Although named the Desolation Wilderness, it is swamped in granite—mountains, boulders and rocks—it’s quite overwhelming. Add alpine lakes, meadows, streams and forests into the mix and the landscape becomes one of beauty and tranquility—yes, maybe it has features and atmosphere like the original Garden. The surrounding mountains are mostly desolate but are rugged and bold, adding to the perimeter both character and definition. You could say, ‘We like it’.
Four days in San Diego, a delightful time with Ellie, a return to Sacramento for Shabbos and we were ready to visit the Sierras again. Whenever one takes an airplane ride, there always seems to be a little organized chaos about it, sometimes a lot. We cannot fault the airline; Southwest was great although we nearly were upset with the female attendant. When we tried to sit at the emergency exit, she indicated indirectly that it might be better for younger people to occupy the row. We told her off, “We’re not as old as we look.” Actually, she looked in a lot worse shape than ourselves, may we add.
We think it’s the security checks—small bottles of liquids, gels, shoes and belts off, laptops out, x-rays, strange hands all over the body, taxis and shuttles up and down, packing, etc that complicates travel. We left our car at the motel for the period, returned to the same place, turned on the ignition and off we went. It proved to us that these things really do work with the correct attitude. Nevertheless, we felt a little worn but at the same time, uplifted by Ellie, who like all grandchildren, is equally a delight. However, to borrow and paraphrase from Orwell who wrote a long time ago: ‘Some are more equally a delight’.
Back to the hiking experience. It was a day for the ‘eyes’. The trail was terrific but not always easy to follow as we walked across the granite parts, which are a little tricky to mark. At times, we had an eye out for the bears as we were in bear country; an eye on the wonderful scenery, two eyes keeping close watch on the trail and as always, one eye in the back of the head to observe our editor. We suspect she gets up to mischief as she brings up the rear—knowing also, she has much to say of our rear, too.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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