I thought I saw an editor, somewhere in a slot canyon.
It was difficult to allow the eyes to leave this scene.
Davis Dam and Lake Mojave from a 'trail' in the Mojave Desert, Nevada.
We found it quite paradoxical, hiking in the desert this trip. When we stayed in Nevada in the earlier part of
Hike-about 20, we hiked in Death Valley, California. When we slept in Arizona, we hiked in the Mojave Desert,
Nevada. It was quite amusing that not only were we staying on the border of the states but the times were
different, too. As we crossed the state lines, a couple of hundred feet away, the clock moved back or forward an hour
each time. The first time it happened, we had a minor disagreement as the telephone gave a different hour from
Jenni's watch—quite amusing.
Nevertheless, some of the most interesting times or to put it bluntly, the most fun that was had, took
place in the deserts. We are not agitating to live in one or visit during summer but we sure got a kick out
of being in the environment. The various experiences we are enjoying are proving to be exciting and enriching.
At last, we are getting a taste, just a taste mind you, of the vast world we inhabit.
Early morning rain made the granite slippery, changed the nature of scrambling.
A burning and prickly bush. Never thought we'd love the desert.
Leaving the slot canyon with a little help from a friend.
We had no idea what to expect when we entered Grapevine Canyon. What we did experience was cool weather,
clouds and partial sun, slick and wet boulders, sufficient granite to build enough kitchen slabs for all of America,
scrambling on scree, climbing over boulders, through bushes, ascending mountains without trails, path searching
and a final steep climb. There is no trail for the hike; it is more instinctive than planned. We smiled when
the editor grabbed a stick and used it to draw a line in the sandy parts while placing stones on the rocky areas.
We know when she does that it's a show of no confidence in our superior directional skills. We’re a big boy now so
we can nearly live with that attitude. In fact, based on our recent record, it’s surprising that she gets out
the car to hike with her man. We are most fortunate.
Petroglyphs or old world graffiti, from 1,000 years ago.
Entering the slot canyon with legs wide apart to use walls; a little tight, a little tricky,
a lot of fun.
Everyday wonders occurring whether we observe or sleep.
We arrived in Bullhead City after spending three days in Williams, the gateway to The Grand Canyon.
While there, we rested a day after our wonderful hike on Bright Angel Trail—still deriving a glowing feeling
from it. We hiked the Bill Williams Mountain and enjoyed it, too. We had views of much of the surrounding region
including the amazing San Francisco Mountains, a hike from the previous week. We even climbed the lookout tower
at the peak to search for wildfires. However, we are inexperienced in this field so instead, spent the time
taking photographs and admiring the city from 2,500 feet above. Back to the bull…city. It sits on the east bank
of the Colorado River opposite Laughlin, a gambling city on the western side. The river separates the two cities
and the great State of Arizona from the…State of Nevada.
Found this to be a very powerful scene.
Towards the destination, through canyon up to the mountains in rear. We were in a wash, perhaps
why the vegetation so lush. (Notice stick in Jen's hand—see comment in second paragraph.)
On our second night, we decided, following a hike and bath that we should return to Nevada (across the
Colorado) to earn money. In business these days, our record is nothing to admit in public. Fortunately, we do
not have the instinct, desire or interest in gambling. Nevertheless, we have a deficit to make good. We arrived
and checked out the casino floor. The first thing we discovered was a Coke machine from which heavy gamblers
could help themselves. We were off to a great start. Our editor, who is the gambler of the twosome, reached into
the wallet—guess whose back pocket?—withdrawing a twenty. We’d like to say twenty-thousand but that would be untrue.
Overhead transmission lines wherever we went on this trip. Now which way, left or right?
The contrast of desert and abundance of water was paradoxical.
There we stood searching for the blackjack machine. Being highly educated, we have the number system
between one and twenty-one taped; thus we have a great advantage over most. The last time we were in a casino,
perhaps in the last century, there were live croupiers. When we began to sing, “Where have all the croupiers
gone,” our editor kicked us, always gently. We found a table with the image of a beautiful woman acting in
the role of croupier, in video form. She almost looked real, even her chest seemed to hang over us. For ten
minutes, we sat and tried to play but alas, we were stumped. A fellow player came across and showed us which
button we were failing to push. At that stage, we must have looked very impressive—of course, it was our
strategy to look stupid but cleverly beat the system—a low key approach.
Jenni shows a lot of 'guts' but nothing a good diet and exercise can't fix. Oops!
Early morning along the Colorado River, from Bullhead City, Arizona, a golden moment.
In the end, there was only one loser. Jenni won back her stake plus some coins for the laundry.
It amounted to a win because the $20 was written off initially. After she placed the money in her wallet,
it dawned on the ’boy hero’ that Jenni had come out a few cents up but she also had an extra $ 20 in
her wallet; we appeared to be short $ 20. That’s what she termed a ‘good win’. They say if you can’t spot
the joker than you’re it.
Back to the slopes, at least one does not have to be too bright, only careful.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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