by the dry state of Nevada—a person can’t get a drink anywhere. The hike, which leads to the peak, is steep, rocky,
tree-less, tough at times, rated difficult and pure delight—we loved it. The views are spectacular as one climbs
2,200 feet above the desert floor in a round-trip of five miles. The main elevation gain occurs over a length
of a mile or so, making the segment extremely steep and on loose stones. The return trip requires less energy
but more skill as it is precarious in parts. With the structures of Las Vegas prominent to the east, snow-capped
peaks to the west and colored-rock formations below, a person has outstanding visuals at all times. Brunch atop
the ‘turtle’ could only be scrumptious although it excluded soup.
Jenni on return from the peak of Turtlehead, directly behind.
A view of Las Vegas from Turtlehead Peak, Nevada.
Mountains to the west from peak of Turtlehead.
Jenni arrives on the summit, her back turned to Las Vegas on a hazy day.
In the meantime, "boy-hero" seems to have lost his way.
We have been asked the meaning of ‘chutzpah’ nearly a million times—maybe only a few hundred thousand—
not wishing to exaggerate. The trail was quiet but when we were approaching the base of the peak, we heard a couple
of guys whooping and shouting. Obviously, it’s not good etiquette to be rowdy as well as disturbing to the tranquil
atmosphere. Soon thereafter, we reached the peak, took a look about, snapped some pictures and prepared for
the editor's usual lovingly prepared cuisine. That's how good she is that one can rate cereal, yoghurt and fruit
so highly. It was glorious sitting atop this mountain and gazing for miles at nature’s offerings and man's high
structures in the distance.
Once the two fellows arrived, both young, topless and clearly not frequent visitors to the gym, we greeted
them and they were in turn friendly. Jenni and I continued to chat. They sat near us although the mountaintop was
at least 100 yards long. Fine with as we like to engage in conversation with others although their earlier disturbances
caused some doubts in our minds. Soon after the pleasantries, a voice popped up from the edge rather impertinently,
“Could you be quiet; I’m trying to meditate.” As blunt as that.
“Pardon me,” I exclaimed, “What did you say?” We turned to see the semi-nude form beckoning the sun, a vortex
or some other source with which to purify his soul.
“Keep quiet for the next five minutes while I meditate,” he instructed us. In a movie, it would probably be
the time to mention to the editor that the dude on the edge obviously doesn't know I have a black belt...I suppose,
a smart brown leather one, too.
We looked at each other and wondered to whom the mountain belonged. Could he not meditate in a number of other spots
and should he not have explained his request and asked with a little respect. Later he mentioned his very holy…no,
we think he is into holistic healing, yoga and something else which we missed…apparently there was a new-age program
being run down below between the blackjack tables and slot machines. Anyway, we thought it explained chutzpah
quite succinctly.
By the way, we cannot recollect anyone asking for an explanation of this interesting concept, chutzpah...
but just in case, you now know our interpretation.
Interesting and exciting formations lit by the sun. (Taken from the eastern side of Las Vegas).
It's 'The Frenchman Mountain', a hike we did the following day—different and 'glorious'.
Jenni smug on the way down from the peak.
Mesmerizing sight...that's the snow-capped peak.
Red Rock Park (rear) and Las Vegas (fore), from Black Mountain Overlook, Boulder City.
Turtlehead Peak is at centre, providing a good perspective of the day's hike.
The advantage of the early morning hike in the mountains.
The advantage of the evening hike in the mountains after a sprinkling of snow.
Of things coming down the pike...a mountaintop view at sunset overlooking Lake Mead.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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