Perspective on the way down after enjoying a great 'up'.
We revisited this interesting, colorful and breathtaking area when we decided to reach Hamblin peak, in the Lake Mead National recreation region of rugged heaven. It is obvious, should anyone read some of our comments, that this part of the country is stunningly beautiful in a harsh and rugged manner. The next few hikes, and we suppose a few of the recent, portray this part of Nevada as a painted desert. We doubt whether any human artist could capture or have envisaged the form, shape, molding and shades of the deserts with its mountains, and even lakes, had they not seen it firsthand.
For the initial few miles, there is no trail. A person follows instincts and suggestions, read beforehand, as one moves in, through and out of washes. The ascent is easy to follow as a rough path exists to guide one to the summit. What a peak it is. The color of the desert in chocolate brown with various shades leading to grey, orange, red, pink and yellow are a knockout. The flow of the hills into mountains seems so natural and logical until one has to try climb them. Then the reality strikes one that these apparently smooth and undulating forms are an illusion. Upfront one come across chasms, canyons, extremely rugged and rough surfaces and scrub laced with spiked cacti. Thereafter, things really get tough. Turning outward, about 1,700 feet below, the magnificent Lake Mead stretches endlessly. The narrows are below the summit which provides definition to the water thus making it more attractive than just a large body of water. Each time we see the lake, the color appears different from the previous view. Between the weather, the sunlight, time of day and our position, no situation is ever the same.
We had the pleasure of meeting Steve at the summit, hence a picture of the 'duo'. He is another interesting and charming man who lives in Henderson but spends much time exploring the region. After a long discussion, the editor's shivers reminded us that we had to keep moving to maintain warmth. We left Steve and the summit with the thought of wonderful people we have met on the trails. As many of our readers have mentioned, people with shared interests and a love of nature's wonders tend to have instant connections. We do find, in keeping with past history, that the trails and backcountry are devoid of human activity. Other than the 'icon hikes', we come across few people.
At the summit, turning to the right to look down on the 'Narrows'.
A side view from the summit.
"Stadig oor die klippe". Exercising caution as the peak is tiny, has jagged edges and an immediate drop-off. In fact, what you see is one of a couple of separate platforms.
The prominent and haunting Charleston Mountain range.
The stunning colors and mountains.
On the saddle before moving towards the summit.
A girl's got to take a break and smell the roses, from time-to-time.
What's not to like about Lake Mead, particularly at the Narrows?
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Steve obliges with our camera, Fortification Hill sloping in the background.
Upcoming blog from 'The Frenchman'. Perhaps that's why the desert views are like dessert.
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