35.03 Argentina: Barriloche: Cerro Challhuaco from Refugio Neumeyer (burned down).

This was our third steep hike in the city and country in what has proved to be a land of contrasts (see later). Because we are biased, the natural wonders are critical to us; the town and cities not. The road to the trailhead is twelve kilometers from highway 40, but far more difficult to negotiate than most mountain hikes. We consider today's car journey a superior performance to our hiking capabilities and we were, if we may boldly suggest, pleased with our results. We reduced the time by 50% on the allotment and by a third on the alternate suggestion. It was a wonderful hike which took us through a forest, above a tree line, back into a forest and then out again for a 2,300 feet elevation gain over a short distance. Effectively, we climbed at an average of 1,150 feet per hour. The rewards were saved for the peak—they were superb. The views on the opposite side from the ascent were amazing, providing a desert scene coloring landscape with a volcano adding a blast. The front view gave interesting, long distance sights of the lakes and mountains. It was a fantastic day in an unusual place on slopes that were deceptively steep and without coming across another soul.

We met two young men working at the restaurant, an informal tent arrangement, at the trailhead. We are fortunate to come across so many interesting and pleasant people on our travels. Esteban, a local and Clemente, a French resident, joined us for tea at a table on the lawn. It was a delightful half-hour of swopping experiences as we waited for our tea to warm and feet to cool. Because of the poor road conditions, we had a further 2 kilometers to walk to retrieve our car and thereafter, to have a chip inflicted on the windscreen. Well, almost a perfect day.



Jen pauses a few feet from the peak after a steep hike (aren't they all) on a very satisfying day. The terrain of
the steep mountain slope below is covered in small stones. We set out from the valley at the floor of the forest below.




Standing above the mountain ranges in the distance, provided terrific perspectives.



Found this view on the other side of the peak to be remarkable. I had to stop staring after a while for fear of being rude.




At the peak, a very satisfying experience in a great environment of beautifully toned rocks and sand.




Cheers,


Jenni and Jeffrey



Calling for a cup of tea, numero 'cinco', outside the restaurant. Esteban, and Clemente with his back to Jenni.

35.01 Argentina: San Carlos de Bariloche: Bella Vista Mountain hike.

This is the first in a new series which we have termed "Peak-Pics-Peek".

Rather than display our usual selection, more than ten photographs each blog, we thought we'd show a maximum of four. The idea is to provide some highlights of a region in general and the hike, in particular. As we have struggled with the concept of circulating viewers by email (although we have nevertheless undertaken it), we believe those wishing to receive our limited perspective of the world's beauty, need only link to the blog whenever the need arises, if ever. Because far fewer photographs and text will be published, the "Peak-Pics-Peek" will be updated every second day, perhaps 3 times per week. (We will update the blog in the original manner (full set of photographs) from time-to-time.

We are most grateful to a core of viewers who have inspired and motivated us and provided thoughtful and interesting perspectives, always keeping us on our toes. This has contributed to our development, we think. ('we think' qualifies 'development' rather than your input.)



From the peak some 2,800 feet above the trailhead, we take in a view of Lago Nahuel Huapi.




Shortly before the peak, we were treated to this display.




Some exploring at a high point on the peak.





"Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" would have been a nice title. Better we type it than you hear me sing it.




In our short stay in Argentina thus far, we have shared some 'interesting' experiences. We'll try to mention a few as we progress (we hope). At times, we wonder whether we are in Spain, Andorra, Peru, Mexico or San Diego. However, there are distinct aspects of this country which negate our confusion in that regard.


Cheers,


Jenni and Jeffrey

34.18 & 34.19: Utah: Snow Canyon: Cinder Cone and the Amphitheater across the way.

We took a couple of short hikes and once again were rewarded with the consistency of the southern part of the state—it's always attractive, colorful and provides joy and challenges wherever one visits. In this region, surprisingly, we came across past volcanic action although it occurred long before we were twinkles in our parents' eyes....maybe, even further back as we are not that old...depending upon whom you ask.



Flower and volcano power.




'Up, up and away' at the amphitheater.




Raw scenes of beauty.




Reminds us of a scene from the 'old days' of an open road. Nice backdrop, eh?




On the way down in a strong wind




Jen returns from a visit to the top and from out of the crater.




'Dormant' on a volcano, a more eloquent word than lazy.




A view from the top of the volcano




Jen returning faster than the flow of water.



Cheers,


Jenni and Jeffrey

Irresistible.

Reflections and shadows captivated us as we returned from the peak. An elderly couple taking in the beauty on Poway Lake, below Mount Woodson.

34:17 Utah: Bryce Canyon: Peek-a-Boo trail in winter with snow.

'Peek-a-Boo', how apt.




A golden moment.




Bryce Canyon may not be the best hiking venue around although it provides a hiker with some wonderful opportunities. Bryce may not be a place a person wishes to visit annually or on a regular basis. What Bryce is: One of the most remarkable locations we have visited. It is unique. While many marvel at the thought of visiting another planet of the universe or even sending an automobile for a lubrication and service into outer-space (amazing), we have no hesitation in believing this area of Utah is unique. It's so different from even all the other amazing places on Earth that it might be the location we would select to visit should we be given only one choice. As an aside, we did see something similar, a smaller Bryce, at Cedar Breaks Park, also in the same state.

It's dramatic, colorful, historic, challenging both physically and of the imagination, growing or more likely, crumbling and shows different facades each day. It's unique climate in which night temperatures fall below freezing for half the year cause water to freeze in the crevices of rock formations. The ice expands, putting pressure on the rocks which cause them to chip, break and wear away, hence the myriad of shapes and forms. Based upon this dynamic, the landscape will change, albeit slowly, and it's only generations thousands of years hence who will witness obvious differences. (Any errors made are those of the authors.)



Unusual and Overwhelming.




The Ice Man cometh and freezeth.




Hoodoo you think you are?




Toward the end of the hike, a warmed-up editor strides to the finish.




Truly, the land of the hoodoo.



Thanks to Ron A, we ventured into the snow and were rewarded disproportionately.




Jen stands before the magnificent Mormon Tabernacle Choir of Hoodoos (with respect to a fine institution).





An amphitheater with a view.




Heading down into the valley with a disappearing, fine backdrop.




'Through the looking glass'.



Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

34.16 Stonewall Peak, Cuyumaca State Park, San Diego County.

"Jen, I can't find the peanut butter—the bread's so dry."




"Can I bring you up a vegeburger instead?"




"That'll be nice. Perhaps, forget the peanut butter then...ketchup and mustard would be great? Oh dear, some water, too.
I stood on something squishy."




No problem. I see a lake. Why don't I dash across and wet a cloth for you."




Thanks, Jen. Try not to be long, it's cold up here. Across the way is Laguna Peak, we're hiking to it
tomorrow. Maybe check it out."




"Hey, what's got into you? Why'd you roll that boulder at me?"



"Why do you think, big boy? You need to run a lot faster."

What's got into you? All I asked for was a little peanut butter?



I think you forgot this day, my Sweetness.


Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

34.15 Nevada: Red Rock Canyon: Turtlehead Peak, always a great challenge.

Red Rock Canyon is a real treat. Located in Nevada, a half-hour from Las Vegas, it's controlled by the Federal government. It made us wonder how the state allowed it to slip from its grasp. It really is a treasure. We spent three days wondering up-and-down, climbing the rocks and boulders and of course, ascending more than 2,100 feet to the peak of Turtlehead in a short distance. The latter hike is a good challenge. When observing it from the car park or in fact, any other position, one wonders how a person can reach the summit. Well, it certainly is reachable and in fact, there are a number of different paths, some difficult.

One of the great contrasts of the gaming state is the natural beauty of the deserts and gambling houses and dens. Red Rock Canyon, and many of the other fantastic hiking locations, provide a much needed respite for the soul. It illustrates that a balance exists in the world: When we are at ground level in Las Vegas, we are restless and I'm irritated easily. From the moment we begin a climb, the soul asserts itself and tranquility reigns in the mind. At the peak, the views of the same Las Vegas become most attractive.



On the way down, a few hundred feet above trailhead elevation.




Reaching Turtlehead Peak.




A view of Turtlehead. Truth be told, we still struggle to see a route up.




Color in the Mojave Desert.




A 'blue' Las Vegas from Turtlehead.




Fascinating colors and views, from the saddle.




"If you tie the rope there, I might have a fighting chance, Sweetness."




"And if you don't mind, I'd like to rest first," replies a testy editor, as she approaches the top.



"No rush, Jen, I can stand here all day. I haven't anything else to do."




"In fact, I think that's Mount Charleston protruding; why don't I stand around and take it all in while you rest?"





"And I can watch the 'ducks'...well, that's what you call my winged friends."



Cheers,


Jenni and Jeffrey



A typical example of what the editor calls, "My ducks". No wonder I'm not always tactful.