An introduction (a taste) of hikes not yet published in respect of Hike-about 39.
We believe the visuals, these and those published over the last 1,000 blogs, help to illustrate why the United States, so vast and diversified, offers a universal, natural experience to those who seek such opportunities. While each country has its unique features and all are filled with much rugged beauty, this country and particularly the western states, have been blessed with an abundance of everything. It was Galen Rowell who remarked that he did not need to leave the Sierra Nevada's to see the best sights in the world. We would not wish to argue the point although we have a slightly different view. However, we understand completely his opinion and salute it.
Fall Canyon, Death Valley, California.
Mojave Desert, California.
Big Dune, Nevada. Perhaps, the favorite, as we approach after a mile or so walk.
From dunes to canyons. Jen in the Mojave desert at 'Hole in the Wall' as she exits from a canyon.
Jen reaches the peak of the 'Lizard' in Sara Park, Lake Havasu City.
Blown away at sunset in Needles, California.
More Big Dune as Jen rises to the top of the nearest dune. My footprints ruin the effect.
We all have quirks of some sort or another although that may be presumptuous on our part, more particularly, one of us. Just because I may be odd doesn’t mean that everyone else is although I could produce a short list at a moment’s notice of some strange behavior noticed over the years. Take Barry Jahn…on second thoughts, leave him right where he is—he’s very happy in Salem. People from Oregon can’t help they way they are. I began with Oregon because it’s a good smokescreen for the state below it, which is really peculiar in many ways. California, of course. So much so that we have been hiking in eastern California lately and sleeping in Nevada and Arizona. We believe less time in the Big Bear state will help us minimize our quirks. Why all this nonsense?
Years ago, in fact during our early period in the United States, when the crowded cities, roadways and general 'chaos' were affecting me, Jenni would ask where else would you like to live. My standard answer was South Dakota. Have you ever been there, do you know anything about the state were her obvious follow up questions. Of course, I had to answer in the negative as we had never visited the Dakotas, still haven't. However, in a strange fashion, it helped me hold on to my sanity...well, Barry, what’s left of it. Just by the way, we met Barry Jahn at Tunnel Falls in Oregon in 2013. Jen and I hiked to the falls, returned a little way and I decided to revisit them. It meant walking an additional 100 yards or so of an eleven-mile hike. When we continued conversing with Barry back in the parking lot after the somewhat long hike, (for us, not Barry), he asked this question.
“Seeing that you went back to view the cascading water, are you going to count this as a double hike?” Mathematician and humor will do that: logical comedian. (I wish I'd have thought and said that.)
Back to South Dakota. When we reached the peak of Lizard Mountain (fascinating and enjoyable), a short but steep hike with a few technical aspects, four people were awaiting us. It’s a loop hike and they had come from the other side, intending to return the same way. We entered into discussion on a number of subjects including the weather, snowbirds and hiking. We found the family of three, together with a friend, delightful and charming. It’s another positive aspect emanating from opportunities provided through Hike-about. They were also the first people we have met on the trails from...wait for it, South Dakota. We half-joked should people from the state be like them, we're embarrassed not having visited. We understand the state experiences ‘slight’ chills during winter: 40-degrees below. Maybe we’ll see you there, Sonya and Bob. In fact we already owe them. They suggested a hike in the real wilds outside Lake Havasu which proved to be rugged and most enjoyable as we made our way over boulders, on rocks and stones, cross country, through washes, discovering hidden treasures far from the beaten track.
Rings loop and Barber Peak, Mojave, as we hold in the guts and take the gap.
Jenni fights a 'devil' of a cold at the Bridge of the same name, Sedona.
A second 'dip' off trail into Grand Canyon via Cedar Ridge.
The 'Hole in the Wall' behind Jenni. Gives its name to the Visitors Center. We think the park has termites...what do we know?
After negotiating a technical climb just below, this part was easier and equally invigorating.
Part of the technical climb, two-days later, a repeat. (No. We weren't stuck there for the period.)
From Cathedral Rock, Sedona: A favorite near sunset as we return from the top.
The Devil's Bridge in Sedona, Arizona...a delicate maneuver.
Cedar Ridge, Grand Canyon produces a prism.
A corner view of Lake Mead, the attractive desert to the fore, from Black Mountain.
Rovey's Window hike, outside Lake Havasu, Arizona. At this stage we are off 'trail' (what trail?) and lost after climbing the gulley to the left in vain. What's new?
Courthouse Butte at sunset, Sedona, Arizona.
We've spent a month climbing, jumping across and negotiating boulders and rocks. A great slot canyon in Lake Havasu.
Mount Charleston after a good snowfall, Las Vegas, in the early morning hours, viewed from Red Mountain.
The Eye at Rovey's, after recovering. By crawling up and through the hole, one moves from front/rear of the mountain. Smart!
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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