'Oh! There you are. Who would have guessed? Near Las Vegas, must be a slot canyon.
With the use of a laser(ow), manages to climb vertically. For my next trick, I'm going to try act intelligently...it may prove more difficult.
We are fortunate to enjoy many fine days. Admittedly, we have to work hard to achieve the accomplishment but that's exactly what we strive to do. Nevertheless, today proved incredible. It was not the best of hikes or views (pretty good though) but it resulted in an incredible high. We set off on a different hike, one we have done at least twice before, Fortification Hill, but the road proved to be too risky to chance with a regular automobile. After turning around, less than a mile in, we parked at a pull-off on the 93 Highway and decided to wander into the interior. We knew Hoover Dam and the Colorado River were a few miles to the west. Down we went into the wash, descending many technical climbs and then stopped when we realized the one before us was impassable. Previously, a rope existed to deal with the obstacle but it had since been removed. We hate being stopped like that—it shows our limitations.
We turned and found a path that took us from the canyon and up to a small peak where we ate breakfast and discussed alternative ideas. Down the mountain we went, it's a good digestive remedy (self-determined) and found a hidden turnoff which we chanced and reached another wash, one we had thought to take earlier. This led us further into the rugged but attractive desert, providing opportunities to negotiate a number of technical climbs. It was most enjoyable, exciting, and at times, a great pump for the dormant adrenaline in our bodies. The climb up and down the tree trunk laying in one of the slots was memorable and quite, as our South African friends might say, "Skrikky" (scary). Sometimes, one has to ponder the difference between courage and stupidity. Sometimes, one could be considered a synonym for the other.
Jenni's too intelligent to try the tree trunk maneuver so after I walked beyond it for two minutes, returned to admit it did not seem to be going where we wanted it to take us—close to the river. We retraced our footsteps and noticed what looked like a potential path up one of the mountains. Off we went and realized it was a type of trail, more like an animal track with some good spots, too. We followed it up for a while, came over a crest expecting to confront the river. No luck.
'Okay', we decided, 'it just seems that the Colorado should be close-by. 'Let's give it another few minutes and push higher'.
We followed another type of path that looked like it would reach the highest point in our little region. As we approached the high point, we noticed an even higher peak beyond. And then: we caught a glimpse of the river. It shows how wide, large and endless the land is. It's so easy to hide a river, even the size of the Colorado, by tucking it away within the canyons. We found it. Not that we think for one minute that it was lost. Big deals. However, it took a lot of climbing, scrambling and walking to reach our vantage point and that proved most satisfying. All-in-all, it required the retention of most of our limited skills and that was enjoyable. It was a day of adventure, excitement with the occasional touch of apprehension.
The previous week, we undertook the 'Hot Springs' trail which is a mile or two south from where we hiked. As we mentioned, it seems incongruous that the land running alongside this fabulous river remains arid. No wonder it would take some exploring to discover a river of this magnitude. Arizona is another state that provides incredible opportunities to absorb and explore natural wonders. Nevada is not far behind. Ignore the gambling industry and all that follows from it and a person finds oneself in a painted desert—remarkable. It always reminds us that political boundaries are so artificial—nature determines it's own regions, designs and artistry. While our maturity may be questioned, our sense of seeking and absorbing the wonders about us, hopefully, cannot
To enter this slot (one of many technical climbs) one has to climb/descend on a tree trunk, close to twenty feet. Not much on which to grip. Nice!
It worked but admit it's dangerous, especially when it wobbles.
First there was 'the loneliness of the long-distance runner'...now of a sitter.
My climber, up-and down, all day and week.
Follow the right people and you'll go high.
We found the Colorado River, tucked away in the canyon. It was a remarkable day.
So let's continue following her. (No doubt who wears the pants in the household—deceptively powerful shoulders. Man, take a look at those flexed biceps.)
Down she goes.
Up she goes.
Trying but it's a tough job. We spent a lot of the time climbing. We felt like kids—what a feeling.
'Up the pole this time'—in a manner of speaking.
Colorado River takes a swing. We love it.
A bridge too far. Behind the bridge is Hoover Dam.
At it again. Does she ever stop?
Absorbing sight, the Colorado River, at yet another position along its long journey. It has come to symbolize much in US hiking for us.
River deep, river wide, river special.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Time for brunch. 'No coffee...again?'
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