Take a look to the right and kindly click on the image to view our recently published novel, if you have a moment. The reviews are few but those received have lifted the spirits.
Back to sloping snow...not easy.
Taking the 'high' road in Death Valley.
When I say a hike is a great one, some people take it with a pinch of salt. It's called a credibility issue. I cannot help but like most of what we do. On the other hand, Jennifer is rather fussy—actually, stingy with her praise for the mountains and hikes. Thus, when she could not stop praising the hike of some 3 hours duration spent entirely along the ridges above Golden Canyon in Death Valley, I was taken aback. It also was a good lesson for me to finally understand what 'credibility' means.
The experience, like most, has two distinct facets, the hiking, climbing and scrambling while the other aspect involves the visual side. Of course, there are many other parts to being out in these exciting zones but let's stay with these two broad aspects. One is perched on the ridge, high above the canyon floor as well as above the mountains and hills that extend from that same floor. Some of the edges are narrow, most have a slippery scree surface but all provide views of magnificent scenery. Like many places all over the world, the views are at times, beyond belief. A while ago, we referred to the frustration of trying to absorb so much beauty. It sounds like a delightful problem or challenge. In fact, it is. Yet, at times one can feel overwhelmed. This area provides those feelings and quite often.
As I'm writing this text, Jenni has just returned from downstairs with two large pebbles. From time-to-time, we have a tub without a stopper (plug) or a contraption from the 'dark-ages' which no longer performs its function. In order to retain the water in the tub, we wash the pebbles or wrap them in plastic and place them over a facecloth that acts as a stopper. The weight of the pebbles and the smooth cover provides a seal of sorts. In fact, we lose very little water. As an aside, we do get tubs that don't need a stopper—the drains are blocked. Nevertheless, it helps to make a plan when confronted with certain situations. As those from the southern tip of Africa might relate—'a boer maak 'n plan, 'n jood probeer ook'.
Quite magnificent...and the scenery's not that bad either...okay, okay!
Jen heading to the peak and well beyond while her partner sits and waits. (Obviously, much tougher to sit and wait.)
Later that day, ol' pepperhead walks along the salt flats.
Back to altitude and attitude above the deserts.
Brunch is served. You'd think she would arrange a bench and maybe a table. You'd be wrong. Not a bad view though...of the canyon.
From close to the lower level of the canyon, we look toward the icon.
We finally reach a position higher than the icon we admired from ground level and continue higher on the ridge. It looks like a seaside scene beyond.
'Pretty as a picture'.
Always wanted to rise above the mountains of the valley.
And one more from the 'Valley'...
And we leave the deserts temporarily.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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