'She'll be coming over the mountain when...
Mind where you place your feet. A diamond is not always a best friend.
...and down on the other side.
We found this hike and undertook it in two parts and on consecutive days. It was a steep ascent along a decent road that is light on vehicle traffic and without pedestrians: read hikers. The combined distance and elevation gain amounted to 18 miles and a little less than 6,000 feet respectively. Truth be told, we have enormous respect for both the region and the challenges. We have spent more than two weeks in this great state thus far with more to come. Arizona is a place we visit often and yet every area we've hiked has been new to us. Hardly surprising as America does not make small states. We have focused on the Tonto National Forest which encompasses the Sonoran desert, a region in which one might run out of superlatives before water. One of the striking features of the landscape, and only one, are the cacti. They are stately, dignified and seem to bring those qualities to the land they inhabit. Jenni thinks of the saguaros in a somewhat different manner from formal thinking. When she sees a small one or one with just two arms, she considers it a single family member while those with multiple 'limbs', she tends to see as a family. 'Hey! Whatever works.'
We believe that the cactus family, while dangerous, extremely should one get too close, lends great beauty and dignity to the landscape. We remember the words of Stuart Laiken some years ago when he warned us to keep our distance--not from him, I think--but from these plants. He joked or maybe not, that they tend to shoot their needles into a person should you get too close. I've never forgotten Stuart's words, and in general, they have always been filled with wisdom.
and that'll be a view, one of many.
A view of Roosevelt Lake from a high point.
Tonto Basin and Roosevelt Lake, another treasure.
Another day of sweat and beauty, a great combination, perhaps the best.
The tower with about 3 miles to go and much elevation ahead.
Beyond the destination, looking back.
It's going to be difficult to leave this region.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
2 comments:
Hi, folks. It's almost a shock to the mind that's trying to take in the vast expanses laid out around you, as I sit here in my little cubby-hole study/office on the ninth day of the coronavirus (CODIV-19) lockdown in South Africa. We're scheduled for another twelve days of it, and will only then hear if it's being extended.
I'm in complete agreement with you on the staggering beauty of the region. Arizona is one of those names that affects us aliens by making our hearts race and breathing labour a little. The massive vistas that stretch in every direction must make choosing a direction a tough decision. As you've known since we first met I love the quiet solitude of nature, albeit that I'm not as adventurous as you. My difficulty with vertigo persists, but in any case, I get far fewer opportunities to roam.
For me the juxtaposition of desert and water is astonishing. The closest we have to it here, on a much tinier scale, is a fair-sized dam on the Tanqwa River in the central Karoo. Although there's a dearth of challenges mountain trails there, I'd recommend a detour on your next visit to RSA. Thanks again for keeping me updated. I regard it as a privilege.
Doug.
Hi Doug,
You got it wrong. Being in contact with you, reading your comments and obtaining your perspective is our privilege. Thank you, indeed. Stay safe, well and engaged. Jenni and Jeffrey
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