The Target: Mount Elden viewed from a peak to the east.
Mounts Humphreys and Weatherford viewed as we move up Mount Elden, all part of the San Francisco range.
Dragging a little on the day after a bad night, Jen goes trudging up, full of effort.
Finally, a view from Mount Elden of the 'big guys'.
We bumped into Arnie, formally of Wisconsin, now Flagstaff, who hikes up this mountain twice a week—it's his exercise routine—what a man. After a somewhat abrupt greeting as we crossed on the trail, we were leaving the peak and he was arriving, twenty minutes later we met again. This time formally and friendlier, as we prepared for breakfast. A conversation ensued which was stimulating and frankly, exciting. Arnie had spent time in South Africa as well as having traveled extensively elsewhere. We do meet Americans who have visited the country, from time-to-time, but such occurrences are most infrequent. Thanks, Arnie, our short time spent with you was terrific. He's a serious, maybe doer, kind of guy. It proves to us each and every time that once the barrier is penetrated or lowered that exists in different degrees amongst people, often they/(we) reveal interesting and positive aspects of their/(our) natures and characters. We think that aspect in meeting people is most rewarding.
A view from the other side.
We tried for a short hike below on another day but it's an active mine. Verboten! Looked interesting though.
Another steep climb in the vicinity of Flagstaff. After 40 minutes, we spot the tower. Should have turned around and gone for an ice-cream.
Kendrick peak with a Lookout tower upon it getting closer. Who would have thought the final 400 feet at the top is covered in snow? The approach is from the right where deep snow covers the trail.
We met a couple and their ten year old child within minutes of completing the hike. They were the only people we had seen on or near the mountain. The parking area is deep in the forest and it emits an eerie feeling. However, once you get going that feeling passes quickly and a person focuses on conserving energy, taking in the sights and wondering how to reach the top or what are we doing there?
When we returned, we spoke to the family and learned they were a tough bunch indeed. The parents, together with their daughter, had climbed Mount Humphreys, a real tough 'bugger'. Why we mention this particular family is that when we came across the little girl who was dragging behind her parents, she reminded us so much of Ellie, our granddaughter. Once she began talking and discussing her exploits, both her expression and voice, reminded us even more of Ellie. It took much willpower not to run and hug her.
A view of the San Francisco range from the east, a short but enjoyable hike on the Old Caves Crater trail.
Where Heaven meets Earth. 'Goodnight, Humphreys and fellas; please don't blow your tops tonight.'
You do know we are in awe.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Effectively, no 'shots' in the tower. Fortunately, Jenni stayed back with our whiskey and glock.
'Goodnight', finally.
No comments:
Post a Comment