47.21 A peek into a few extracts from 3 memorable hikes over the past week. (Full blogs to follow.)

We don't have much wisdom to offer our readers (It would be nice though). However, we would suggest that to see some of the best of the the United States, the natural part, follow the flow of the Colorado River. It seems to us that whatever it touches, creates or influences, the result is invariably, dazzling, different and delightful. 

Grand Canyon: Kaibab Trail, heading down toward the Colorado River but stopping short, some 3,500 feet descent/elevation on the day 'Ouch'.

Jen stands at 'Ooh Ah' Point, the shortest stop on the way down into the amazing canyon.

People make subjective comments about the Gooseberry Hike, understandably. Words like insane, ridiculous, too difficult are bandied about. We did not think the descriptions were entirely valid. Nevertheless, we do offer a word or two of caution. Should you plan upon having heart failure or a desire to faint, then we would suggest skipping this hike. Please note we don't mean you should skip down the near vertical path, in places, but rather find an alternative trail in the vast Canyonlands. It's possible in Utah because unlike most places, Utah should not have national and state parks. Yes. You read that correctly. Utah is one, big, beautiful park! 

Back to the trail after a brief commercial break: The initial descent along the vertical walls could be considered a little dangerous. The drop is 1,600 feet which takes a person to a slot canyon/wash.

Photograph depicts the 'wash trail' leading to the fissures, after the sharp descent of 1,600 feet on the right. We find it difficult to believe the variety and imagination of Nature.

Jenni on the way back. In the beginning, she was not a 'happy girl'. In fact, she mentioned that she would prefer to do a hike she dislikes intensely for 5 days in a row rather than this one. In the end, I think she enjoyed herself. Heck, it's obviously the company.

One foot in front of the other, the occasional whine (not wine) and the winner is...

While the hike to Delicate Arch is not at all difficult, by going to the out-of-the-way position and climbing above and descending below the arch, it creates wonderful opportunities for physical challenges and interesting perspectives of the arch.

Seeking climbing opportunities but controlled by the Missus. "Just looking."

Loved the position below the arch and of course, the view.

A very frustrated would-be pilot. We are unable to fly overseas these days so we are preparing for self-sufficiency in the air. One can dream.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

 Always for Mom!