We always accentuate the colors, forms and textures of Utah, and Arizona, too. It's obvious and valid. However, one should not forget the deserts of Nevada which have its own slant of beauty. Funnily enough, much of this is not far from Las Vegas, a city of which we may not have been with praise. We'll bet you that. Frankly, wherever and whenever we travel in the wilderness, the deserts and in between, the natural beauty continues to astound us. Of course, you've read this before but nevertheless, it seems impossible that on each occasion spent in the wilds, we know we'll confront something unique, always outstanding features, and usually tucked away just out of sight from the roadways. Deeper inside the land, often where trails don't exist but for animal paths, the unspoiled features provide even more delights.
Should we have any regrets, it might be that we did not begin exploring at earlier ages and should have involved our children, too. Maybe the next world will be even better...although Jen and I are looking forward to a bit of a rest...or so she explained...warned.
When we see regions like this one, Jen might say, "Go ahead and make your day." The free climbing was superb and only a bit tricky on a few occasions...well, quite a few.
By way of context, the two photographs below are taken on Hamblin Peak, opposite the Bowl of Fire.
The 'Bowl' begins and goes beyond the fiery rocks and boulders to the left.
He stands there humbled...real men should be climbing the mountain behind.
Boulder City, being close to Las Vegas, we do have the slots on our minds a lot of the time. Makes sense. No. Not what you may be thinking. It's the slot canyons. We have climbed, hiked and struggled on the soft sand in these washes and canyons extensively. Jen says it's making her legs stronger; I think it's making me very tired.
In this region, people also say 'follow the money'. We sort of understand it. However, in our travels within the United States, we developed our own philosophy. We say: "Follow the Colorado River." Whatever it touches, wherever it passes, it creates and leaves beauty and wonder in its wake. We feel very strongly about this amazing river, flowing through 5 states before it terminates in Mexico.
Should we not continue to see the beauty and wonder each day, then we fear we would have overstayed our welcome on Planet Earth.
They don't always make it easy for a guy.
Think she's got the 'bug'.
The best climb of the week...ahem! Admittedly, not the best of views.
Jen coming up to join me. Jen looking good while I'm just a shadow of my old self.
Delightful.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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