Lazarow World-Hike-About

'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....

When we were younger and very 'clever', we would not have thought much of this. Now that we are much older and far less smart, we see the beauty in the image above Roosevelt Lake. One can only hope we continue to 'deteriorate'. Captivated by the Sonoran Desert. We went out in the late afternoon to capture a sunset, high above the lake. One of my favorites as Jenni trudges up a sharp ascent with the striking colors, and combination of both natural and man-made structures behind. The sun still too high but not bad at all. Facing east. On our return, heading north and delighted at the view. Delightful late afternoon setting. Blue water, happy hearts. A last fling from the sun illustrates the danger of a misstep. Subtle changes as the day ages. Blue waters, steep climb as Jenni makes her way up. Just a delightful place. Cheers, Jenni and Jeffrey