48.02 Arizona: Gila Mountains. Jester's Peak, Yuma...no joke, no laughs but plenty of excitement.

"Atta, Girl." Jen has one helluva day, third false peak before top. One proud boy watches her feat or was it feet? (Actually both, with trepidation.)

Every now and again, fortunately quite often for us, comes along a hike, an experience really, that is memorable in a number of ways. This was another of those. It had desert beauty, surrounding mountains, steep and challenging climbs, narrow outside edges most of the way and an element of danger that kept us on our toes. It was an experience that will linger. 

Fortunately, there are a couple of pictures from the day that have special meaning for us, particularly of Jenni in various stages of the climb. On the negative (tiny), and that's only to provide balance, the views lacked lakes or dams which would have made it near perfect. Although Yuma experienced rain these past few days, it is not something that occurs frequently, certainly insufficient to support a dam. However, the Colorado River, our favorite, flows through the town but is not visible from the Gila Mountains. Another aspect is the trailhead. We hiked an hour each way from our parking place to the trailhead as the track is not reasonable for a passenger sedan. 

Nevertheless, the cross country-walking in the desert is an experience in and of itself. As Jenni reminded me on the way back, long before I could whine: 'See it as an investment in yourself'. I'm beginning to believe she listens to me...occasionally. 

We'll end there by repeating what an outstanding hike, climb and experience it was. We can't think of better without sweating our brains a bit and we don't like to strain them for we only have a little of that matter. 

A salute to Jenni on an outstanding day. 

Returning from the peak which is a mere few minutes beyond the upper position in view.

Mesmerized by this photo but then again, Jen says I can be a little odd.

For some perspective, Jen views the peak after walking near on an hour just to reach the base. The flag on the peak, see below, is in view but missed by the camera.

Climbing and hiking nirvana. Always obliged and wishing to pay respect for what it represents.

Impressed especially that she's showing off a bit. Eases my conscience.

Reaching the false peak before the summit...it was free-climbing more than following a trail.

Jenni stops for some gorgeous views...and a rest.

Jen at a relatively easy stage although the fall-offs are steep.

Approaching a difficult section.

A harsh region that Mother Nature blesses, too.

Such a great position although below the summit. She ought to feel on 'top of the world'.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey