48.04 Arizona: SARA Park: Two donkeys captured on camera following some sheep to bag 3 peaks in Lake Havasu, one fine winter's day.

"You want to talk royalty? Okay, let's bleat. Then I'll introduce you to my uncle after your climb. He's the king. First, let's take a look at the 3 peaks."

Lizard Peak, the second peak, the first is to its right.

SARA park in Lake Havasu City is a gem. It covers a large area, including meeting the lake on one of its borders. It contains many trails, mountains, washes and opportunities to lose oneself in its vastness, yet be close to a town. Although the car park is usually near full, because it's small, once a person leaves it, the land is wide open. We see few people although from height, the sight of walkers in the washes is attractive. We have met some locals and they have proved to be helpful and a source of enlightened hiking information. We have particularly enjoyed the back country outings in which we often wander off trails and paths to climb the mountains. This trip has, as Jenni reminded me this morning, been less about hiking and more about climbing and rock scrambling. We are partial to such activities...we think...ahem.  

It's fair to say that the region, enhanced by much water, is delightful. It's a feast for the eyes and to wherever those organs direct the sights. It's replete with challenges and because of its vastness, the openness of the desert, the relative seclusion, the variation of the land covered in lava rock in many areas, for us, it's a glorious place. Add warm winter weather and one is in hiking heaven or close to it.

A scene from the descent of the first peak.

Jen looks toward the third peak. We've never seen anyone on this mountain, which remains unnamed.

We passed by the following day after naming it 'George'.

Jen reaches the third peak, no trail but plenty of scree. Lake Havasu in background.

He struggles on Lizard Peak, the second mountain.

Taking in an amazing surround.

"C'mon. I haven't all day," the cheeky youngster bleats.

Someone improvises as a flagpole on the peak. They say there's a wise guy born every hour.

Meantime, lizard legs shows agility unseen before. Across the way is the mountain of the same name. The 'lizard' is now officially off-trail.

Reaching third peak. It was particularly satisfying although the surface was difficult...treacherous.

"I can't keep on stopping and waiting...last chance."

The desert beauty enhanced with the lake which is fed by the Colorado River.

Cheers, 

'Lizard Legs' and Jeffrey