48.24 Arizona: Picacho Mountain outside Tucson, an opportunity to climb...and quickly.

It’s not so much that we tackle the challenge of the hike or climb, but more so that we allow nature to show us the path. 

The Picacho experience is fascinating. The mountain lies between Tucson and Phoenix, closer to the former, on the I-10 Freeway and along the railway line. Both the train and vehicles remain at ground-level, while those seeking the challenge, rise to the peak and return to complete the exercise. To the east, and visible through the camera telephoto, hundreds of airplanes sit on a tarmac, in storage. It makes one wonder why planes are being manufactured nowadays. 

It is a very steep climb and of course, descent as well as very decent. Upon reaching the initial shoulder, after of course, a steep climb, one heads west and then reaches the other side of the mountain, descends two hundred feet or so, heads east and then sharply upwards again until reaching the peak. The up-down and up again is the work of a trail designer with an off-center sense of humor. The views both sides of the mountain are wonderful. 

The mountains rise vertically.
Making the descent vertical, too.
Seems like it gets more strenuous on each occasion. Could that be aging...the mountain, of course?
A view from the top.

A view of the other side.

Avoiding the chains and ropes. Quite a hangover.

Jen liked the position so it's included.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

48.29 Arizona: Tonto National Forest: Gold Ridge

This was a pretty tough hike which was 'pretty' but also rugged. It was the only hike in the forest that we undertook not close to Roosevelt Lake. However, at our highpoint we could see the lake in the distance. With better air quality, the views through the lens of the water would have been attractive on this 9-miles hike. 

Jen does a little bush-whacking.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

48.22 Page, Arizona. Exploring above the banks of Lake Powell.

When we think we know that which lies ahead, we limit our opportunity of gaining a lateral perspective. For, each opportunity spotted along the trunk, branches into many different avenues. 

Castle Rock. Call me odd but I love the scene enhanced with the aid of good light.
He looks into the abyss and what does he see?
"What a dodo? If you're going to stand on edges then be a real man...bird. This is what we call an edge-cum-private toilet."

There are no trails but it is in fact a pleasure land of seeking and finding ways up, over and down the boulders, rocks, mounds and hills. At every position the outstanding scenery confronts a person. The coloring is surreal, the views beautiful and ever changing because of varying shades of light. Combined with solid exercise, honing one's climbing skills and satisfying the soul with incredible visuals, it's hard to beat this informal hike. 

The scenes are exquisite around Lake Powell.
I think Jen feels the same way.

Follow that curve.
The sun hits the bank.
Clouds provide more subtle light.
When gazing at the scene and understanding the necessity for power generation and transmission, nevertheless it also illustrates the approaches of man and nature. An observation, no agenda. 

So much variety in rock formations...preparing to jump.

Continuous absorption.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

48.21 California: Features of the week in the desert cities...Palm Springs et al.

When we think we know that which lies ahead, we limit our opportunity of gaining a lateral perspective. For, each opportunity spotted along the trunk, branches into many different avenues. Should a person focus upon a target, it augurs well; however, it brings with it limited vision and foregoing a number of other targets. A single minded search for the forest might mean missing the trees. 

The hiking opportunities in Palm Springs/Desert/Indio/Cathedral City/etc are limitless with incredibly well-developed trails. Once again, should they do a better job in cooling the summers it would be well-received. Just suggesting. 

She looks a little lost but I know she's enjoying the position.
"Guys! Cut them some slack. At least they try. Dummies! But who are we to judge with our 4 limbs." Hats off to Jenni who managed to get the threesome to mount the rock and pose for us...quite a feat with all those feet.
Loved that position.
"Let me rephrase it. Cut her some slack. Him? I give up!" (Perhaps, twin boys?)

The signage is excellent in this region. Jen thinks I’m missing the point, but I don’t think so. At each trailhead, and at some positions on trails, they have indications that state, “You are here”. Incredible. I don’t think they monitor us with tracking satellites but each time, the signboard is able to tell us exactly where we are. I tried to trick them the other day. I told Jen to wait at the board and I’d hide behind a tree and see whether the ‘board’ knew where I was. Fooled them although maybe they only monitor one person in a group. Heck, there are some clever people in this region. 

In some countries, it might be considered overcrowding. In this city, it's considered expensive. (Viewed from top of Bear Creek Oasis). 

Jenni develops tunnel vision as we decide instead of crossing over railway tracks, we should cross under them. The taller a person, the more challenging.
Smug at the high point.

Along the San Andreas fault, in and out of the slot canyons; now they tell us.

Bat caves you say.
Is the desert magnificent or?
Contrasting the harsh land and water at Salton Sea.
You might think it's quite a contrast, one early morning.

Jen heads to the peak on Hopalong trail.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

48.18 Arizona: SARA Park, Lake Havasu: Bike paths and trails of 'Scratch and its sisters', amongst beautiful surroundings.

SARA Park is a treasure for the community of Havasu Lake. It has some easy hikes, interesting and tricky climbs, a wilderness region that offers wonderful hiking opportunities and of course, almost constant views of the water. As we have mentioned many times, the Colorado River always does a remarkable 'job' in beautifying whichever region through which it flows. Take away the hot summers and a person could easily retire in the area. In fact, for those who are nostalgic for the old British Empire (could be some of those still around), they even transported and re-assembled London Bridge in the city. 

We suppose should one agitate sufficiently, who knows, perhaps the Eiffel Tower could find its way to the town. On second thoughts, with the move to destroy statues of important historical figures, there must be some real bargains available. Heck, we'd gladly take one of Washington, Jefferson or Lincoln to name just a few. Clinton and Trump? Perhaps send those to England for refurbishment or China for 're-education'.

Hang in there...just a few more steps.

'Stand-up, son, you're making a spectacle of yourself.'

 "That feels better, huh?'

Something very special.

Will he make it?

A view from the top.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey