Jenni reaches our destination, an isolated, tiny peninsula on the lake/river.
Should you ask what is a great reward in photography arising out of hiking adventures, this would be an example.
...and this would be another.
A day later, miles to the east, we see Castle Rock from another perspective. Thus far, 4 days in a row of wonder.
While a formal trail is convenient and often comfortable, there are obviously many more places that offer challenging hikes but without easy access. While these regions are extremely challenging, particularly in forests and places with thick vegetation, when we make a discovery, the reward is not quantifiable. Often prohibitions exist because of it being public or private land. Hiking on formal trails thus becomes the obvious route to follow. However, particularly in deserts and along rivers such as the Colorado that meanders through dry regions, we love to go off formal trails and discover the hidden challenges and beauty. In Page and the surrounding land, we have done this quite often and today, we repeated it most successfully.
Enjoying the bouldering although negotiating the drop-offs proved to be a little tricky.
At the last moment, for reasons only known to us, we took a right-turn off the highway, pulled into a spectacular view site and headed down the hill over rough terrain that included, washes, cacti, boulders, large fall-offs and other hazards. Just the day before, we questioned ourselves as to who was the negative influence over the other. Why do we find ourselves in remote spots so often, many filled with risks and danger, and feel good about it? After all, Jenni is a gentle woman and her partner is hardly a 'young, strapping macho-man'—never was even 40 years earlier. The discussion did not go on for long although we were each too subjective to arrive at a conclusion. Then on the current hike, when we found ourselves in places where the 'road' ahead was precarious, we again raised the premise of who was more daring, also used as a synonym for stupid. We called it a draw but decided it was better to focus on reaching the water level at Lake Powell/Colorado River than arriving at a meaningless answer.
By the way, we realized many years ago, that no mountain ascent or wild trail is as easy as it looks. Fortunately, we don't seem to have learned the lesson. Why fortunate? We believe that when one wonders about all the risks, obstacles and things that may go awry, including weather, it tends to close avenues of adventure...and substantially. Nevertheless, we weigh up every risk and believe we are careful, although sometimes it goes wrong. Welcome to life.
What occurs frequently, not always, is that we witness spectacular sights, test our endurance and skills and feel really good about it. Our hike today, reaching a tiny peninsula at the lake/river was nothing short of spectacular. We hope the photographs attest to the beauty witnessed. It was a knock-out.
Enjoying the bouldering although negotiating the drop-offs proved to be a little tricky.
Not the roughest of positions but enough to present some obstacles.
The river takes a bend most graciously. Did I ever mention how fond I am of this body of water and its flow? Must have slipped my mind.
Jen reaches a low point, in a manner of speaking.
Hard to understand what he is doing. I don't even know.
Wahweap Marina and accommodation. (Why weep surrounded by so much beauty?)
Lost his way for a change; should be heading toward the water...as Gavin might say, "What you gonna do?"
Pretty brave girl...perhaps the insertion of 'and' after 'pretty' would be nice.
Jenni and Jeffrey
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