48.16 Arizona: Lees Ferry, Marble Canyon: Spenser Trail to reach high above the Colorado River.

To truly attain a finer understanding of nature, of the world, it’s better to connect with it rather than learn of it. Absorption of nature by lecture, reading and discussion provides useful clues but does not reveal its mystery, harshness and beauty. Above all, the superficial fails to leave indelible impressions on body, mind and soul. 

Jenni's heart races a little after spending more than an hour on cliff edges.
After negotiating an almost vertical trail, the reward of standing in this position is too generous.
What can a person say!
If someone accused us of having a bias toward this hike, this place, we'd plead guilty on the spot. We only discovered Spenser Trail last October and have now completed it for the fourth time. It's a wonder. Relatively short, extremely steep and tricky in places, it's not easy to find a better experience. Add in the fact that the views are magnificent the whole route with additional rewards at the top, it's one in which the hiker feels spoiled. Perhaps the strenuous nature of the hike balances out the reward with effort expended. Each time we have undertaken it, the experience has differed. 

Elevation gain, height, color, form, water...
It has a power, a force...
The fissures in the earth are so bold, so overwhelming...one feels insignificant surrounded by such power.
One of two legs of the river sighted from the trail and peak.
and the other leg.
We crossed that bridge when we came to it...Isn't that what we were taught as kids?
Not surprising, close to the border with Utah.
Jenni moving up.

Tower Butte and Page. By car, Page is 45 minutes away but 'by crow', 2 minutes. 

Overwhelming no matter where one stands.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

Probably be easier with a motor fitted to our kayak.
That's the wall. Go get 'em, Tiger...only 1,700 feet straight up.