48.26 California: Palm Desert: Murray Hill/Peak via Bogert Trail (without Joanne and Ron(aldo)).

What makes this hike particularly memorable, nostalgic too, is that some 8 years before, we had the honor and pleasure of meeting two wonderful people somewhere on a feeder trail toward Murray Peak. It was indeed a chance meeting that developed into something much more. Joanne and Ron Allegretto of Vancouver, Canada are dear friends, although limited by verbal communication only. We hope to change that soon. However, should people be able to develop a stong bond without physical contact, this is one of those situations. 

When Ron and I communicate, frequently, it's as if we grew up together. Anyway, that's how it feels from my side. Ron(aldo) is such a good guy he probably just humors that 'hybrid southerner' but he does make me laugh often. I suppose it might look silly to anyone observing me sitting before my laptop after receiving one of his emails and hear a burst of laughter. 

Thanks, Joanne and Ron. In some silly way, I was hoping that we might bump into them again on that very trail. It wasn't to be as Ron could have been participating in a Curling event or pursuing his passion of enjoying automobile collections or chasing after Maria, their cute granddaughter.

 

After an hour or more on trail, we see the peak to the left in the distance.

Early stages of a 'volcanic eruption' that never made the news.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey