50.02 Nevada: Boulder City: Red Mountain returning via Bootleg Canyon (in one piece)

Continuing with the theme of heat, I acted in a cowardly manner. A while back, I brazenly stated: 'The next male who tells me temperatures of over 100 degrees may be hot but...but in Arizona and Nevada, it's a dry heat, I will bop'. Sure enough we met people, almost none on the trails although we departed from the trailheads at 5am, who made the statement precisely. I did not take action—I was too hot and dry...and cowardly. (Essay follows at end)  

The power of early light.
Changing light, not a different mountain.
Always searching for bighorn sheep...sometimes even count them in my sleep.
Lake Mead under harsh light referred to in the essay below.
One of our least favorite cities (Las Vegas) but always attractive from peaks.
On our last trip during winter, we stood on the peak in the distance and got a different perspective.
In the USA, there's always a golf course somewhere close, Col.
Jen led us down Bootleg Canyon trail from Red Mountain Peak. It's what I call living dangerously. The picture is tame, the trail, wild.
Not good light to fully appreciate Lake Mead.
 

We began walking a little after 5am. It was early but not soon enough. The problem with wishing to experience a sunrise from a mountaintop is that a person needs to depart from the trailhead in the dark. The reverse applies for a sunset from the top. We were late. We used flashlights but only for a short while. We turned toward the eastern sky and noticed an orange/yellow hue over the mountains in Arizona. The coloring seemed to appear from nowhere. We continued climbing. Each time we faced east, the colors became more pronounced. Thereafter, the reds entered the picture providing a good contrast (‘colors not commies’). 

 As long as we gazed at the forming picture, nothing seemed to change. Once we took our eyes away from the light, returning say a minute later, we noticed a new pattern, more intense light. The glow of blue on the surface of Lake Mead made an appearance—a nice contrast. Between ourselves and the water, besides a few gaps, the various shapes were dull, large and unattractive. Yet as the sun’s rays became emboldened, the form and color of these mountains presented themselves vividly, one even in red. Formerly dull and shapeless, they took on designs and colors nature had intended. 

  We realize there are many ways of observing what we term ‘miracles’. One can see the changes in the former night sky occurring. One may also immerse oneself in the process, realizing a miracle is presenting itself at that moment. Because such a phenomenon is one of infinite occurrences each day, makes it no less of a miracle. While we may wake from slumber and take for granted the world is being lit so that we should see, produce food, grow ourselves, create warmth, makes it no less miraculous. Are we even interested?—we have far too many distractions to attend to, one ensuring coffee will be ready soon. In cities, most times should residents even wish to observe the process, there are few locations which allow it. Concrete—yes, nature—less so. 

  While watching the sun rise, we seemed to change. Instead of observing only, our minds, perhaps our souls too, forgot our purpose. We immersed ourselves into the surrounds. We forgot where we were, did not bother to move ahead to reach the peak but chose instead, to become one with the happenings. Of course, it’s hard to explain and one could end up manufacturing a feeling. Instead, when one does not see oneself as being outside the process but rather, touched by the light, comforted by the gentle warmth (even in a desert in summer), in the company of flora and chirping birds, as well as animals hiding (which we spotted later), the acceptance that we are not superior or special but merely a part of the process rather than only observers, allows us to meld into it and be at one with nature. 

  The coloring reflected off the basking mountains, as the sun reaches a certain height, summons the eyes and senses to absorb further beauty. It’s a quick process but should not be rushed. Better to remain focused on limited spots to avoid disturbing the aura surrounding one during those few moments. 

  When the white light breaks through at completion, it’s harsh and less flattering to the witnesses. Often it reveals what many humans look and feel like when awakening with unwashed bodies, without make-up or clothing, to cover reality. It’s during the previous moments that one is dreaming and absorbing miraculous reality. Thereafter, the daily miracles continue but in another form. 

  Man invented and created his own form of light—one being a flashlight. Brilliant. Some metal or plastic, glass, wiring, a bulb and batteries which produce limited light. Nature, directing the sun, creates and everlasting source of light and heat that covers the entire world and within a twenty-four hour period. Miraculous and…always beautiful, too. 

 Cheers, 

 Jenni and Jeffrey