56:16 Arizona: Lake Havasu: Contrasting 'Risky' peak in Sara Park with other vantage points. Multiple views from various peaks to focus on one target.

 We intended going out wandering for the day but ended up taking a high risk climb on a sharp incline but covered with terrible scree. Suffice to say, it got the adrenaline flowing which raised the level of excitement and trepidation and so it was a less calm day than envisaged. Obviously, it was a much more exciting hike and we felt better for it. The next day, we intended a calmer wandering amongst the hills. It never happened. All but one of the hikes in this area resulted in an anti-calm(ish) day. So much for our resolve. 

  For the record, the official name of the mountain is not 'Risky" Peak. We were unable to find its name as it is not an official climb or hike. We've also never seen anyone near it. It was an example of realizing the importance of having a name, even if it's not a good one, but we all need an identity. It reminds us of a beautiful concept set out in the Talmud. Basically, the highest attribute a person can have, surpassing everything else, is that of a 'good name'. 

On another hike (Wednesday), this shows the mountain peak upon which we stood the day before. Guess what? The next day's hike was once again tricky--that's four in a row. Shows you how (im)balanced we are. Gives new meaning to 'living on the edge'. And I'm just a simple boy looking for peace and calm. Obviously, Jenni's the problem.
This is Jenni standing on the peak shown above, on the Tuesday.
Likewise... 

  This is part of the profile. The real issue was the scree surface. Taken on the fifth hike in so many days. Each day became more risky but incredible. Sometimes, we realize we're not behaving as we should.

 

On Tuesday, a view from the above peak toward Lake Havasu/Colorado River. Note the little hut and toilet (campsite) along the cove in the middle of the picture. We viewed this position from at least 5 different peaks and upper-trails.
On the next day, Wednesday, we arrive at the water's edge and eat at the small campsite.

Approaching the saddle.
Still a way to go. Some views from the peak.

Jen stands a few feet lower than the main peak.

On the way down, it gives some perspective of the drop and terrain, we think. Notice a group in the wash below...smelly bunch.
A view of the campsite location from a trail in front of 'Risky' Peak on another day.


A similar view while approaching the campsite, the following day. Jen's view perhaps not that interesting.

Hike 7: From the peak right of The Lizard, the campsite again in view.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

56.18 Arizona: Tonto National Forest: Scenes along the Salt River.

An unusual scene that caught and the held the eye.
Apache Lake on the Salt River down river from Roosevelt Lake and dam.
Following the river and loving every moment.

Fascinating fellas. Tend to congregate in limited areas. Rumor has it this is the annual get together of pricks.
Jen admires the Salt River (I think), while on the Vineyard trail.
As we move toward Apache Lake, we lose sight of the Salt River.
Flow of the river viewed from above, on the Vineyard Trail.
Very much closer to the surface on another day, another hike.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

56:17 Four Lakes, Four Parts of Paradise, Four Places to Live (outside of summer).

 As we list and celebrate 4 spectacular locations dominated by lakes fed by the Colorado River, the first 3 of them directly, Lake Havasu, Lake Mead, Lake Powell and Roosevelt Lake, we contemplate the magnificence of these desert areas as another year closes. 

The key: LH-Lake Havasu, City of Havasu. LM-Lake Mead, Boulder City. LP-Lake Powell, Page. LR-Lake Roosevelt, Tonto Basin. 

LM
LP
LP
LM
LR
LH
LP
LH
LR
LP
LH. We've heard of drawing a line in the sand but ...in the water? 

LP
LR
LM
LH
LR
LP
LM
LP
LM
LH

LH

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

56.10: Tonto Basin, Arizona: Bachelor Cove Trailhead (3-bar wildlife) heading toward 'Nirvana', the 51st state...of mind.

"PICTURES WITHOUT WORDS...actually, with their own words." 

Roosevelt Lake, the surrounding mountains and shore of boulders, rocks and sand. 

The question has been posed in deep-thinking circles: 'Should Nirvana become the 51st state of the Union, will it be placed in the 51st position following Wyoming or fitted between New York and North Dakota? This is probably one of congress's toughest issues it faces today.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey