Approaching the top of number 4 of four. This is on the way home.
A truly golden day.
We returned to the winter deserts for a quick sojourn. We never thought a desert would become one of our favorite places to visit, hike and enjoy its beauty. Beauty? Isn't it in the eyes of the beholder or should that be hiker? We've been to the peak of the Frenchman on numerous occasions. Like many other climbs, it seems to be getting more difficult, not easier. Obviously, it has nothing to do with age—perhaps to use the standard phrase we hear so often these days: Must be climate change.
Today, the climate changed considerably. The last time we were in Las Vegas, mostly Boulder City, the temperature reached 107 degrees. This morning, it changed. At the peak it was in the low 30's but returned to 60 degrees when we reached the trailhead. The hike has 4 separate steep climbs which test one. Add to the challenge is the stony path and a person knows that he/she has been tested. It's a relatively short distance, 4 miles, of which 2,200 feet of elevation is negotiated in say, 1.6 miles. Expressed differently, ignoring a few level stretches, one achieves elevation gain at about 1,300 feet per mile but on very rough terrain. The latter is a critical aspect.
Jenni, initially, did not enjoy this hike at all. She found the trail (road) too rough on her feet and dangerously slippery. Fair comment. In the last couple of years, she has both adapted and overcome those negative feelings to the Frenchman, to her credit. She reckons her feet have become hardened. An alternative is perhaps her brain has hardened and through years of ignoring it's warnings, it's given up communicating with her.
The sights of Las Vegas, Mount Charleston in the distance covered in snow, Red Rock Park in the foothills and desert scenes are stunning. While we dislike the city with some passion, the surround is, for us, just the opposite.
Reaching number 1 of four tops, looking toward number 2.
On the way to number 3 of four tops after descending the slope to the left.
We pause to absorb the beauty and to take a rest.
While resting, Jen turns to look from whence she came. Above her is the peak but on the way back down, she'll have to climb that little monster. I suppose me too.
Not far to go to reach the high point. The black tarmac below is where we parked the car. Notice the truck attempting to drive up. Never made it. The road is incredibly rough.
From the peak, we get a perspective of Las Vegas.
Looking toward the strip. It was so cold, the last thing on my mind was a strip.
Loved this scene, further enhanced as Jen struggles up another steep section.
The telephoto allows us to recognize a Mormon Temple, a striking structure.
Gazing over on the other side of the peak. Unfortunately, the haze did not allow us to view Lake Mead.
Cheers,
On the way to number 3 of four tops after descending the slope to the left.
We pause to absorb the beauty and to take a rest.
While resting, Jen turns to look from whence she came. Above her is the peak but on the way back down, she'll have to climb that little monster. I suppose me too.
Not far to go to reach the high point. The black tarmac below is where we parked the car. Notice the truck attempting to drive up. Never made it. The road is incredibly rough.
From the peak, we get a perspective of Las Vegas.
Looking toward the strip. It was so cold, the last thing on my mind was a strip.
Loved this scene, further enhanced as Jen struggles up another steep section.
The telephoto allows us to recognize a Mormon Temple, a striking structure.
Gazing over on the other side of the peak. Unfortunately, the haze did not allow us to view Lake Mead.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
You'd think there's a shortage of desert land.
You have to get 'knocked down' to go up in life.
One for the road. Love the views so much.
You have to get 'knocked down' to go up in life.
One for the road. Love the views so much.
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