Behind Jenni (left corner), within the park, is Turtle Head...(not Jenni). See below.
This was a first visit to Kraft Mountain despite a number of previous hikes undertaken in the enclosed Red Rock Park, which lies behind the mountain. In fact, we are obviously so observant that we never noticed it although it's in walking distance of the park boundary. (Anyone require advice or directions from us?) Turtle Head Peak, viewed from our trail and the rocks climbed, shares one side of its face with this section of the greater Red Rock district, while the other side can only be viewed from the national park itself. Frankly, we'll return, probably without General MacArthur though, for it's a wonderful place.
It's a delight for anyone wishing to climb, scramble and try new moves on the rocks and boulders. Combined with startling formations and exquisite coloring, including stripes on these massive boulders, one has all the ingredients for a challenging, strenuous and most fulfilling experience. It also helps to hone one's climbing and balancing skills. It's a 'rocker's' paradise.
Turtle Head, um, is where Jen stands, some 2,000 feet above ground level (Circ 2018). (See picture above.)
Delightful environment.
She agrees to join me finally.
Perched on one of the hundreds of great rocks. "How dem stripe stones, Tex?"
and more, which are great to climb upon. A kid's delight.
I can't recall when we last had so much enjoyment on the rocks. Oh, yes. The day before.
Further perspective of the 'turtle'.
"Don't turn your back on me."
Taking the gap as well as the rocks.
Looking bewildered. Where to from here?
The day before, we had walked from outside the park toward Calico Hills, where we stood observing the colorful boulders. Then we heard a dumb sounding accent and said 'hello' to a fellow from Ohio, now living in Las Vegas who of course was from the old country. What a 'squeeky' accent. Do we sound like that? Anyway, it's very seldom one meets a South African on a trail, even in the home country, in our experience. They probably prefer to play rugby, eat boerewors and biltong, and drive around in a Chevrolet. (Bit of a local thing).
Delightful environment.
She agrees to join me finally.
Perched on one of the hundreds of great rocks. "How dem stripe stones, Tex?"
and more, which are great to climb upon. A kid's delight.
I can't recall when we last had so much enjoyment on the rocks. Oh, yes. The day before.
Further perspective of the 'turtle'.
"Don't turn your back on me."
Taking the gap as well as the rocks.
Looking bewildered. Where to from here?
The day before, we had walked from outside the park toward Calico Hills, where we stood observing the colorful boulders. Then we heard a dumb sounding accent and said 'hello' to a fellow from Ohio, now living in Las Vegas who of course was from the old country. What a 'squeeky' accent. Do we sound like that? Anyway, it's very seldom one meets a South African on a trail, even in the home country, in our experience. They probably prefer to play rugby, eat boerewors and biltong, and drive around in a Chevrolet. (Bit of a local thing).
The next day, on Kraft Mountain, we had just come over a crest and said hello to a woman coming from the opposite direction. Her initial comment was, which seemed out of context, "There's a South African coming up behind me." Lo and behold, we met John following his wife, Cheryl—an interesting couple. She's American but recognized our accents immediately for obvious reasons. John is from the Transkei and has an accent that is cultured, upper-class English but not 'effected'. It's embarrassing to mention that we spent forty minutes conversing instead of hiking. Two South Africans on consecutive days on two different tracks...unusual.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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