Arizona: A Few Shots of the week in Tonto...sure beats whiskey.

Jenni trudges up a section of the Arizona Trail on a nine-mile stint.

Roosevelt Lake in the distance.
Walking into the 4-Peaks.
'Bridge over unTroubled Water."
One of many reasons we cannot leave where we are.
Young Jonah and the old whale complete brunch while Jenni sneaks in a shot.

We met a delightful guy, US citizen, who now lives in Germany, at the trailhead, pictured above. It was over an 8-mile hike return to reach this point. He was hiking part of the long Arizona trail. Arriving at a trailhead after miles of walking uphill proved to be a surreal moment and period. For reasons hard to explain, even understand, Jen and I both felt overcome with joy at finding a shady spot below the unexpected signboard, in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by gorgeous views and about to partake in a late brunch. Who can explain such happiness in these circumstances? 

 Thereafter, Jonah joined us and it became difficult to separate. That was after we had conversed with an elderly couple and their friends who had driven to our position in Off-Road-Vehicles. It was another long conversation which meant we arrived home late. A young couple from Alaska joined us soon before our departure. In two weeks of hiking in this region, three fellow hikers were the most with whom we'd crossed paths. 

 It reminded us of another time on Mount Humphreys in Flagstaff, Arizona's highest mountain (note the plug). On that occasion which we mentioned years back, it was cold and we were dressed accordingly, bundled. Although the sun was shining, the air temperature never got above the forties. On our way down, we noticed a young guy walking up with his chest bare. I had to stop and ask him where he was from—I suspected his home might be in a cold climate. “Alaska", he responded. I felt better—it made sense. 

 Ever since, I’ve been searching the trails for at least one Alaskan woman. 

 Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey