Ups-and-downs along the water.
Considering the ultimate leap of faith...stupidity.
Could look at the scenes in this region all day.
'Voortrekker Monument' (South African look-alike) comes into view.
A scene from last year. When we reached the end of the waterway for the kayak, we hiked in the canyon. Currently, we are hiking above the canyon. The famous 'Antelope Canyon' tourist attractions are about 1.5 miles further up. We found this place even more spectacular. This end of the canyon can only be reached by boat.
Over the years, we came to realize much is not what it seems in the wilderness. Most mountains are higher than they appear, trails and scrambling routes are more difficult than when viewed from afar, and distances appear shorter than actual. Perhaps some of us are naturally optimistic of things we favor. Of course, this is probably the fault of our subjectivity, and particularly mine (Jeffrey).
We're back in Page again. When heading to one of many of the tributaries and outflows of Lake Powell, the land appears relatively flat. However, that’s anything but true. While it may look that way from a commencement point, once a person spots the lake, it’s easy to think the target is just a little lower than where the observer stands. Between the starting point and the target, there are many hills, boulders, depressions, inclines, declines and a host of hurdles that cannot be seen from even a short distance away. Our eyes are not able to see a route and its components while brains are unable to compute this without reasonably accurate information. A climb of a mountain in the thousands of feet can be tough, but a defined track provides a route which amounts to calculable knowledge of the distance, elevation and other relevant information. This is not the case when looking out over the desert land before one.
Returning to the Lake Powell region, while few paths exist, there are many ways for hikers to make their way to randomly selected destinations. Without defined paths, one must improvise and use judgment to decide whether to negotiate a particular incline hoping there is way down on the other side as one makes tracks toward a selected destination. Take a simple example. Even if the altitude at both the commencement and destination points is similar, resulting in zero effective gain or loss, there could be hundreds or even thousands of feet gain/loss in-between because of canyons, hills, small mountains, depressions, deep crevices, etc. Perhaps that’s obvious but when one looks out across terrain, one is not able to make a calculation. It all becomes about improvisation which in and of itself often proves to be a challenge, but in most instances, a most enjoyable and rewarding experience. Wandering about Page in wonder is such an experience. No wonder it's one of our favorite places, this town close to the border of Utah.
If you don't have energy to paddle, take the bus around the 'horseshoe'.
We love the scrambling, climbing and playing on the rocks...an ideal venue...and best of all, my new hip had few complaints.
Another 'horseshoe'. There is a 'Horseshoe Bend' in Page which is a major tourist attraction. Along and above Antelope Canyon, we've never seen another person.
Keeps one fascinated.
This is playtime while hiking in Page.
A rather narrow part.
Sharp edges in color.
So much to absorb...so little time.
Sloping down.
Auditioning for the sequel of the movie: 'My Left Foot'. Contrary to popular expectations: Outright rejection.
We prefer to walk although we've paddled a few times, too.
Love the 'horseshoes'.
In closing, we recall an incident some years back which occurred in New Zealand. We had just reached the base of a mountain on our return from the peak. We stopped to greet a young man who was American. We began conversing and learned he was from New York. I was puzzled. Not that people from New York can be found in the wilderness of this small but exciting country, but that his accent did not gel.
We love the scrambling, climbing and playing on the rocks...an ideal venue...and best of all, my new hip had few complaints.
Another 'horseshoe'. There is a 'Horseshoe Bend' in Page which is a major tourist attraction. Along and above Antelope Canyon, we've never seen another person.
Keeps one fascinated.
This is playtime while hiking in Page.
Sharp edges in color.
So much to absorb...so little time.
Auditioning for the sequel of the movie: 'My Left Foot'. Contrary to popular expectations: Outright rejection.
We prefer to walk although we've paddled a few times, too.
Love the 'horseshoes'.
In closing, we recall an incident some years back which occurred in New Zealand. We had just reached the base of a mountain on our return from the peak. We stopped to greet a young man who was American. We began conversing and learned he was from New York. I was puzzled. Not that people from New York can be found in the wilderness of this small but exciting country, but that his accent did not gel.
He agreed and said he was currently living in the 'Big Apple' but he was from Arizona.
"Where in Arizona?" We questioned.
"You won't know of the place," he replied.
After a few back-and-forth comments, still not revealing his home, we asked him: "Try us".
"Page," he smiled, assuming he had us, his face indicating 'I told you so'.
Jenni retorted, "We spent a week in your beautiful town last month."
Trying to match Jenni's recent showoff specials. Still got a way to go.
Cheers,
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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