56.08 Arizona: Spenser Trail at Lees Ferry, perhaps one of our best places to hike and observe great desert beauty, 'plus a river'. Also, facing a comeback challenge.

Scenery is a knockout, taken from part-way up our mountain.
This is a winner: It shows the scenery and the struggle. It's hiking (ascending at its best).
Invariably, I cannot help but take excess photographs of this scene. Unfortunately, I'm running out of film.
A different view of the Colorado River.
  Jen begins the descent.
Without wishing to bore a would-be reader, it behooves me to mention that this hike was a milestone. Briefly, I believe that one of the issues in growing older or unfortunately, suffering ill-health, is that a person is unable to perform tasks, undertake activities and live generally, as one did in earlier years. I find that most frustrating and a deep concern. Having to resign oneself to an inability to do what was done before, is a comedown—I believe it can be debilitating. Fortunately, I did get over playing rugby, soccer etc. because while I'm not smart, I do have some perspective. Tackling a 180-pound fella running directly at a person is not something I miss. 

 Prior to the recent surgery, a second hip at that, my concern was that I would be limited further. I got used to dealing with the pain and sometimes, restricted movements of the joint, but continued to hike and exercise. More importantly, to be able to negotiate climbing obstacles is critical for our style. 

  Following recent hip replacement surgery, Jen and I decided in principle to begin slowly and build strength and dexterity at a measured pace. Nice idea. However, that's not quite in our DNA. Jenni also developed back pain recently. (Bending low to cut my toenails proved too much for her muscles). We recommenced 6-weeks post-surgery with an intended cautious policy. Although the first few hikes were proper trails, they were not tough. Today, Spenser Trail is/was tough. There's risk of falling off the mountain as it is sharply up with very narrow edges and slippery in places. It’s almost vertical but it is an incredibly clever and well-built trail. It’s also an amazing experience. We set Spenser as our goal to test whether we were back to form although Jen was dubious. I had some doubts but felt fairly confident. This would be my big test. 

  On Thanksgiving Day, we drove from Page to Lees Ferry, a region that hosts the Colorado River for a few miles. Mr. Spenser built this almost impossible trail in order to bring in materials for construction. Rumor has it that he needed a quick route to the Mormon office to register his numerous upcoming marriages, hence he built a shortcut. Whatever the case, the man was truly amazing (his numerous wives hopefully shared that feeling) because the climb appears vertical. 

  My goal was to do what we always do. As mentioned earlier, I don't want to have excuses by saying, 'well you nearly made it, or it's okay to be slower or maybe start with a partial climb'. I struggle to deal with excuses and rationalization. In the end, a person does it or fails. Excuses are not acceptable. All within reason, of course. Then once again, the danger of rationalization creeps into the equation of what is reasonable. 

  Fortunately, together with my dear nurse, spouse, confidant and love, we reached the goal safely within a reasonable time, although a little slower than usual. However, that was good enough and I am most grateful. Truth be told, each day is a day to be thankful...to be grateful. 

  Dr. Yashar was obviously incredible, his staff were kind and caring and I realize how fortunate I am. I will reveal I fear something which is unfortunately, so real and occurs from time-to-time—the fear of falling at this early stage of recovery. Life is about managing the risks.

 Having mentioned all of the above, there are still days when I struggle to put on a sock, tie a shoelace, but that's small fry. Tell us to go climb a boulder and you'll make our day.

Waiting for a slow-coach.

From the top, we view Page. It's a fifty-minute drive whereas if there was a direct route, probably ten minutes. Tower Butte (Voortrekker Monument) in the background. 
It doesn't get better.
The background for the movie scenes of 'Rocky' series. 
In the early stages, the scene tells us the world is at peace, even if only for a short while. 
Jen loves those tight edges and slippery paths...hey, Jen?
The positions on this hike are nothing short of spectacular.
As we were saying...
Unknown horseshoe bends. We prefer these scenes to the official 'Horseshoe Bend'.

The contrasts are the work of a master imagination. Arriving at the top and a quick collapse.

The paths are narrow but this one is smooth, making it more dangerous than the rocky ones.
A view from the top.
Down she goes.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

Remnants of a bygone age with the mountain as a backdrop.