61.33 Nevada: A brief introduction to Boulder City—three tough, colorful, and glorious hikes from a place that's a world-winner (opinion).

We do feel privileged for a number of reasons, but we'll stick to one. Admittedly, as we've stated often enough, 'nothing for nothing'. If it's free or requires no effort expended, then it's usually worth little or even worthless. (continues below)

Hamblin Peak hike.
A scramble to the peak above Black Canyon Road, a first-time event over scree, with Hoover Dam below.
   An elderly friend, some years ago, mentioned that we were fortunate to see such beautiful sights the world has to offer. We couldn't agree more. However, she followed through that she would never be able to view such magnificence or had viewed it because she cannot get around. While we sympathize with her sentiments, she was also young once, reasonably strong and with the pecuniary resources to explore. However, she chose to remain at home.

    This brings me to an internal debate which is invariably carried on with my go-getter of a wife, partner, friend, confidante, etcetera. She tells me that my favorite part of the world is invariably the last location we visited and in which we hiked or climbed. While this sounds extraordinarily silly, (me not her), I do see some truth in it. How's that for setting up a little rationalization. Should she or our son, Gavin, be reading this, I am certain that they will develop a syndrome known to the family as "rolling of the eyes". It's such a serious issue, the syndrome, that I worry that Jen will have her contact lenses pop from her eyes. Fortunately, Gav's eyes are now near perfect as he decided to have minor treatment some years back when he realized should he be confronted with these dilemmas from his father regularly, it would be wise to take some visual steps to block a possibility of being blinded by my outbursts. 

  Where is this leading? It could be to any number of places but as I'm writing it in Boulder City, Nevada, I should commence with that beautiful place, the home of Lake Mead. Should you have missed the subtle hint then I will be bold and state Lake Mead and its surround is close to the most beautiful place of all. You might ask what about Page, Arizona, a region about which I’ve been most vociferous. Well, I might answer, when we arrive in that outstanding location, it might well be my favorite place. You see, when a person is fortunate, blessed really, to have to decide which is more wonderful, beautiful, challenging, satisfying..., it truly does not matter. Who cares? Should one be immersed in a place that feels like a perceived heaven, then everything is only of academic interest as to which is superior. After all, it’s subjective, it matters not—look who Jenni married. 

  So I hope to continue having internal debates, of irrelevant academic interest, of which location is more exquisite and channels us in a zone that is not explainable but is nevertheless, somewhere in which Jen and I love to try to place ourselves at every opportunity. The desert and mountains surrounding Lake Mead, along and close to the Colorado River, show us miracles daily. It truly is a blessing. "Hey, Jen, how's Lake Havasu, one your favorites or is it Tonto Basin?...Careful, your eyes might pop." 

  We have completed only three outings in the Lake Mead region, from our base in Boulder City, a place we have visited and hiked many times. We offer the following plagiarism: ‘We have nothing to offer but blood (just a little from a fall), toil (we pass), tears (of joy from the views) and sweat (from the steep climbs). As an aside, the world misses (needs) Sir Winson. We certainly do. 

Mount Charleston appears between the mountains as we head up to Hamblin Peak.
Jen stands on Hamblin Peak, Lake Mead and the Colorado below, on a dull day (weather). (Fortification Mountain in the rear.)
A few years back, playing on Fortification Mountain...a little perspective. In the far distance, the city of 'Las Gambling'
A view of part of the lake and surround from the unknown peak we discovered that day.
One of the challenges and the fun part enroute to a destination.
Lake Mead in all its glory and more as we go cross country. The little structure on the extreme left is where we found ourselves having brunch.
A different view of Lake Mead/Colorado River from Hamblin Peak.
Over the years, we've come across many situations, particularly in the US, such as this. We no longer take bathing suits with us because of the onerous limitation and certainly feel deprived and hindered, not having a guard watching over us. When we feel particularly rebellious and wish to live dangerously, we will jump into the water, taking a major risk. Some people would think we are exaggerating the risks at these many unprotected areas. Well, you try swimming in the nude with our bodies...
Another thing that we have found over many years of hiking in remote regions is that a person will come across a wreck more often than expected. Today, we experienced not just one, (see below) but two. (The picture also illustrates the type of terrain we covered.)
We found the American Dream(er) finally...in a cave. Talk is that he should remain there indefinitely seeing he's so content.
We are noticing that life in the deserts, particularly in Arizona, can be at times, awfully prickly. Here are two completely different examples of the danger for a dumb male. (On the way to Hamblin Peak.)
The next two views are from the peak we hiked for the first time. (Freeway 11 below)

Often wrong but certain that we are in a world of wonder, especially in the Lake Mead area. 

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

61:31 Arizona: Page: Hiking through the desert, arriving at the Colorado River using informal routes. 61.32 Waltzing along the Colorado from another perspective.

Most of the day included up-and-overs, across land without trails but always magnificent sights and good experiences.
Jen approaching one of the canyons leading toward the river.
We have to reach what looks like the horizon and see what is over that rise. Hopefully, the river is close-by.
This is what's behind us as we head into the 'unknown'. The river makes many turns so we might find it where we least expect to or not find it at all.
This is at it looks when water is flowing between the walls.
Without water, only soft sand. "Anyone seen the Colorado?"
"I thought I'd at least see some water as we're at your fantastic Colorado River, Sweetheart."
'After this sight, do you really need water?'
'and what about that? You're a little picky, you are.'
'If you're going to stand so far away, what do you expect to see?'
Not as colorful as the former (61.31) but just as stimulating.
'Forget the water; this is not too bad, isn't it?'
"Wow! Atta Girl!"
'If you can speed it up, please; the show is about to begin. Try to attend, he likes a bit of an audience, even one person is very flattering for him.'
The wilderness of Page has its own 'wave'. No wonder one of us hates to wave good bye.
'I see we're into meditation. Are you wondering how you'll get down to earth...I mean water?'
'Oops! The end of the road and no water.'
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

Crazy about this scene...and a few others, actually, thousands, but who's counting.
'So you want water? You only had to ask despite being in the desert. Okay, dip your toe in this.'

61.29 Nevada: Red Rock Park, outside entry-Kraft Mountain loop, including Slot Canyon challenge.

How those colors including Turtlehead in the background and my cute tortoise in the foreground?
Jen is about to enter a slot canyon which is part of Kraft Mountain.  

 After spending ten days in the Las Vegas region, more to come and fewer days to have arrived at the conclusion that follows, it would be difficult to select a more colorful, inviting, better rock-climbing and scrambling location. It's also uncomfortable for us to use the word beautiful and Las Vegas in the same context, even the same sentence. Fortunately, when we talk of the beauty of Las Vegas, it is the surround, definitely not the city or strip. 

 Having got that off the chest (not for the first time), cleared the air, taken a few deep breaths, we are soon heading for the eastern side, that's on the border with Arizona...did we mention another favorite place? Okay, okay, let a guy express himself...even ad nauseum. The other side includes additional desert and for dessert supreme, Lake Mead and the Colorado River. 'Meed' we say more...should be 'need'. 

One improvises to avoid water, muddy and very sandy parts as well as deal with finding a way up-and-over boulders or around difficult and uncomfortable situations confronting us on our way through the canyon. It can be thrilling as well as tough.
Jenni scampers along the boulders after coming out of the canyon.
Water in the desert, far from the Colorado River. An example of negotiating through a slot canyon.
Perhaps the toughest move in a while as one has to bring the legs over the obstacles with 'gripping support' from smooth walls while not clicking the hip out of joint.
You can look at beauty all day, but you have to act, too.
From canyon depths to mountain highs, the colors stun.
Jenni on trail with Turtlehead behind, a peak we reached a couple of days later.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

We include a series of views of Las Vegas Strip from great distances (over the next few blogs). 

Sunrise: Focus on the spot.
From Red Mountain, Boulder City.
A night-view from the distant mountains.
Sunrise on the strip viewed from Black Mountain, Boulder City, some 25 miles away.

61:28 Nevada: Las Vegas (not possible): A Quick peek from outside of Red Rock Park.

Nevada: Kraft Mountain: Jenni stands on a butte (arrow), in amazement heading for the saddle. Turtlehead (partial view, see below), left-rear.

Jenni on trail below and left of rock. Turtlehead Peak, previous day's hike behind (partially visible on previous cover above).
We finally found somewhere to settle down...a cave we can call our home.

Jen enroute in a staggering region. Surely, this is not Las Vegas. Wanna bet! 

  In this dark age of statue-removals, it is with regret we have to announce another one was eliminated just yesterday at Kraft Mountain. (All is not lost: It had a warm bed for the night.)

A view from Turtlehead.
Jenni dresses for brunch with a matching top (sort of). Food and utensils (to her right) await her delicate touch.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey