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)
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.
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)
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
No comments:
Post a Comment