62.01 Nevada/Arizona: Finally, a regular job...well, that might be too hasty but here's Day-1 plus dipping into Lake Mead region...is there anything more to life?

The sun moving lower, less than an hour before nightfall. Welcome to paradise.
It's closer to evening but for one position.
We find a new position, it's on the Arizona side of the lake, facing Nevada. Our 'little fascination of perspective': Note the metal bridge jutting over the water, as shown in the previous blog, can be seen on the other side of the lake in Nevada. Binoculars are advised. (High winds affected the coloring on that day).
 

Jen loved the blue scene above (midnight-blue, she refers to it) but also liked the hues of the lower picture, hence we included both. Some of life's issues are solved easily enough. This scene, Fortification Hill (hill? Try climbing it) is east of the lake. Pictures of this favorite from different positions are all over the blog...love it.
  We find ourselves on a repeat visit to Boulder City. In fact, Jen sometimes says that we often lose ourselves in this location. The town sits on the border of Nevada and Arizona, two magnificent desert regions. Besides the rugged beauty, the amazing coloring of the land, the outstanding hiking opportunities and more importantly, the ability to cross parts of the deserts and mountains without using trails, it combines to present a superior adventure. 

  Years ago, we learned a concept that’s stayed with us: Each day, no matter how often we have hiked in a particular place, we know we will experience at least one unique opportunity. Sure, life provides predictable and routine situations but even more so, when we keep our eyes open, our senses attuned to the environment, our minds open, we know we will come across adventures, sights and situations that are fresh and fascinating. We obviously know that many obstacles are strewn close or along our paths. Unfortunately, we realize life brings with it tragedies, too. Nevertheless, the lesson is to live in the present, sometimes, we concede, easier said than done. 

We climb to a rise and spot Liberty Bell Arch below. We head down to the desert floor and then up past the structure to the mountain behind. Below it (peak) flows the Colorado River.
Jen gets close and takes a peek. 'C'mon put your head through the window'.
and there it is...an incredible sight and feeling after a stiff hike.   

Having prefaced the day’s outing, we will try to relate a few stories, anecdotes and experiences that have occurred locally. Our last serious comment entails our belief in the 'out-of-fashion' concept of Law-and-Order. We believe strongly in 'The Rule of Law' based upon biblical values (not religious rituals), former Western traditions handed down over the ages, decency and kindness, and truth. We realize this is not appropriate for a blog of this nature, but nevertheless, Jen and I do find ourselves uncomfortable in current society. Living as we do, sometimes it feels not even in a confined physical space, makes even more sense as we immerse ourselves (in Lake Mead and Powell, inter alia) and the natural world as much as possible while admitting we do need 'civilization', but a heck less of it. (Pardon the interruption). 

  With this in mind, a while back I decided that as hiking was ‘draining’ me, I should try to do something positive. To this end, I applied to a board recently established known as the ‘Zonies-Nevadians’ Civilian Association. I believe I had developed some ideas to try to keep humans from slandering and slaughtering each other. Fortunately, I received a reply thanking me for the application. Regrettably, I was rejected as being too old. Can you believe that? 

  I was devasted to learn that I was becoming, to be frank (or anyone else for that matter), superfluous or to be frank again, useless. After all, I’m not even 72 yet. Isn't life supposed to be three score and ten? By my calculation, that makes a full innings of seventy…oops, well anyway, I still believe I’m young enough. After objecting repeatedly, as well as compromising and providing an alternate solution, I am pleased to inform all my friends, both of them, that I commenced duty on a trail leading to the fabulous Liberty Bell Arch. It extends further to a spot with visibility of the Colorado River. I may have mentioned in passing that the Colorado River flows through my soul. By the way, the hike is an experience worth undertaking. 

While Jeffrey's at work, Jenni takes off into the colorful desert.
  Back to the new office, or trails in the desert. I am charged with ensuring that motorists along the 11-Freeway, also known as Highway 93, adhere to the speed limit of 65mph. While I really prefer to enforce societal laws, speed limits make me feel like I have crossed a line. Nevertheless, it’s a new beginning. As I mature and gain more experience, I believe I may see the bigger picture. Actually, out in the desert, covered in mountains and even rivers and lakes, Jen and I are seeing some pretty large pictures. 

  By the way, Jen opted to remain retired and continue hiking part-time. She has undertaken to be supportive of my budding career. She will be taking care of the paperwork although in this day-and-age, they tell us much can be done using the cloud. While that’s a very strange concept, and besides, there’s not much rain in the desert, we are a little confused where clouds come into the picture notwithstanding there's room for them as it's a big picture, as mentioned previously. Nevertheless, we don’t think it’s a good idea to contradict or show apparent ignorance to my new employer. 

  On my first day at the proverbial office, Jenni accompanied me positioned off trail on a hill where we had good visibility of the freeway. In addition, because we anticipate people arguing with us about their excess speed transgressions, we ensured there was a speed limit sign visible to the motorist (see picture below). I kept my camera at the ready and as vehicles approached the sign, I would snap shots. Hopefully, my adapted camera will be able to not only print the picture, including lovely scenery, but will also provide the highest speed attained by the vehicle during a 100-yards stretch before-and-after the speed sign. 

 Jen climbs a hill which is one of the office locations. Notice the freeway speed limit. While there's not much privacy at the office, no cleaning service either, we do have protection because of the fence. It keeps some of the riff-raff away. People who go off-trail (never done that) are inclined to stray near the office though.
On the job. Camera positioned toward the sign and vehicle while young employee performs nervously but with enthusiasm.
Ah! Our first of the day and the Amazon Prime truck is within the speed limit, clocked at 62.3mph. Pity! See below for another angle concerning 'Prime'.
  I should have mentioned earlier that I will not receive remuneration. However, in terms of section 83 of the Transport Act (DOT), it allows a photographer to solicit a sale of said photographs to an errant driver. We believe people will find this a novel concept, perhaps wishing to show off to their friends. By also selecting different scenes, one could charge varying prices. We believe a sunset shot, for example, perhaps with a peak or two as background, the speed embedded, say on the pinnacle, may prove to be a very attractive souvenir. Jen mentioned we could offer an accompanying picture frame or…well, we may be getting a bit ahead of ourselves. 

  We think by following this development in our lives, we will be able to continue hiking, do some good for society, as well as supplement our income. Fortunately, we have very modest needs and admittedly, they may have to become even more modest. 

We look forward to gazing from our bedroom window and absorbing the picturesque scenes. Unfortunately, it is a bit tight. Jen says I'm getting a little fat, so this is a good incentive to reduce both size and love handles. "No love handles? Where will you grab me?," I exclaimed. 'Let me give it some thought,' she smiled. Then I melted.
Bath tub and other bathroom facilities. We will need to tidy up a little but as I'm so busy on the highway, I'll leave that aspect to Jenni. She does insist that before entering our new abode, I should remove my boots. Perhaps a little fastiduous? (Guess who considers me fussy?)
  Getting back to the job. The authorities had raised the issue of housing in the wilds. As I would be working nights as well, it made no sense to hike out of the desert each day only to return for the next shift. We were ready. We had checked out the region carefully. While growing up, we remember on the radio, (no television in South Africa then), "We may be stupid, but we’re not fools". The picture above shows where we’ll obtain water which includes a pool, jacuzzi and just around the bend, hot springs. As for food, we’ll bring in supplies during our weekend rests. Fortunately, Jen has a big backpack, so she’ll carry the large load. I have to be cautious as the burden of the camera will be my duty. After all, we cannot allow it to sustain any damage.

  However, it does not end there. We also approached Amazon. Because we spend time hiking in deserts and forests, your first thought may be about a jungle. Not so. We are talking of Amazon as in Prime. We set up a meeting at the company, it was a sort of Jeff and Jeff, rather than Mutt as some of our detractors might be thinking. We agreed I’d be Jeffrey and of course, he Jeff, to avoid possible confusion. Anyway, we suggested we could help with their advertising by illustrating some genuine milestones. Should you take a peek at the picture above again, you’ll see an Amazon Prime truck racing down the freeway. Unfortunately, I was unable to capture the driver hurling a parcel wrapped in reinforced-plastic over the fence. Jen was waiting below to retrieve it. What’s that about you are probably wondering. Hang on a sec... 

  The previous evening, Jenni ordered a set of hiking boots from Amazon with a delivery address given in the format of coordinates. I sold the concept to Jeff a while ago. He could see that there are instances when a person might need something urgently. The day before, Jen had lost her boot when she bumped it over a cliff into the Colorado by accident. I had warned her to wait until we got back at which time she could check whether her feet were smelling. Turns out they were most fragrant. It was mine she had got a bad whiff from—had she asked I would have told her. Hopefully, she’s learned something now that the shoe is on the other foot or something like that. If nothing else, Mr. Bezos is a good listener. This form of delivery can even be provided within 2 hours or less. However, one must be in a region that does not forbid low flying objects. The reason that Jeff is not concerned about the accuracy of deliveries, particularly of those hurled into the wilderness is quite logical: All his drivers are in their Prime. 

  It reminds me of my dealings with Elon Musk when I suggested he help Africans living in the rural areas to acquire internet access. I recommended he use the magnificent antelopes, large elands, to carry routers surgically inserted into the overhang below their necks. As they move about in the wilds, they will bring access to the locals. At first, I detected some reluctance. Once I suggested that the concept be categorized as “E-lon” or “E-lan” devices, he became excited about the idea. Initially, he wanted to implant the micro-devices into leopards, being fleet of foot. However, after extensive testing, the reception proved to be rather spotty. Off the record, we never were acknowledged for our contribution. 

This is an Eland not to be confused with Elon. (KwaZulu, South Africa-2022...world's largest antelope and ego (with respect)).
Here's our source of water. Should cover us adequately, if not, Jen could always pop up to Hoover Dam. It's not that far away and I know of a short-cut. I was looking at this photograph and wondering whether Jen had had some thoughts or hints about ablutions. Hmm!
3 world renowned sites/sights in this region captured in one photograph. I humbly suggest this could become a collector's item: Liberty Bell Arch, Hoover Dam Bridge and Jennifer Lazarow nee Benjamin. (I'm desperately trying to get back into her good books, so excuse me.)
            

Cheers (and with apologies...sort of), 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

AM YISRAEL CHAI!

61.45 Nevada: Straddling Arizona: Black Canyon Peak (our own name), a treasure of a discovery, including: LAKE MEAD!

Looking somewhat toward the right, north-east.
Looking toward the left, west. 

  We’ve become keen on mixing photographs taken in compact locations which provide perspective of the region. Simply put, we may stand on a mountain overlooking a lake while we face say, east. Thereafter, we might find another interesting position and focus on the previous mountain peak climbed, thus providing, as we mentioned, perspective. At times, such as in one of the examples of this blog, I struggled to identify a famous bridge because it appeared different when viewed from various positions. 

 While some may question the relevancy, we find it fascinating, sometimes amusing and in plain English, ‘bloody’ nice. Within this blog, we illustrate the concept using the “Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge” as well differing positions around Lake Mead.  

Water, water everywhere and all available to drink.
Jen returning from the peak...no trail to it.
Rough but gorgeous...we think.
Rough but not gorgeous, on the peak of this unknown mountain.
Pardon the interruption; we return to gorgeous.
On a later occasion, we're enroute to climbing the hill in the picture above. Still trying to determine the nature of the equipment below.
We like.
To the left and beyond, one can see the dam wall of Hoover, an icon out west. The bridge below links the states of Nevada and Arizona.
A few hikes later, we stand below the damn wall hoping it won't spring a leak. Notice the bridge in the photo is above us while in above photograph the same bridge is below us. How does that work? Well, with all that water in Lake Mead above, much in Hoover Dam, and we below, we're hoping it does not overflow or even leak as we forgot our swimsuits (cozzies). 

This shows the bridge plus the flow of the Colorado River beyond Hoover Dam. What confused one of us for a while (me) is that the picture before showed a bridge without an arch whereas this has the arch. It's a matter of angles (and a little dumbness). It was yet another example of perspectives in the wilderness as well as an important facet of life: So much depends on where one stands. Above 2 pictures taken in Lone Palm Canyon.

That's the Toll-lady on lunch. She likes a quick hike which gives her a perspective of her work environment.  

A month later, we return to Boulder City, pop into Arizona, reach the Colorado River after passing Liberty Bell Arch and lo and behold, if it ain't that damn bridge again. On this occasion, we view part of the arch.

Could go for this scene, too. We wanted to stay at the hotel (Hoover Dam Lodge) but it's without cooking facilities. Jen was not prepared to fast for a couple of days. Who said life is without challenges?
Reaching one of a few false-peaks.

 

 I-11 Freeway heads away from the lake and dam.
Lava Butte, shown previously, something we climbed without a trail, too.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

Thought we'd leave you with two scenes we 'think' we love. Wandering in the desert and enjoying enormous water scenes (huh!), the odd mountain or two and some extraordinary colors.

The beautifying Colorado River (my favorite aspect of the United States) drops down from Hoover Dam and flows toward many other dams and lakes. It's our first viewing from this position, a demanding hike, which was another spectacular experience (to be published later).

61.47: Nevada: Hamblin Peak and trail provide an 'out of world' experience...Great scramble/hike and exceptional views.

An awful lot to make one smile.
Through the gap is the Charleston Range.
  Over the years we’ve come to identify 4 states that portray tremendous beauty, for us. Perhaps it’s because they comprise desert regions. Not that the forty-six others are any lesser in beauty (crossed fingers behind our backs). Even Florida has the occasional hill or there’s talk it might soon be discovered. Anyway, we call these beauties the ‘UCAN’ states. Should you not like this identification feel free to change the mnemonics to ‘CANU’. If nothing else, we are flexible. In addition, we are typing this slowly as well as being a bit long-winded to give you an opportunity to identify these not well-known states before we reveal them. Have you got it? Well, here it comes: Utah, California, Arizona and Nevada. For those who prefer 'CANU', we trust you get it.

  We were full of prejudice years back (wait for it) against Nevada because we perceived it as 'Las Vegas and the Strip'. Once we matured and discovered its true beauty outside of the city including other parts of the state, we had an epiphany. (Don’t quite know what that means but I do feel a little smarter having written it.) We’ll leave you now to view another truly beautiful, rugged region. 

The lower left mountain texture and color reminds us of Golden Canyon in Death Valley.
This view, and many others, remind us of the privilege of being able to reach these positions and revel in the treat of the views.
Won't be forgetting this sight in our lifetimes.

Tucked away in a corner of the desert, we seldom see anyone in these treasure positions.
Upon reaching the summit, this is but one of the views, on a rather dull and very exciting day...Huh?
Worth another view.
This sight likely to become part of Jenni's soul...I'd hope.
Now that's very attractive, indeed...lake is nice, too.
I have often wondered whether what I see, particularly concerning color, is similar or the same that others view. While we may define something as red, someone else might also see it as red but in fact register it as another color. Why should we all see something in the same way? Maybe I've had too much time in the desert...if that's possible outside of summer. 

Returning to the commencement point.
This reminds us in a fashion of the (pink) Colosseum (Coliseum) of Rome...a little imagination is required. Talking of Rome, one of our saving graces is that while we get lost often enough, we look toward the Italians for redemption. After all, we have been told (and bought into the concept) that all 'roads lead to Rome'. With that in mind, we always have a pair of one-way tickets from Rome to home. And you probably think of us as 'dimwits'.
The Colorado River flows and fills Lake Mead some 30 miles (this position) from Hoover Dam.
A rather delicate scree covered path on an edge. I think the stance of caution is reflected.
We hope there are not too many photographs but then how does one limit the number. (Barry Jahn, that's rhetorical, by the way.)
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

  One can never get away from the Las Vegas Strip but one can try. We have mentioned Lava Butte on many occasions (partly boasting) and beyond it, the city, an hour by vehicle...Jen usually needs a little less time when in her stride.