Wednesday, March 6, 2024

61.38 Arizona: Lake Havasu revisited for the third time in 3 months. Obviously, not one of our 'favorites'. (A special tribute to Jenni!)

We have discovered that each mountain climb is steeper than it looks, each length of hike is longer than it appears, each outing is more difficult than it seems, and yet, while most challenges might be tough, very few are as impossible as they appear—provided the mind and heart are motivated.

We haven't published half the hikes undertaken over the last 3 months. Of course, this implies that compiling blogs is much more difficult than the type of hikes we enjoy. Yeah right! 

After leaving the Crack, a slot canyon below the mountain (see picture later), we head toward two peaks.
Jen moving up smoothly on a fairly tough day of scrambling.
Stopping to absorb the usual rugged beauty provided by the Colorado River and its magic.
Just about to reach Lizard Peak, a tough but shortish peak. Not many are steeper than it. For perspective, the mountain in front of the lake below is the one we scaled on the last occasion we visited, some 4 weeks before. It does not have a trail.
Mesmerized by the sight or perhaps, too tired to move further.
Scenes such as this seem at first to be bland, harsh and without redeeming features. While the land is dry, rough and unforgiving, one can easily discern a beauty within it, too.
Some are active in climbing and walking cross-country, (see Jenni); others find a high spot and smoke a pipe while absorbing the surroundings. It would be nice should nature provide a pillow or bench, though. Nevertheless, despite the tough seats of stones, it's a good life (How about great!)
At last, Jen gets him to walk down from Lizard peak. It's quite a challenge especially for those not comfortable on scree.
An earlier part of the hike, Jen comes out of the Crack, a slot canyon.
At roughly the half-way stage, Jen faces Lizard Peak. On many occasions, it appears impossible to reach. See end for an alternative route for Lizard Peak (C)
Jen reaches a minor mountain peak on the way to the Lizard, which proves to be thrilling.
We find three memorials on the mountain top. We believe the deceased spent much time hiking in this amazing location, Sara Park.
A view of Balanced Rock, a hike we undergo frequently. (See B1 & B2 at end).
The lady keeps climbing; is there a better way?
Note the coves seen from a lower peak than Lizard. See below for a close-up of a cove shown in (A).
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

A few photographs from other hikes that provide some perspective. 

(A) The cove.
(B1)

(B2) 
Photograph taken from peak above Balanced Rock. Jen stands on the peninsular (right) before moving higher.
(B3) 
One of us on the peak of a scramble, no trail.
(C) One of routes to/from Lizard Peak.

No comments:

Post a Comment