62.31 Four Western States (UCAN): Views of mostly desert lakes visited over the past 6 months (December through May with a 14-days break.)

 We love, which seems paradoxical, the fact that in the desert regions of the western states, exist some of the finest examples of lakes, dams and rivers, not to forget incredible landscapes, rock formations and coloring. We'll halt there. Need we mention the Colorado River, Lakes Havasu, Powell, Mead, Roosevelt, Hoover Dam, ...just for starters. 

  One of us is inclined to go over the top in praise of these regions and places, (better than going under the surface), as might have been noticed over the years by even the least discerning readers. I have mentioned in the past and will repeat myself in stating that the greatest positive effect the United States has had upon me is via the Colorado River. Every place wet by the river including stretching large distances outward, has touched, influenced, educated and uplifted me. I truly believe had I not had the privilege of being on Hike-about, my life would have been emptier, unfulfilled, one of limited experiences and devoid of many other attributes too many to mention. Thank-you, Jenni! Our hikes, views and general activities in many parts of the world have been superb, but highlighting the Colorado regions are special and amount to the favorite should one be forced to choose. I have omitted Jenni's feeling regarding favorite places for I already fear teasing, embarrassment and a dangerous level of eyerolls. 

  With this in mind, but always avoiding these wonderful places during summer, we present random photographs from our last 6 months in what we term the UCAN states. Literally, over the period we took thousands of photographs, deleted many and selected those that follow, with only a slight bias. It's most difficult to choose even criteria; therefore, it's effectively, a random selection with a few odds thrown into fill location gaps. 

  Lake Murray, San Diego.
Antelope Point, Lake Powell, Arizona...another isolated 'horseshoe'
Jenni attempts the hokey-pokey at Powell.
Lake Mead as the sun prepares to set in Nevada/Arizona.
Jen gamboling over the low front mountain above Lake Washoe, Northern Nevada. This was not a gamble on her part as she is hundreds of miles north of Las Vegas.
A view of Lake Havasu, Arizona, from Lizard Peak.
Wahweap, Page, Arizona, trail to tiny peninsular. 
Brunch on the peninsular in an hour, should we not get lost.
Favorable lighting, always beautiful scenes.
Wandering near Fortification Hill, alongside Lake Mead.
De Valle Lake near Livermore, California.
Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah after snowfall.
Finding a snow-melted section.
Lake Berryessa, Winters, and surrounding mountains: "A treasure amongst treasures." 

A high point known as Annie's Rock. 

'Twinkle Toes' in a place that is remarkable in our opinions. "What say you, Jen?"
Back to Lake Powell region.

Pleasant Ridge, another hike at Berryessa on a currently closed trail...now you tell us. Dam wall, Monticello Dam.
Lake Mead from Hamblin Peak, Nevada.
Blue Ridge Mountain Trail, the magnificent Jenni...um...Berryessa.
Scenes from Lake Havasu, Arizona.
Climbing to top of Pilot Rock, alongside Lake Havasu.

Lake Mead from Red and Black Mountains.
Balanced-Rock cove, Lake Havasu, from peak across the way. Jen stands on peninsular to the right.
Donner Lake, Truckee, California, a hidden gem.
Lakeside: Tucson's offering of water.
Spenser Trail outside Page, the flow of the Colorado River after passing through Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam. Jen rises on a narrow section.

Creeping up on the left.
A hike to the tower above the dam and lake.
Lagoon Park, outside San Rafael, CA.
Walking near Boulder City with views of Lake Mead.

A peek through a window into Morro Bay.
Lake Washoe from the gazebo area.
Backdrop of the lake—Carson Range.
Farewell to Lake Powell.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey