Desert Lakes, mostly in the West. The common thread is wonder.

Taking a break from Nepal, we focus on a handful of South-Western Lakes in the USA.

Berryessa...beautiful...one of the stunning places we have enjoyed.
Hallelujah at Morro Bay...baying on the heavily painted rocks by birds.
Not unusual to be mesmerized by the views of Berryessa Lake.
Sunset at Lake Mead, Nevada and Arizona.
George Lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Roosevelt Lake, Tonto National Forest, Arizona.
Lake Mead close to sunset...now that's what we like, with Fortification Hill behind.
"Hey fella, the lake is the other way."
Morro Bay's triple towers along the bay and of course, one of the morros.
Through the window pane, a calm scene on the Morro today.
Wahweep, Lake Powell...why indeed.
Lake Valle in Central California.
One of the horseshoes on Colorado River/Antelope Canyon, Page Arizona.
The lake and dam at Berryessa, in California.
On Fortification Hill, Arizona, overlooking Lake Mead and Nevada. The hills are alive with...
In the Sierras, covered in lakes.
Blue Donkey Lake in the Sierras. There has to be some logic to its naming.
Jen strolls toward the morro while negotiating the rocks and beach as well.
Lake Tahoe area from Mount Tallac.
Tonto National Forest, late afternoon at Roosevelt Dam.
Hamblin Peak above Lake Mead, some 20 miles along the Colorado River.
Lake Powell, Page, Arizona.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

70.28 Nepal: A hike to Methlang, onto Sedi, and back home...loved the coloring.

The blossom-trees have something that touches the spot within us.
Not too bad either. Nature sure has a way of creating beauty.
"So how's the shape? Do you think I should trim a little?" 

'Are we talking of the flowers or something more personal?' 

There's a beautiful shape as the lake edges inland.
Across the lake at the mountain top is the hotel complex we pass on the way to Buddha Park. (See earlier blogs.)
The flora are gorgeous.
Lords Shiva and Buddha take it easy at the Rock Garden.
After elevation of over 2,000 feet, we arrive at one of our favorite places. It's where we stop for breakfast and meet our young (very) friends. Even to enter the premises one has to climb steeply. The first hut is where 'non-family' members have to put down a deposit. (Refer to an earlier story.) Roshni senior (20), Roshni junior (19) and Denys work at the restaurant, a truly lovely trio of friends. Lately, when Roshni senior is on duty, soon after we enter, the music changes from what was playing to classical instrumental music that is truly beautiful. Thank you, Roshni.
At the top, you can see the 'hand that feeds' us.
Upon continuing further on, heading down to close a loop, we turn around and view the restaurant...the arm and hand are prominent.
Look, Buddy, we've been standing on two legs all our lives.
Frankly, we'd suggest you select a much softer tissue paper to complete your ablutions. Just saying... 

  Back to business. Jen climbs a rocky area.
At the blue house ahead, we'll leave the road and walk back into the forest. In front of us is Sarangkot Tower, a destination reached the previous week. This will be an easier hike.
Another perspective from deep in the jungle.
Jen continues down after I took us on the wrong route when we came to a fork in the path. Win some, lose some.
A frequent, beautiful sight. The blue building on the lower mountain is on our route in one of the approaches to Sarangkot.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

Goodnight.

And top of the morning to you...after a snow fall the previous evening. (Note the two hotels below the 'big mountains'.)

70.27 Nepal: Kalabang visit via the mountains, temples and lake, part-2, completion.

  This concludes our 2-day overnight visit to Kalabang via the various temples and villages across the mountains overlooking Fewa Lake below and the Annapurna Range across the way plus the many local sights along the journey. 

Jen returning as she heads down to Shanti, situate to the right. The approach is from the left.
Flora power 'waves' to Jen as she continues down the steep slope and steps.
Views from height are invariably good; this one was superb.
Probably the highest point of the hike with steps thrown in for good measure.
On the ridge passing through villages, we head to the Buddha Icon in the distance. The route follows the ridge.
A view down below from the ridge.
Jen heads for dinner...it's called 'working for food'.
A youthful Buddha relaxes while Jen struggles to reach the icon.
From the temple, we notice where the locals like to enjoy a meal on a weekend outing.
When Lord Shiva travels, invariably on a cruise ship, he prefers to have a presence of himself in some form at the temple during his absence.
The price of eating food with the hands on a hike is calculated as 'egg-on-the-face', hard-boiled, of course.
An elderly woman has precedent for a pose with Lord Buddha.
Down below is a smallholding which is some 3,000 feet above the lake.
Following the ladies' performance, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir will sing a song to Shiva as they bid him a relaxing cruise. While some might sing for their supper, others are more than happy to sing for a Coke (across the way).
One of us was fortunate to spot this rare species in the bush close to sunset. It is a very attractive but rather shy creature that tends to enjoy the outdoors but prefers to sleep indoors. Go figure!
As we return to the town, the water makes a dam(n) wonderful impression.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

The basket's purpose (or case) on the tree is as yet, unknown.
This was a tough negotiation with young Atira, a delightful and nearly independent girl of 16 months. We paid 'top dollar' (rupee) for the cabbage which she reluctantly released. Proud Mom, the proprietor, watches closely.