49.06 Perspective in San Ramon/Danville, California. (An introduction, full blogs to follow).

When a person's transport system relies upon two legs, one tends not to expend energy on frivolous or experimental 'drives' (walks) around towns, cities and the wilderness. One has to focus and be efficient unless of course, one wishes to walk miles and miles aimlessly. Fortunately, Jennifer won't allow us to wander without a reasonable idea of where we are heading and what's our aim. Earlier this week, the aim was a little off and I took a shortcut which added on 1.5 miles to our journey. Fortunately, Jenni took it in good spirits and it ended up costing only a few hundred dollars in extra personal spending. At the time, I considered it a bargain. Since the dust has settled, not so much of a good deal. 

Putting that aside, we were able to stand in various positions on a few of the hikes and gain incredible insights, perspective, as to how this region comes together including the Bay area and the outlying towns including Mount Diablo and the regional parks. It's quite a place and above all, quiet and peaceful...silent and silence. One could feel the pleasure of it. 

Stunning sight of the Bay area from many miles distant. We were totally isolated from 'civilization'. No noise, pollution, screaming, shooting, cursing, honking, mugging...you get the point, and yet we viewed a city that was completely still and serene.
We could not see the bridge in situ, although we searched for it. Fortunately, the lens did. (Top right). 

When we turned 180 degrees, we viewed Mount Diablo. The day before, we hiked to the peak. Note the mast and the tiny protrusion to its right, at center.

Reaching the beacon at the peak. (This is the protrusion referred to above.)

A view of another part of the bay from Mount Diablo.
Locked out upon the ridge but gazing in wonder towards San Francisco or is it something else? Diablo in background, Bay Area ahead.
This is only a 'little illegal' as I want to get a better position for the camera, not for me, of course.
The container ships enter the 'city by the bay'. 

One last peep. Love the separation of wilderness and city and yet both in harmony from above.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

49.07 California: San Ramon: Las Trampas Regional Wilderness.

We planned to arrive in San Ramon, a city we might have heard of but never knew anything of. Our research of its hiking opportunities proved exciting and worth trying our feet and other body parts on its slopes. After visiting children and a grandson in Oakland for a few days, we diverted to this city that had remained off our radar. Thus far, we have been pleasantly surprised by both the built-up areas and of course, hiking opportunities. It proves the point over-and-over again: While we love the national and large state parks including the many special regions of opportunities, there are so many out-of-the-way features elsewhere, too. This is another of them. 

The rolling fields are lovely but more steep than merely 'rolling'.
"Hands on hips might work with me, but not that fella, Sweetheart."
Faced with various options, the 'bangbroek' (an Afrikaans word), sidesteps the path. Was trying to explain to 'bangbroek' that the fella's history with women goes back thousands of years. Apparently, she didn't buy it.
Meantime, back at the ranch, I gave up singing "I Talk to the Trees" and switched, hopefully, to a more understanding and sympathetic audience. Fortunately, there was no bull today...for a change. 

The slopes were steep. 

"I may have the phone with me but I'm not calling Uber. Forget it!"
Eventually, she makes her way up a particularly steep section to reach our destination peak. She didn't even offer a tip. 

  One of the views from the peak, in icy winds.
After a steep climb, she's sitting on principle, she tells me. Tried to explain it's actually the surveyor's mark. I hate it when the snakes set her off in a mood. This issue with Eve and the serpent was never resolved ideally. (Mount Diablo in background-see below.) 

This photograph taken from summit of Mount Diablo a few days later, after much sweating.
I told her: "It's a mere walk in a park'. She gazes about to determine the park boundaries.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

49.05 California: Quarry Hill, Morro Bay 49.03 San Luis Obispo, Bishop Peak.

These two hikes took place in Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo respectively. The former was the first time we have wandered in that particular park which proved to be rather enjoyable. The latter, Bishop Peak, is almost a must to undertake every time we visit the region. We did commence it from a different trailhead but for the rest, it was the usual good challenge with a nippy top. 

Follow that curve...the bay and the ocean beyond it.

Pretty rich farmland and delightful mountains, hills and morros.
The Los Osos side of the bay.
The Bishop Peak hike. 

Just below the top of Bishop Peak with a couple more stretches of the legs to reach the top.
Jen reaches her own high and seems pretty pleased.
An attractive view from the peak.
Matzos house...the first thought that sprang to mind.
The final turn and leap brings one to the genuine peak.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

48.44 Tucson, Arizona: Blacketts Ridge Trail in Sabino Canyon.

Making our way up...and up.
Always an opportunity for a few swings.
Approaching the top.
Finding the feet...a most opportune time.
False peak, carry on up.
Homeward bound in the land of the saguaro.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

49.01 California: Montana de Oro State Park. A new route to Valencia Peak, a new beginning of another day.

Each day, nature reveals its beauty in different forms. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect is the dynamics. Take a cloud, a mountain of rock, some water, blue sky, throw in a few trees, a bird or two and other features and it can be ordinary on the face of it. However, change the dynamics with different lighting, coloring, introduce movement and suddenly the situation and by definition, the views, become memorable. Today was such a day, one of thousands we have been fortunate to experience over our lives. While Jenni may tend to say I have a propensity to perceive the latest event as the best ever, there may be some truth in it, I might defend my position and suggest I'm perhaps slightly more complex. Nevertheless, let the viewer decide. After all, each one of us has a different perception and perspective of life and its events. 

Should you not like these scenes, then I think Jenni is probably correct about my flaws. Should that be the case, I'll try and place a ceiling on my enthusiasm and wall myself in and begin from the ground up again. 

We include a handful of photographs as an introduction; others to follow later. 

We term this missive: 'Spring is in the Air'...we were feeling rather musical after visiting our dear friend, Jerry Bongard.

Beats 'Sitting on a railway station, a ticket for her destination'.
We avoided a stroll through this 'haunted forest'.
Really love this scene looking toward Morro Bay.
There those clouds and fog again, changing color and moving. Stopped for a view (and rest) during a very steep section. 

It was a day filled with hiking, some steep climbing, views of morros, a bay, an ocean of stunning blues, white breakers, always mountains, sharp trail views from height, dynamic clouds, spring flora which enveloped us, a challenging session on dunes as well as a reasonable breakfast on the peak of cereal, fruit and yoghurt. Huh! What did you say about 'left field'? 

 Wonderful flora.

See you on the morro as the clouds return.
Water, trail, mountain, color...what more do we need? The trails always look smooth and comfortable from afar. Hmm! We returned via the trail below.
Departing from the peak of Valencia.
Heading to the peak. The trails behind belong to another mountain. Morro Bay in the background.
Another haunting scene. Poor Jenni! We arrived home and she was frightened. Dune and Morro.
Morning spent hiking to-and-from Valencia, in background; games continued as 'dudes' reached the dunes. (After all, it is California.)
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

48.25 Arizona: Lake Havasu: SARA Park: An incredible city gem. Rocky, good time on 3 peaks. (A favorite set of views.)

Exploring Lizard Peak, the opposite summit and a couple of others, made the day one of much climbing. The lake (Havasu), fed by the Colorado River, once again illustrates our opinion that wherever this magnificent river passes through, enjoys natural blessing. The river continues and ends up filling Parker Lake before continuing through California and into Mexico. Naturally, it presents the right documents at the border although, from time-to-time, it has sneaked (leaked) under the wall. 

We were in discussion recently and perhaps expressed emotionally but nevertheless truthfully, one of the most memorable aspects of reaching and living in the United States has been experiencing the many facets of the Colorado River and its lakes. Seems strange to 'love' a river but then the effect it has on the land and ultimately ourselves, is amazing. 

A few blogs before, we wrote of our other feelings toward the great city of Los Angeles. While I do not wish to disparage such place, and after all I'm a nobody, I can't help thinking how much water from the Colorado River is diverted its way.

 

Each day, every position provides a person with challenges, unique sights and dare we say, a sense of achievement, something learned and experienced.

The constant background of water and mountains gives one pleasure from wherever one stands and climbs.

Always a struggle, always a reward.
These type of positions hit the spot.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey