62.05 Re-Introduction to Berryessa Lake: A staggering place of hikes and views—heading for Blue Ridge which is extremely green.

The introduction is limited to 6 photographs or else I would have been tempted to go with 2 dozen. On the first occasion we hiked in this region, we knew we were in a special place. That we took over 3 years to return is disappointing, but we are tending to skip California these days. It's another heaven-on-earth region further enhanced by ideal weather conditions for rich, green growth...and it shows. 

When we look toward nature and immerse ourselves within it, we spend our days filled with awe and discovery, inter alia.  

Full blog of this spectacular day will feature in the future. 

The lake extends to the 'horizon'.
The hills are alive; you see and even feel the richness. We began the hike at river level and are still rising.
Jen is hiking along the ridge, part of trail in view. This means after reaching a basic top of mountain, one continues up and down along the said ridge, while soaking in incredible views. Currently, about to rise again, energy permitting. Advisable to keep a watchful eye out for rocks, roots and snakes. We came across the most number of these reptiles on this hike. (See future publication of these critters should they interest you. Next blog below contains an interesting snake, too. A word or two of comfort to Jen will go a long way to ensuring dinner tonight...thank you!)
Rock climbing which is always a source of challenge to continue growing...although some may see it as a 'show-off' in action. Some might in fact be correct.
'Life and death'...loved the contrasts.
Monticello Dam feeds Putah Creek, the latter seen in the valley.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

While "Breakfast (brunch) at Tiffany's" sounds enticing, the real dream is in Vacaville, thirty minutes from Berryessa. 

 'Seventh photograph, but from elsewhere, sneaked onto the blog without my knowledge. Who would have thought?'

62.06 California: Morro Bay: Valencia Hike through a form of Eden.

We happened to see an officer of the law fine this offender 3 worms and a feather-weight of birdseed. The real issue for the authorities appears to be collection of the fine. These type of offenders are similar to those who live 'on the road', irregular collection of mail. Fortunately, some of the finest bureaucrats are focused on the issue, a source of comfort to us. We did mention to the officer that the offender should be granted a reprieve as the bird did have a disability—apparently, a deformed left-wing.
While each specie is free to follow their own paths, we still believe it's rude to stare and portray an unfriendly attitude. From humans we can understand that demeanor, reluctantly, but we expect more from reptiles. Why Jen began singing 'Snake, rattle and roll' is beyond me but then again, she has a nice voice. Funnily enough, so much is beyond my ken these days, I feel I'm living in a strange world. Should I be able to sing better, I could relate to 'Fly me to the Moon', undertaking a full emigration. Then again, a US Congresswoman says it's not feasible because the moon comprises gases only. She should be 'Armstronged' for that or perhaps, strong-armed out of congress. The problem with that tactic should they get rid of her: the IQ of the esteemed body will reach new heights. The result: It will become even more difficult to attract candidates who qualify.  

Who knows what 'to morro' will bring but 'to day' is very attractive in-and-of-itself.
Now we know 'Where All the Flowers Have Gone'...to mountain tops, everyone. (Be grateful you haven't heard me sing it.)
I find this position, the view and 'even' Jenni, an incredible sight. Mesmerizing would not be an exaggeration.
There was a bit of a gap between us. When Jenni reached the top, she turned around and ran down to collect her hiking pole. Hence, it appears I got a little ahead of her when in fact, I was behind although appear ahead. Got that! (She's toward the bottom of photo.)
"We've looked at clouds from both sides now." Please feel free to sing along. 

We think that's Valencia Peak on the horizon. Picture taken in a reciprocal position during some rock-hopping the day before. (Before the Morro).
Valencia from Hazard Peak trail, 2 days later.
A healthy stride along the numerous trails.
Let's head home, this time Jen leads.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

AM YISRAEL CHAI

61:48 Arizona/Nevada: Wandering below Fortification Hill...Hill? while immersed in color rather than water.

After 3 miles, we reach the lake edge in blustering winds. Should you not like the blues, there's jazz and even reds...take your pick or as we do, absorb them all. 

  A section of Lake Mead.
Standing in Arizona and peering across the water into Nevada. We wonder about the contraptions in the distance. Mount Charleston sits in the far distance.
There's one of the contraptions (above) from another angle, viewed from Black Canyon Peak in Nevada.
Now we are close to the structure, opposite side of the lake and Arizona, while standing in Nevada.
The masterpiece, Fortification Mountain, aka "hill". Viewed this from so many different positions.
Jen heads for the hills.
Jen returns from the hills.
'The long and winding (and colorful) road.'
We'd call it 'rough' following the gusting winds. Even the shade of blue was unusual.
We'd call it 'Smooth'.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

We had no space to store these photographs, hence... 

Looks like a sea or should that be a 'C' for the .olorado.

62.04 Nevada-2: Boulder City surround: Owl Canyon continuing onto an unknown peak which has the odd view or 2 or ten.

'Lady in Red'...sorry Chris, should have been 'on red'. Heading beyond the peak behind Jen...sometimes I have to turn her about.
Walking through the canyon when we halt for a flash of light. Turned out to be more than a flash. The poring of molten gold might be taking place in Nevada just as it did in earlier centuries.
This view of The Frenchman (Sunrise Mountain) depicts both the attractive coloring, the height and possible views. It's a great hike but Miss Jenni might tell you otherwise about the very rough footing. Nevertheless, she never misses an opportunity. In the foreground is the inimitable Lava Butte, a partial tease.
Ah! Finally, she turned around and is heading in the correct direction. "You're welcome, Jen."
The coloring stuns us or maybe it's the strenuous hikes. Mount Charleston is impressive with snow-covering...but the foreground is special.
Lava Butte joins Charleston, Frenchman, right rear, in showing us what they have.
In a class of its own, Lava Butte.
  We are always amazed by the power, reach and beauty of nature…and much more of which we know nothing about, have yet to see, and never will. One facet of it that’s startling is the power and destructive nature it wields. That it can destroy itself is frightening; that it is able to rebuild itself is miraculous. 

  Perhaps the point being made is despite its urges to and follow through of exploding from within in the form of say, volcanoes, rather than leave the destruction in its wake indefinitely, over time it builds something unique to cover its tantrum. And as someone said about himself recently, although it should be taken with a lot more than even a ‘pinch of salt’, perhaps vinegar, too, it ‘builds back better’. Proof? For a start, how about Lava Butte and surrounds. 

A view from Lava Butte; Lake Las Vegas and the desert sand pictures 'in color' (next below).

Wandering without a trail, wilderness-freedom at its best.
Jen asked to have her name in 'lights'...I went one better. As anyone who knows her will testify, she's most extroverted. Hmm!
"Is Lava Butte real?" One may ask. "As real as Jenni, I would say."
A scene far from 'civilization', a position to seat oneself and contemplate...and throw in brunch, too.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

Guess who needed the proverbial "Just one more".
...and settled for two, including a gold canyon.

61.40 Nevada: Outside Red Rock Park: Kraft Loop, the reverse trail from the previous week. 61.41 Kraft Mountain outside the canyon.

Here comes Jen...the early stages of the incline before going down into the canyon.
Taking a break while acquiring some color.
Facing an array of mountains including Turtlehead on the left.
Jen jumps onto the rocks and the fun begins.
The problem is having got to a perch, what about trying to get down...it's a bit different. Looking for a ladder someone may have left behind.
Let's head for the canyon.
"Okay, on the way. Give me a couple of minutes."
Gets a little rough a times.
Got sidetracked and took this out of the way wall to find out where it went. (It goes up and then down.)
Got into trouble on my return. Not on the climb, but from the boss who lost sight of me. There are so many climbing opportunities that one can lose focus of the main trail.
So rich in color, so classical in features.
Who would have guessed. We come across Las Gambling in the distance.
A general visit to Kraft Mountain on a cloudy, maybe raining day. 

  Great color upfront, very cloudy at rear.
"Anyone home?"
Love the plant life.
At last, let's have some color.
Jen stands on the rock, lower middle, with Turtlehead and friends towering above.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey