Recognizing limitations and differences.

As close as we are as a couple, there are trails I do not do well on. They usually lead to retail establishments. 

And there are some that Shelley has trouble on which lead up steeply - and sometimes precipitously.

Today we parted company took different paths - and both emerged unscathed.  

On a previous hike around Chimney rock I had noticed two side trails - one with a sign an arrow and "summit" the other just led up.  Today I was able to take both of them - and find my self on high.

Today's pictures are of rocks. big rocks mostly, rocks which were sandy beaches 280 million years ago and before that the grains of sand were full sized mountains - even further back.



These photos taken a few days ago show my goals. (without the snow)

and To the base of the vertical spires

 A small (4 foot?) arch on the way up to the chimney.

 it wasn't all rocks

 The view with a very wide angle lens from the top of the first climb.

 

To Cockscomb and back

Less excitement today as our porcine neighbors did not return, and we took a mild hike which afforded a plethora of wonderful views.

Given the landscape is more or less flat between the various features, the trees are short, and the air clear - the extent of the views can be astounding.

Chimney rock which is behind our house several miles away.

 Looking up towards Boynton Canyon  - Doe mountain the mesa in  back of shelley

 Looking up Dry Creek Canyon

 Harley enjoying a remote section of the trail

 Cockscomb.

 Bear Mountain and beyond

 Shelley and Harley with Doe Mountain in the background.

Around Chimney Rock - and a sighting of Lizard head

After the morning's excitement - a visitation by a herd of about 20 javelinas three of whom stayed to eat the peanuts we had set out  to attract jays - something we are going to have to modify as these critters have a reputation for getting rowdy - and we do not want to encourage such behavior -

we took a local hike around one of the many chimney rocks. It was only a couple of miles and 400 feet of elevation (we declined the paths that led higher in a couple places) it led into some rugged and insanely beautiful country.

 Cockscomb, Doe Mountain (the flat mesa) and Bear mountain in the distance.

 Harley leading onwards.

 Distant vistas

 Lizard head in a wider context

 Lizard head zoomed in

 Shelley in the midst.

Duck Day!

 Ducks?

Yes this is desert, but because it is also the drainage for an enormous area which extends pretty much to the Grand Canyon,  (water which has been slowly seeping through rocks for 5000 years) - there are springs and creeks that flow year round.

As a result there is a surprising amount of green in the canyons, and if you know where to look for them, ducks.



And - of course we are the sort who know where to look for them, we even have "find a duck" apps on our phones. 

The wood duck (above) was a special treat - besides the amazing coloring they are typically very skittish.

Below a ring necked duck - which has a band on its bill - not my nomenclature.

  An American wigeon

Female ladderback woodpecker.