How beautiful the sloping rocks tumbled so precariously as to look dangerous. Most of them are covered with several kinds of lichen. 30 years ago I'd have paid good money to get lost in mountains like these. With any good luck at all I know I would have still been looking for a way out. Cactus can grab the attention of the unwary at any moment.
Wild flowers spring up wherever roots can establish a foothold.
The edge of the lake looks and feels like the ocean except the sand is almost flour, it is so fine. Wind whistles across the waves. A trout license is required for catching that imported game fish. If you're lucky enough to be there when their dinner bell rings, eagles crash into the water with explosions like thunder, coming forth seconds later with a fish firmly clutched in a curling talon. Trees are hardy.