14.19 Scott Mountain Peak via Benson and Tenas Lakes

Tenas Lake, Sisters Wilderness, an emerald beauty.


Mount Washington in the desolated wilderness. "I cannot tell a lie, we cut down the last remaining tree."


Doing the obvious on a hot day in the wilderness; Tenas's colors heavenly.

Oregon is neither short of trees nor lakes. For that matter, one can add volcanoes to make it a trio.
The water colors are a mixture of greens and blues with a palette of shades between. Should we feel the
need to whine, which we don't but will because we are running out of words, we would complain about
mosquitos on a few of the hikes, not all. The hike up Scott is one place in which the buggers took a
fancy to us as we passed the two big lakes and many ponds. Our gripe is not with Oregon though. We would
ask the Master of the Universe why He created such a pest. He might answer that He created humans, too.
We love many people, we like even more and are in awe of some. However, we would understand the point
should He make it.


'Charity' or South Sister from Mount Scott with very much younger sister, less explosive, too.


Flower power, a girl from the 60's through no fault of her own.


Jefferson with what looks like a matching profile at fore. Mount Hood a hundred miles back.

Alternatively, He might say the mosquito is part of the food chain. Frogs, for example feed on them.
We might also point out we detest the damage they do to our bodies and in addition, are irritated by
their unique buzz. We suppose when we are presented with an opportunity to meet our Maker, we might
have discussions of a different nature. Well, back to the food chain. We would never wish to be rude
or talk out of turn, but if there were no mosquitos for frogs to feed off, let them eat cake, Marie.


Jenni only thinks of swimming. Matching swimsuit left in car.


Lake Benson with a happy fellow who has quite a jump to the next rock. 'A leap of faith?'


Inspired to climb Sisters after viewing the trio, Broken Top Mountain on left, hardly looks shattered.
Viewed from summit of Scott.

Our journey south has been exceptional. Even the accommodation has worked out well after ironing out
some of the bugs, not mosquitos. One learns to adapt when the internet is sporadic, occasional rooms
with two-pin sockets for three-pin chords, the dryer runs for forty minutes leaving one with damp
clothes and the need to hang them somewhere in the car as we move on. At the same time, it's fascinating
to observe, as they call us, the guests around the breakfast rooms and courtyards. People are interesting
and our editor often mentions, we are not without our quirks. We are always pleased to hear this as we
would hate to be totally boring. We also wonder why we are guests when they charge us a fee to use the premises.


'I know you don't have a swimsuit, nor do I...but I'm drowning.'


The pool service companies do a 'helluva' job in Oregon.

From the Dalles, we traveled to Rhododendron (we inserted that to keep practising our spelling), then off to Bend,
Chemult, a town of maybe twenty permanent residents, stopping in Klamath Falls, the city with a massive lake.
We are about to enter the long state of California and travel its full extent, stopping in Shasta City. Oh Shasta!
Hopefully, we have one or two more challenges before reaching our grandchildren and a vacation.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

14.17 Crater Lake, a unique body of water, a phenomenon. 14.18 Mount Tipsoo, a strange name.

This is our third visit to the Crater Lake National Park. One cannot pass this way without stopping
in for a quick 'hello'. Each time, the crater and its contents have had a dramatic impact on our senses.
We hiked to the peak of Mount Scott and to the surface of the crater on the first two occasions. Today,
after a tough week, we made it to Garfield Peak, a fairly steep climb although relatively short. However,
the views of the lake exceeded our wildest expectations. The colors, we admit, look artificial.
Nevertheless, anyone who has had the privilege to visit the park will attest to the accuracy.

We were fortunate that we had full sun, some cloud and still waters. Reflections were enhanced further
when clouds blocked the sun temporarily, causing a royal blue stain on the perfect surface. In addition,
on the previous day, we had hiked up to the peak of Tipsoo, behind Mount Thielsen, which we observed
from Garfield on this hike. It gave us perspective of another part of Oregon. As a bonus, one of our favorites,
the Californian giant, Mount Shasta was also on view.

The rest of the blog is a pictorial showing the beauty, the tranquility and unimaginable coloring
of Oregon's Crater Lake, the remnants of a blast from the past, America's deepest.



A view from the summit of Garfield.


Mount Scott, in background, a wonderful hike, great views but further from the lake than Garfield.


Clouds block sun partially creating another blue shade.


A beautiful position in a remarkable world.




Some rocks are irresistible, especially those directly above the lake.


In the background is Mount Thielsen, clouds in foreground on water. (See next picture.)


The previous day's hike to Mount Tiptoo. Mount Thielsen between Crater Lake and Tiptoo.

The hike to Tiptoo peak, in a seemingly deserted part of the forests by way of a poor road to the trailhead,
was a little under 7 miles. The views from the summit were wonderful. However, Diamond Lake, one of the
attractions, was out of reasonable camera range. The valley was covered, as always, in trees and many lakes,
in addition to the Diamond.


Another of reflections on the lake; Tiptoo and Thielsen at rear.


High clouds in the sky, very low clouds on lake surface.




Phantom Ship 'sails' below Jenni.


'Reflections of my lake.'

14.16 'Charity', South Sister, a tough and difficult day hike

The eligible bachelor of the mountain community, Mount Bachelor.


An incredible 'high', one of the great day hikes.


Overlooking the glacial lake heavily snow-banked, fed by Lewis Glacier.


With close to 3,000 feet still to climb, editor looking far too confident. The route is to the left of
the glacier, over the top to the peak behind (not in view).

We worked hard in planning this hike. We had developed a number of excuses of why we should not
do it this time. The hot weather makes it a bad time of the year; blisters on the feet are a problem;
we have or will develop headaches (wrong scenario) and on and on continued the list. However, as in
all things, it takes just one reason to do something positive. Fortunately, we wrote all the excuses
on a piece of paper so we can use them at a later stage. It would be sad to waste a good set.

We set off at 5am from our motel to attempt to climb what, after completing it, can only be termed
a monster day hike. The statistics are staggering: 12.5 miles roundtrip, a fraction under 5,000 feet
elevation gain to arrive at a peak of 10,358 feet, Oregon’s third highest (140 feet less than
number 2, Jefferson). ‘Charity’, or the South Sister, is the highest of the three sisters and now
that we have undertaken it, obviously our favorite. The alternate names of the three are ‘Faith,
Hope and Charity’, beautiful concepts and values attached to very rugged ‘women’.


The 'slippery slope' indicating the angle of ascent before the really steep section. A glimpse of
Mount Washington below.


Blue eyes stops to view glacial lake or more likely, rest.


Smoking wilderness ignores surgeon-general's health warning.

The hike begins from the car park, making it an auspicious start as after a short while, the trail
crosses a highway. It then climbs a steep section of 1.5 miles through the forest, breaks the tree
line and meanders along a plain above Lake Moraine. Mount Bachelor, Broken Top and the dome of Charity
come into view providing wonderful views. South Sister is a formidable sight—actually, intimidating.
The terrain is so different; one has the feeling of being in a massive semi-desert park. The cascades
provide a wonderful backdrop, too. As we rise, the trail becomes one of scree and more free-for-all
than a planned path. The underfoot is loose and a little dangerous causing one to slip and slide.
The return journey down is very dangerous. Hiking poles may be the way to go in future although we are
not planning to repeat the hike soon, not should we wish to remain married.


Looking down towards the opposite side from the ascent.


Summit girl gives her 'black-power' um black peak salute.


At the peak on a near perfect day...maybe a ride down would improve it.

After some rugged climbing, we came across a glacial lake, below Lewis Glacier, one of five glaciers
on the mountain. The water color never ceases to amaze, no matter how many times we view it. In the
background, the eligible Mount Bachelor is prominent with a sought after temporary ring about it,
the smoke from wildfires, although it looked like mist. To the east stands Broken Top Mountain.
It seems in fine shape to us but the experts say it’s broken so we’ll leave it at that. Perhaps standing
next to the Three Sisters all these years has had an effect on its self-esteem. After the steep climb
to the glacial lake, the way becomes even sharper; we begin to question our sanity, not for the first time.
We do hope it will be an ongoing feature in our lives, though.


In stock market parlance, they talk of a 'wall of worry'—we call this a wall of fear.


The Bachelor has made a lasting impression, the husband, forgotten.


Editor, with no reason to smile, does. Moraine Lake, (top right) is nearly 2,000 feet below Jenni and in turn,
2,000 feet above our trailhead.

Before going further, we crossed paths with Bill who is perhaps one of the most upbeat fellows you can
wish to meet. When we spoke about each day being a new adventure, his eyes lit and he explained that’s
how he lives life as well as tries to influence others. He flies balloons, probably jumps out of them,
hikes all over the place and is game for anything that provides excitement. We left him for the more
mundane climb, which was becoming, 'a little horror'.

Mount Bachelor is prominent and very attractive. 'It is not good for man (mountain) to live alone.'
So, three sisters were created, Faith, Hope and Charity. Bachelor, unfortunately struggled. Lacking faith,
feeling hopeless and not being willing to give, he finds himself alone. Meantime, the Three Sisters refuse
to wait until he (it) erupts. They are registered with both e-harmony and J-date.


Captures the essence of the hike, rough, tough and steep on a lousy surface, otherwise, 'wonderful'.


Your typical homely couple with two sisters in background.


Editor crosses a snow field before climbing to the peak, close by.

We crossed snow a few times, kept slipping on loose stones and sand, scree, took in wonderful and changing
scenery before making the summit. It always is a great feeling achieving the target and this time it was
perhaps even better than previous occasions. Along the way we spoke to Katherine and Charlie, a little
later, Keith. Something we discovered is of all the hikers we have met over the years, the Oregonians
seem the friendliest. We have been well treated in this state. Please invite us to return.


'Mind the gap'. Keep off ice and snow, the glaciers are high risk propositions.


'Faith' prominent, Jefferson makes an appearance and Hood (faint on right) wants in on the act, too.

A few years ago, we visited the town of Sisters. Tarryn, our niece, identified with these mountains.
She is one of three sisters who lost their mother Wendy, our sister, at young ages. Since she mentioned
it, we always have the girls and their mother in our hearts when we look at the captivating Sisters.

This is a long blog of words and pictures so we’ll end it here and just collapse into bed.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey



Contemplative married man needing rest, Bachelor well rested in rear.


Close to the Sisters. We have viewed them from at least 5 hikes, at distance.

A slideshow of Hike-About 11—South Africa 2013

Sunrise in Keurboomstrand, Cape, South Africa

Scroll down for slide shows...


                                                  On vacation until mid-April

14.15 Terrebonne, OR: Smith Rock, Misery Trail, a hot delight

Hot and dry but something special as Jen climbs quickly and high.


Views are outstanding in desert setting.


Reminds us of scenes at Piute Pass, near Bishop, California

We mentioned a few weeks ago that we try to retain the integrity of the blog, whenever it suits us…we mean,
at all times. It behooves us to relate a trio of incidents that occurred on the road, providing the editor
approves. Apparently, she does. Earlier in the month, while the French were at the Bastille, we were
increasing our age by another year, something that seems to occur annually. In fact, lately the years seem
even shorter. Soon after this anniversary, we suffered a communication problem between various parts of the
body and mind.


Jen takes a break as she catches her breath from an up-draught.


Taking the gap at 'Monkey-face' Rock. Notice rock climber sitting in mouth of rock.

It’s no surprise to anyone that we travel quite a bit. It means that we stay in a number of places of
accommodation each year. When we need to use the bathroom during the night, we generally tend to have
a good feel of where the facilities are even though they change every few days. On the night in question,
we needed to get rid of some Diet Coke. We headed for the bathroom, aligning in the usual way. After a
few seconds, we realized the sound of liquid hitting water, something we always expect to hear, was not
occurring. We made appropriate adjustments as we are dexterous in these matters and continued but with
no success. After a few more seconds and deep thought, we realized we were facing the bathtub, not the commode.

Feeling most embarrassed, we ended up washing the tub in the early hours of the morning, hoping our editor
either would not wonder why we had become so enthusiastic about matters of hygiene, or, needed the
facilities herself. We would add that we never mentioned this incident until we departed for the
next destination.


Hey, Sisters, we're coming to visit soon (South, Middle and North or Charity, Hope and Faith in reverse
order because they lined up incorrectly for the photograph).


Mount Hood, a hundred miles north, viewed from the park.


Editor looks up as temperature hits triple digits; she has a long way to go.

Soon thereafter, we arrived at another motel. We remember thinking whether we should travel in sandals
or socks with shoes. We made a decision and off we went. Upon arriving at the Dalles, we set up the
computer and began working when we were suddenly overcome. We could not remember packing our sandals
in the bag or car. We rushed to the editor and exclaimed, “We left the sandals in the motel room.”
We felt distraught at such carelessness. Although we had made an error, we did not appreciate the
smile on the editor’s face followed by hysterical laughter. We failed to understand the humorous
angle and said as much to Jenni.

“Look what you have on your feet, silly. You’re wearing your sandals.”

Don’t we feel stupid…indeed.


'Misery' loves company.


Everyone seems to be looking up


'Monkey-face' Rock, a rock-climber's paradise.

Recently, we were in Borca di Cadora, Italy when our friend, Gary Sneag forwarded a video. It was focused
upon female-male relationships, something we are still trying to understand. Barbara Frank
has been providing occasional guidance but alas, we don’t know whether we are making headway. Quickly,
the woman is explaining to her husband she is suffering excruciating headaches. He is attentive and
appears most caring. He explains the solution is easy as she has a long spike (nail) stuck in her head.
She blasts him saying, “I don’t want a solution, I want you to listen, to offer sympathy.”

This is most difficult for us to comprehend. When someone offers a solution to a problem, we say grab
it with both hands. We show the editor the video, expecting she will agree with us, for a change. We are
startled to hear she sides with the wife. We realize we do have a problem—we need therapy, after all,
this is America.

The next day, our editor summons us to help with the glass-top stove. To make fire in order to cook food,
she usually takes two sticks, a pot of water and prepares dinner in the wilderness. These days, internal
kitchens are a challenge for her, particularly, Italian ones. So she takes us through the steps of trying
to switch on the stove plate to heat the pot. The electronic system doesn’t seem to understand her commands
even though one doesn’t need to speak Italian.

As we have been taught about solutions versus listening, recently, we nod the head sympathetically without
saying much but ‘tut, tut’. We think tilting the head to the side sets the right tone.

“Can you get this to work?” she asks.
“Sure”, we reply.
“Then please do,” she commands. We see right through her, knowing she is testing us. We cleverly avoid the trap.
“We are here to listen, not offer solutions,” we explain, feeling we are about to be complimented on our
grasp of the issue.

Then she smacked us in the mouth.


A typical scene at this quite extraordinary place.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey