21.02 Oahu: Lanipo Peak contrasted with color on the surface.

After a hike in the 'green jungle', we came across these colors on the way home.


It's not often one experiences a dull day on Oahu but we sure did on Thursday. Nevertheless, on the way home,
we came across a beach and ocean water in colors that were hard to believe. It was so amazing that we asked each
other if what we were looking at was real.

The hike up and on the mountain was tough in places because of the rock climbing and slippery slopes. However,
we found those times to be most enjoyable but not enough of them. Along the ridge we had good views but it became
'more of the same' with the hazard of thick foliage to plough through. Once again, lack of good light showed how
critical the sun is to achieve interesting scenes.



The surprisingly dull conditions took out the color as we hiked on a ridge. Honolulu a few miles distant,
in the mist.




Jenni asks whether we have a spare hedge-clipper or perhaps a power saw available.





Rabbit Island. Accurate shades of color may just have been captured by the camera. Quite amazing.





Along the ridge as far as the eye can see and then some.




The scene of the next hike, the pyramid shaped mountain in the distance.




A similar scene to the above photo but taken in loco...or a little loco.



Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

21.01 Koko Head and its rim—Oahu, Hawaii — 'Stairway to Heaven'...more like he..

Jenni stands on Koko Head—Diamond Head and Honolulu in background.



We flew into the island of Oahu, Hawaii and fought the traffic almost successfully before arriving
at our destination, Kailua. After leaving gorgeous summer weather in wintry San Diego, we found the
weather similar to that of the home city, although even warmer. Rumor has it that the East Coast is experiencing
blizzards. Who to believe?

As a kick-off, we returned to Koko Head, a volcano that allows for stunning vistas from the top. During the war,
a train would bring supplies to the gunners at the summit. Nowadays, there's no train so should one wish to reach
the top, it takes a major effort. In places, the steps approach near vertical and for the rest of the climb,
they are darn steep. Upon reaching the top, we wanted to puke our breakfast although we should add that wasn't
a voluntary feeling. The reason we didn't though is that we had not yet eaten.

The climb is 1,200 feet over a short distance, negotiating 1,048 large, crumbling railway sleepers (steps).
It is a premier training ground for locals while every enthusiastic visitor to the island tries
his/her hand (foot) at it. Once reaching the top, we usually (always) hike on part of the rim of
the crater, which is quite special. The pictures, although not taken at a good time, give an indication
of this ideal place.




'Koko Head' takes it all in although feels a little shaky as the wind rises on the rim.




The editor begins the descent. The smile is not a genuine manifestation of her feelings for
the Koko or her husband, for that matter.





A wonderful position approaching the rim.




Honolulu, Diamond Head and Waikiki.





A genuine wall climb. Adrenaline flow suggests to avoid an attempt on El Capitan.




Out on a limb...um...rim.




A perspective from the bottom although it does not come anywhere close to capturing the incline. Fortunately,
the 'loco'motive made it back safely.



Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

San Diego winter...what's winter? Now we understand the meaning of an oxymoron.

A wildfire covers an extensive area. No?




Flowing lava covers the area leaving a pond of water untouched. No?




Molten rock spreads towards the suburbs. No?





A pool untouched by the flow of lava. No?


Of course, it's another spectacular sunset, the light or blue openings being the sky.




A prism in our passage, clashes with our decor. The sun, refracted or not, continues to amaze.


Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

Iron Mountain sunrise following a sunset a few nights before.

Should you wish to achieve a 'high', try a mountain hike early in the morning, sweat a little, run a little
and take in some of nature's most attractive scenes. Iron Mountain continues, as do many others, to provide
consistent and beautiful sunrises and sunsets to view. Follow the outing with a shower and then one is flying...

We left home at 5:15am, hiked half-way up in the dark and reached the summit before sunrise although the
dawn light made the path clear thereafter. At a little after 8am on a Sunday morning, we were back at home and ready to
face the day. The amazing thing is: It's available to all to take and enjoy—a healthy start to the day.




Early morning before the peak of Iron Mountain.




A favorite, the scene one waits a long time to find.




Looking towards Coronado and Mexico.




Sun tips over horizon and creates an orange reflection on left.





Sun breaks over back mountains.




Sunrays fill the lens, turning the valley and mountains into beautiful shades.




Color our world, lift the spirits.




Sun spot on the banks of Mount Woodson.














Taking in one more before heading down.





Facing west towards the Pacific Ocean





The last sliver or two of this month as we commence at 5:35am.


Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

'Nothing's quite as pretty as Mary in the morning' & Iron Mountain in the evening.

A view from the summit of Iron Mountain, Poway.



I headed out to Atlanta on business or to express it another way, was summoned by the boss. It's an awful long way to travel to talk to Barry and only for one day. However, it could be worse--I could be here talking to him for two days or more. What a waste of mountain time. I'm already missing my baby, not meaning Ellie or Benny. (Barry is a nice guy, though.)

I arrived at the hotel in Buckhead after investing in a taxi company. At least it felt that way after settling the tariff. The driver was from Eritrea. There are a lot of Africans in America these days. It was only last week the manager of a lube station in Carmel Valley revealed himself as an Ethiopian. It's good to meet our African brothers and dare I say, sisters, too. However, it seems the most we have in common is living in the United States.




Another 'bloody' sunset...easy does it, sun...um...Son.





Early part of sunset with Mount Woodson on the flank.



Anyway, after arriving at the front desk, I noticed the receptionist, to put it as at tactfully as possible, was rather buxom. Furthermore, she was struggling to read my identity card (driver's licence) as well as the information on computer screen. One thing led another and she said that she does not see too well from close up. That happens to all of us eventually. However, when I made the obvious suggestion she retorted, "There's no chance of me wearing glasses." I wondered if this is an Atlanta syndrome or a plain vanity issue with the woman.



Going...going.


Later, I went in search of a Diet Coke. The vending machine only displayed regular Coke available. Atlanta, being the home of the Coca Cola Company, it rather surprised me. I mentioned this to the receptionist wondering if on the other floors the variety might differ. She said she had not noticed this little snippet of information and once again said, "There's no chance I would drink Diet Coke." The results showed clearly. I also realized I was dealing with a highly principled person.




A typical boulder-covered scene in the county with the sun providing contrasts.



I arrived in the room to find a micro-wave oven and refrigerator. I was quite excited to see them because on the road, Jenni uses the micro to cook scrumptious meals and I usually pull a Coke from the fridge. So I called our editor who I hoped was preparing for Hike-about 21 while I was steeling myself to meet with Barry. I asked her what buttons I needed to press to get a vege-burger and fries. I hate it when she gets complicated and mentioned that I first had to put the food into the unit. What's the point of the micro then?








A little wild...a lot wonderful.




After arriving back in San Diego, doing some work, it was time to view a sunset from the peak of Iron Mountain. The trail was rather busy and we used the opportunity to enter a few mountain races. On the summit, we saw something different from anything witnessed before. I wish it had been the scenery. Instead, a hippie, covered in tattoos, long dreadlocks and quite a sweet face asked if I would mind if he had a toke while at the peak. I don’t know what surprised me more—weed on this great, little mountain or the fact that he asked. Obviously, the mountain was not high enough for him.


Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

20.41 Las Vegas: Red Rock Canyon Preserve and a handful of highlights from Hike-about 20

Our last hike of Hike-about 20 took place in Las Vegas. Fortunately, this was not on the Strip but
some thirty or so miles west. We are not fond of the city at all but the preserve is such a redeeming feature
of the region that it's likely to make us return.

We had intended to hike a peak in the preserve but were unable to find the trailhead, at first. When we
discovered where it was, we could not reach it as the road passing through the preserve is one-way.
So we ended up hiking what looked like the next best. It's another reason to return to this attractive park.
Although it was an enjoyable experience, the expected climax to Hike-about 20 fizzled a little. Nevertheless,
the nine weeks on the trails were arguably the best experience we have had. Of course, criticism that the last
hiking session is always the 'best' may be fair. However, it did feel it surpassed all others.

At the end of January, we resume Hike-about by heading for New Zealand via Hawaii.

We have tagged on a handful of pictures from earlier hikes over this last exciting period.

In addition, two videos follow thereafter.




A prickly pair.






From the previous day, sunrise on the Colorado River as it passes through Bullhead City, AZ.





Red Rock Preserve, Las Vegas, NV.





Jenni considers which way to go—it all looks the same but very attractive.





Sunrise in the Sierras 'hits' the peaks.




Volcano view from part way up Mount Humphreys, San Francisco Range, Arizona.





Sunlight for the birds, Page, AZ.





Plateau Point, Grand Canyon, AZ.





Lower Antelope Canyon, Page, AZ.






Mesquite Flats, Death Valley, CA.





Tallac Peak, Tahoe (south).





San Jacinto Mountain in Palm Springs shines at sunrise.





A view from Mount Dana, Yosemite.





Mono Lake at sunset, Lee Vining, CA.





View on Table Mountain, Sierras, CA.





Pink Coral Dunes, Utah.





Bunting hike, Kanab, Utah





Yellow Rock (Mountain), Utah.





Wright Lake, Desolation Wilderness, CA






Mesquite Flats, Death Valley, CA.





Sunset in the Sierras, CA.





Mono Pass, California.





Cathedral Mountain and Lake, Yosemite, CA.





Pink Coral Dunes, Utah.






Joshua Tree, California.






A path on Observation Trail, Zion, Utah.






Mono Lake sunset, Lee Vining, CA






Boulder land, Utah.





Summit Angels Landing, Zion, Utah.





Sunrise in the forest, Piute Pass trail, CA.





Peekaboo Trail, Bryce Canyon.





A wall of the great Grand Canyon, AZ.



Cheers,


Jenni and Jeffrey