LAZAROW WORLD HIKE-ABOUT

New Zealand: Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Ngauruhoe Volcano ("Mt. Doom"), a perfect sunrise.

'LAZAROW WORLD HIKE-ABOUT: WHAT IN THE WORLD IS HIKE-ABOUT?'

Hike-about is an adventure that commenced June 2010. After storing our household movables, ridding ourselves of a house but retaining our 'home' together, we set off with the purpose of hiking in different parts of the world, not forgetting the home country, the USA.

Our primary focus is hiking to mountain peaks but any challenging hike will do just fine. Extended stays enable us to enjoy and experience living in various places amongst differing cultures. Hike-about has evolved into a way of life. It's also a process of discovery, both the world and ourselves.

We work and live 'on the road' but return to the city in which our grandchildren reside, every couple of months. This provides us the wonderful opportunity to be with them as well as a child or two, even three and of course, friends.

By the end of 2023, the blog contained over 1,560 hikes (less than that actually undertaken), each a set of pictures with stories and anecdotes from the trails. An index to the right allows the viewer to identify earlier experiences.

Finally, we are often asked about the journey's end.
O
ur reply, as accurate as we can state, is: "When we are either forced to cease through health issues or the enjoyment level no longer reaches our aspirations, we will hang up the boots."

"A Life Experience As No Other: Dare to Seize the Day Together", published by Fulton Books, depicts our life on the road and mountains until the beginning of 2017. It has developed 'exponentially' since then.

Jenni and Jeffrey Lazarow

Whereas we continue to update the blog regularly, we circulate email notifications infrequently.

Monday, December 11, 2017

33.27 and 33.28: Golden Gate Highland National Park, Free State, RSA: A unique and wonderful region. "Vrystaat!"


Editor enters their territory and the wildebeest engage in a duel over her.




On a dull day, the sun shone finally, at sunset.



In our penultimate hike in the Republic of South Africa, we were overtaken with joy at seeing some amazing scenes. There is no doubt one needs luck in being in the right place at the right time. As someone once said and we can attest to it. One's chances of being in the right place increases exponentially with experience and frequency. Unfortunately, in the case of the sunset on the buttresses, when we noticed the phenomenon of a dull day turning into a climactic sunset, I dashed to a vantage point. So far so good. However, I had the wrong lens with me and could not chance returning for a better option as the sun was unlikely to wait upon me. We have noticed that the sun can be unreasonable about waiting until we are suitably positioned.

Once again, we feel blessed to have seen many of the treasures that fill the magnificent landscapes of this troubled country. The great pity is that it has an abundance of potential which may be wasted while tribalism and corruption dominate the action of the ruling class.


A view from our peak of this rugged and most attractive region incorporating many buttresses.




Another of these vast, open regions not hindered by forests of trees.




A final thrust gets the editor to the peak of Brandwag buttress, a short but steep climb.




Class is in session as dassies await the teacher's arrival: Over to you, Ms. Jonna.




Peering through the reeds in search of water.




That's better: We now have all our ducks...um...dassies in a row.




Sun hits the spot at Golden Gate Highland Park, Van Reenen rest camp.




Late afternoon as the clouds create a sultry look.




A Little earlier (before sunset), it was a magical moment or two.




Then it became even more magical.



Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey



'Bye, bye birdie.'


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