Greece: Gerontovrachos Parnassos, which means of course: 'Sticky Boots'.
'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 three, or slightly less, 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 2024, the blog contained over 1,636 hikes (far less than 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. Our 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."
Much to my surprise, our editor planned a last hike before we leave for Spain. Again, it was a
wonderful experience with even more clouding than over the last few weeks. Because the entrance we used
only opens at 6am, we were not able to achieve a sunrise view.
Team Benjamin-Lazarow-Josephson at training camp. With the Olympics a mere year away, the team prepares.
On the other hand, the team stays in shape as they conspire against their joint, formidable enemy—their parents
and our children...the old-age battle continues...we'll keep you posted should we survive.
Somewhat mesmerized by this scene at peak of Mount Woodson. Come to think of it, affected by most.
Clouds remains low as we approach the peak.
Jen stands higher than protruding Iron Mountain.
The always attractive Lake Poway, reflects the break through of the sun.
Boeing announces 787 with vertical take-off capability, big deal. Meantime, we remain alert
and 'on our toes'. We also readily admit the background is far more beautiful than foreground.
Iron Mountain and 'friends' across the way, protrude. Sometimes hard to believe a valley exists
below the thick, white clouds. (Always for Maude.)
Once again, leaving the condo at 4:30am on both Friday and Sunday morning, provided exceptional treats,
particularly the latter day. Although the sunrises and sunsets these last few months have not been as
attractive as those during Fall, the cloud formations have proved heavenly.
It begs the question: 'What is wrong with people who leave this beautiful region to hike in other parts
of the world? Are they crazy?' We hope so.
In fact, we decided to become realtors. Our slogan is: Grab a piece of heaven. The photographs
should provide the answer. If not, call the editor, she’s the originator of the concept. We openly
admit we have no idea of heaven and wonder if we may ever be admitted. In the meantime, we'll take
the views and feelings we experienced as an alternative.
Inspired by this sight: 'A Piece of Heaven' on earth. Perhaps, a 'halfway house'.
'Morning has broken, light the first' moment.
Sun reflects off clouds for the first time this morning.
Jenni heading towards the clouds below.
So inspired by the atmosphere that he jumps for Joy...um Jenni, above the clouds.
Somewhat eerie look as we move up.
We now take pictures of strands of wild grass...Hmm!
Of submarines, whales and plant life.
So many varied cloud formations, filling and taking the gaps.
We are on vacation until mid-June...see you around.
Narrative follows videos of South Africa, New Zealand, Hawaii and two pictures below.
Over-the-top at Mont-aux-Sources.
There's no turning back...or is there?
Video follows-South Africa:
Click on icon, bottom right, for full frame.
Video follows-New Zealand:
Click on screen icon at bottom right to view full screen.
Click on screen icon at bottom right to view full screen.
Sunrise supreme. Aren't they all?
The Mahai Falls, Drakensberg.
Sisters, Hilary and Jenni, brothers-in-law, Ernie and...
Watch out! Leopard crouched. Jenni said to me, while I was facing the other way, "Do you think that's
real?" I turned, not having seen it before, and jumped a sizeable height.
Sometimes, a little balance is called for, most times as much as possible. We have enjoyed the country
immensely, once again. We also realize the land has influenced our lives in setting a direction or path
for us notwithstanding we no longer live there permanently. We also recognize problems exist in the country
and in our opinion, will escalate—we are often wrong though. Perhaps a little story or two will illustrate
a negative aspect although we try, and do believe, portray a positive view, generally.
One Sunday evening, after using our cash resources to pay a lodging bill, we set off by car to an ATM
in Underberg, a small town. We had noticed a bank, an ideal cash replenishment resource at which to
collect additional money, for the next day’s transportation to the border post. Upon arriving at the
terminals, we noticed the foyer was flooded with light but the surrounding area was mostly dark. It had
an eerie feeling although that may have been exacerbated by our uncertainty of the area. Nevertheless,
it did not have the atmosphere of Disneyworld.
I handed Jenni my wallet after removing a debit card and locked the door. Jenni reminded me that I should
get out the car first before locking the door. What would I do without her? The key remained in the ignition
and Jenni moved into the driver’s seat smartly. We agreed she would toot should she see any suspicious behavior.
We had not defined 'suspicious' which left an awful number of opportunities for blowing the horn. I darted
to the machine, transacted business and returned hurriedly to the car, hoping she would allow me back inside.
You never know.
That’s not an ideal way to live although you might think our expectations are a little high.
We arrived at Oliver Tambo Airport, formerly Jan Smuts, for our completion of a journey around the world.
We kept heading west from San Diego, our commencement port, and should arrive back via London. Upon returning
our rental car, we loaded a trolley with six bags of varying sizes and weights. On the way to the counter,
a rather poorly attired Zulu, half-accosted us in the elevator in his willingness to help the ‘elderly couple’
with their luggage. We never have anyone assist us in these matters but this fellow was insistent; we thought
it would give him the opportunity to earn a bit of money. Why not?
I had dropped my guard, being at an airport and thinking it quite safe. Jen noticed he continued to cause
diversions and distractions while taking us away from the direct route. She believed he bumped me at one
stage in searching for my wallet. She then saw his hand working the zipper on the small bag—I didn’t.
She urged me to take the bag from him. I did. After a couple of minutes, we were able to get rid of him,
finally. He was not the sensitive type and did not take 'no' easily. He had tried to get ahead of us using
the cart to block his actions. Our normal intention is always to stay with the ‘leader’ which we did—this
thwarted his ability to be less visible. Thus, he was not able to achieve privacy during which period
he could have removed items. Unfortunately, I had my head in the clouds, still being somewhere up Sani Pass
or in the beautiful wilds, while acting in a normal trusting manner. Bad move. I was not prepared for
the 'civilized wilds'. Fortunately, I never travel without my personal security (sweetness) guard.
A minute later a security guard arrived on the scene and asked us to check whether anything had been
removed from our bags. Apparently, he had been observing from the floor above. He acted firmly and
with urgency. By that time, I had the feeling it could be another scam and moved on after saying,
‘All was fine’.
“We hear the mountains calling…and Ellie and Benny.”
