LAZAROW WORLD HIKE-ABOUT

Arizona: Reaching peak of Spenser Trail with Colorado River below.

'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.
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.

Saturday, July 5, 2025

68.03 Andorra...a land...correction...a mountainous enclave: A Quick Peek at 2 peaks.

  Two tiny, insignificant people reach a bowl, surrounded by high mountains, after climbing solidly for 2 hours. Yet, we feel we are in a unique space, a different zone, peeking (peaking) into and at scenes in which we are privileged to witness. It's not just the sights; in fact, it's the atmosphere that's unique. It's as if the environment provides the privilege of entering into this time-warp. 

  Practically thinking, returning home safely, relaxing, absorbing and basking in the afterglow of such tremendous exertion, beautiful scenery and unique privilege of feeling an atmosphere that is not describable easily. It is so distinguished and mostly, completely varied from city, town and suburban life which has a person feeling he/she has returned from a heavenly space. While one seeks the next opportunity of visiting such a place, a space really, it only occurs when nature, and perhaps a higher power, invites one to enter. 

  We are grateful! While the words may be ordinary, the feeling was enhanced through Jenni L's insights. 

The first few photographs are from Cabana Sorda Estany (lake), the latter from Estany de l'Isla, and of course, the climb to reach them. 

This path looked comfortably distant from the water...looks can be deceptive.
We discovered a new trail while we ate brunch. We intend to pursue it soon, but we could not resist climbing a few hundred yards to get the feel.
Good thing we carry sunglasses with us...should have a lifebelt, too.
Returning to the original trail after testing the recently discovered path.
The latter hike was a little rough; at times, it felt vertical but superb. Reminiscent of the recent Cubil Petit scramble.
Reaching the top of the first of four major false peaks.
Finally, after imagining the lake in many parts of the route, it makes an appearance.
We discover an island and twinkle-toes does the step-stone dance.

Let's go home...it's downhill all the way...that's worrying as we reach beyond the final third.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

One for the road...water.

Thursday, July 3, 2025

South Africa: Cape Town...The home of the Devil...'s Peak, Table Mountain (via India Venster) and Lion's Head: (3 in 1).

During the past year, we have spent time in Nepal, followed by a visit to Portugal, a return to Nepal, onto Tenerife, whipped through Spain and are currently in Andorra. It's been a while since we visited South Africa, our country of birth. Whereas we miss the people we know in that country as well as the beauty of the land, the corruption and failing infrastructure we are happy to avoid. Nevertheless, we are South Africans at soul level plus a few other things some might wish to add, so we rely on fond memories deep down, and superficially, photographs. The few set out below deal with just one city, Cape Town, and 3 of its mountains. While a visit for us is not on the cards, we'll settle for placing our cards on the Table. 

Table mountain from Devil's Peak.

The city including Greenpoint from Devil's Peak.
Jen hangs around the peak of the Devil, living dangerously. Lion's Head in the background.
After climbing up Table Mountain via the difficult India Venster (window) route, we received some 'useful' information. We believe we've reached the 'Table' via 4 different routes over the years.
One of us wisely remained on Devil's Peak rather than follow the dangerous route.
Apparently, he was missing Jenni so much he took a leap of faith. (She still doesn't appreciate the gesture).
She preferred to move on to the lesser Lion's Head.
While her mate stayed with the devil.
Reconciliation of the mates and ready to break with the devil. Much too overrated.
Jen puts her hands on the table as she climbs steadily (Table Mountain).
Pursued by a poor second who wishes to see India from this point. He's inclined to be literal at times.
Have some foot support over this section. We take whatever they give.
Stunning scenes, exciting positions as we head to the Twelve Apostles side of the mountain.
Jen feeling a little edgy.
Better than a 'room with a view', that is, being on the Table.
We cross to Lion's head to see what's happening below.
The 'lioness' is smiling in that position. It's an excellent sign; it augurs well for the return journey.
Things not looking stable on the Table. We chose wisely to try out the Lion, for a change.
Still safe on Lion's Head; shows the difference in being at a lower altitude.
Still smiling but those clouds may be putting a dampener on the face.
The Table is not as smooth as we were led to believe.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

Two towns outside Cape Town and a whole lot more impressed us. Could not resist showing these, hardly surprising... 

Jen heading for the peak of 3-Sisters in Kleinmond.
Du Toit's Peak, above the vineyards of Franschhoek.

Monday, June 30, 2025

68.02 Andorra: El Cubil Petit...now you're talking of thrills and adventure.

El Cubil Petit Peak is that on the right. An inch to the right of the peak is a tiny white dot. Bear that in mind.
After walking for an hour and gaining 1,340 feet, we reach the base of the mountain, facing an extremely sharp further 700 feet. Often, we are tempted to take shorter routes; however, on this occasion we did not until the return trip during which we made our own path directly down numerous slopes. Jen is going to attempt the climb, hopefully, illustrating a path leading to the peak. There are 4 false peaks followed by the actual top which we hope to reach. Because the experience was once again so meaningful and 'Jen is older' than on the previous occasions, we added some text later which perhaps provides more meaning to this adventure. 

Having reached the base of this mountain which rests on another mountain itself, notice the vertical gain relative to the distance walked/climbed.
Keeping an eye on our car in the park below.
This part of the scramble becomes somewhat rocky and colorful.
Never realized how many moves Jenni really has.
Let's take a breather and peek over the edge. Oops! Forgot cozzies (bathing suits).
Hang on! Let's wait for 'lazy bones'.
Jen's in a hurry. It's 11:30am and she has yet to eat breakfast.
Some color, a view of one of the many valleys and of course, our star who might have forgotten what it's like to stand erect.
Welcome home...on the rocks.
We are approaching the third peak. Notice the white tank (mentioned in opening photograph).
And now for some (rough) perspective. This is a replica (with blue lines) of the opening picture showing El Cubil Petit resting on a mountain. We have marked the peak and 4 false ones. Looking at the profile, from our hiking positions and the valley (generally the right side), one can only see the first false peak (right most blue line.) Left of the middle blue line, the white dot is the tank mentioned above.
A little humbling at times...maybe, a lot.
Time for some real rock climbing as we have to negotiate a tight edge above. Abyss to the left.
No! Still time for a break. Actually, he's sitting on the cliff edge. They don't build for comfort and safety in Andorra.
'Hurry up', she shouts. She doesn't realize that's the strategy...to drive her up the wall.
The strangest phenomenon. The higher we go, the more the pond shrinks. Go figure!
Hats off to Jen! The 'star' twinkles, deservedly so.
The white tank is now below.
A few lakes only viewable from height.
Plotting the route home by car while looking toward France. We've turned our backs on Spain.
In our parlance: 'A Beaut' as opposed to a butte.
A revisit of Jen's arrival. One can now see why the peak cannot be viewed from along the route.
He lags behind Jen but eventually joins her at the peak.
  Each day there's usually a lesson to be learned, a challenge to be met (actually many of various degrees), while life's to be lived and enjoyed. At times, one tends to forget some of these components while struggling with frustrations, illness and many other facets of daily existence. Apparently, we were not promised a smooth ride. We love challenges but are quick to admit there are some we'd prefer not to face (ever). We don't want health issues, we don't want to see people and ourselves hurt, etc. However, we do wish to face experiences that create a struggle which tests us and ideally allows us to meet it provided we apply a strong, positive and responsible effort. Physical hurdles including an element of mental strength are the ideal which we tend to experience almost daily.

  Today was one such day. We set out up a mountain heading toward a another 5-part peak sitting upon the first mentioned base mountain. We hope that makes some sense. The latter mountain has a name: Cubil Petit. While there was nothing petite or cute about it, it certainly is small by comparison with many others. However, it's designed to make life difficult for a person to reach its summit, which has 4 false peaks on the way up. From the outset, it's steep, rough and has a sort of path which may have been designed by a psychopath. Of the pictures shown in the blog, they only display part of the little 'cutie'. The other portions of the remaining half are positioned out of view further behind it. 

  One other aspect worth mentioning is something we have thought about over the years. Life requires a person to display a certain level of courage to succeed, we'd suggest. Some activities require higher levels of courage or bravery, for instance. Having thought this through, we came to the conclusion many years ago, while a macho sort of fellow might be courageous, it is not necessarily true. The converse is that a meek or fearful person may be a coward, but this is also not necessarily apt. We arrived at the conclusion that a true person of courage is one that is fearful, even afraid, nervous, scared and yet faces the challenge full on and fights it. One's broad shoulders, large muscles and tough talk are window dressing. The person of courage, or one who is brave, is one who attempts to face the challenge despite feeling cowardly or afraid. Those that never or seldom feel fear are not necessarily brave or courageous. Perhaps, their genes don't understand fear and therefore, they face no real challenge. 

  So, what's the purpose of this 'beginning to sound like a minor tome, or should that be tomb'? When we faced the latter part of the climb, (something we'd completed 9 and 3 years before respectively), I could see the fear on Jenni's face. I wasn't actually feeling that sprightly myself. There were no other hikers around, in fact, none at all times. A path was not easily visible and the height of the climb confronting us was only partially on display, roughly 50%. Frankly, it appeared to be close to vertical. The redeeming feature was the pink flower bushes spread over the mountain. They would cheer us up, wouldn't they? Would it be wise to attempt the climb and fair to Jenni to have such pressure placed upon her, even implied. I realized she was fearful. I understood exactly why she should feel that way. As I'm subjective on matters dealing with Jenni, it's probably not ideal for me to even be making these comments. 

    Therefore, I'll conclude. Once again, I witnessed the actions of a person who was nervous, fearful and perhaps, scared. On numerous occasions from the commencement, I suggested we could turn around. Not once did she falter, hesitate or offer an excuse. I was in the company of a person of valor, of courage, of bravery. Guess who felt the dummy?

The way back down amongst gorgeous coloring.
Love it.
Catching a glimpse of a lake...saw 16 ponds from the top, plus a few on the other side, and across the way, too.
A better view.
We headed directly down, avoiding roads and paths, and turned to see the 'cute little hill'.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey