New Zealand sets very high standards...truly outstanding scenes.

We like...no, correction...love. (Ben Lomond).
Sitting on the dock of the bay. Should be 'docked', surely. (Mount Dewar-Atleys).

In the event we run low, or even dry, we try to keep a safe level, eh Ron? (Queentown.)
A time to absorb the surroundings...that means rest...hey, Jen? (Lake Manapouri.)
How about we take the shorter route? Any takers...Hm? "The Tongariro Crossing...is special."
Absorb the air, the breeze, just lap it all up. (Quite the beauty).
A tough day on the slopes.
A tough and rough, an array of the volcanoes.
You enjoy a challenge; well, there you are, Girl.
Jen focuses on the task at hand; she was unimpressed. We try our best...at times.
A more gentle environment. (Lake Manapouri).
Let us refocus on the task at hand. Any smart remarks? Anyone?
Like a bridge over troubled waters, I will take care of you...I promise.
Jen on the Routeburn Tramp, a little 'damp'.
Hats off to you too, Madam.
No argument from this quarter...ease up on the water, fella.
Jen, making her way through the trees, one 'soak at a time'. More of the Routeburn Tramp, actually, too much.
Nature, a design genius.
And I threw in the glamour pictures (of Jen) as a just reward? "Climb every mountain."
Perhaps a little rough on the eyes...that is, the chemicals.
The Kepler Track...another wonder.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

A glorious period in New Zealand...a mere taste; or STROKE...Jen darling!

😂

Bolder, let's boulder again; we do still want to boulder...never intimated that we are smart.
Close to the mountain summit.
Close to my sweetheart.
Rugged, rough and ready.
Good idea to bring to the party...an Ice Pick.
Coca-Cola, not so much ice, please. (Franz Josef Glacier).
Is he stuck; or merely, bent out of shape? (Kepler Track).
A very formal Mrs. Lazarow...or, a weary, young lady.
  Life is full of surprises, and we certainly had an interesting opening salvo recently. Frankly, we don't know quite where to begin; or even, whether there is actually a beginning or ending. It is probably appropriate to introduce what we claim is an element of confusion in our lives. Out of the blue, Jeffrey got struck down with a stroke some 4 days into the commencement of Hike-about 72. While this was a most inappropriate attack, we were reminded of the saying "Man plans and G-d laughs". 

  While many daily functions may be considered basic for most people, I can tell you I am tested for much of my day. Often spending an hour contemplating a very basic issue, I come away realizing I do not know the answer. It makes me think of the fundamental aspects of life, in which one heads out excited to learn and pursue and ends up with this great vision but clueless. 

  The above makes me think of one of the great teachers in my school career, Mr. Ben Brooks, who had a wonderful manner in teaching and tutoring the students and for which I am personally grateful. The fact Mr. Brooks was my rugby coach, added a wonderful element to attending school. 

  Jenni has had to take the lead in determining matters of bookkeeping, accounting, plus the regular functions which includes the odd 10 mile or so hike. I, on the other hand, have decided to take a break after some years of effort to watch the world go by, finding it a far more interesting place than I ever considered. 

  What makes life extremely complicated is that after years of study, business experience and trying to master 'baby' bookkeeping, I now find I have come full circle and know as much as I knew 60 years ago. Actually, that is quite tough, but I am most appreciative of Jenni's spirit as the two of us enter frequent arguments of whether who is correct about the debits and credits that we confront. 

  So here I am, with another opportunity of education, but I am a little older than I was all those years ago. And while the challenge of renewing learning is an exciting one, I think I have probably aged somewhat since my earlier years. (As an aside, I am very partial to contradictions - anyone?). 

  Some of the most interesting facets are the confidence that one develops and probably doesn't realize until it is too late, how one's life can change drastically. While I have a certain comfort for the future, realistically speaking, I am probably not as strong as I used to be. But then again, I might have to prove a few people wrong. 

  I think one of the difficult aspects is having mastered many concepts and a few advanced ideas over a life of study, learning and experience only to find all that was so obvious, meaningful and conceptually within grasp, took on a life of its own. Nevertheless, I look forward to the challenge, although I don't know that I want to restart it all again, but I am definitely witnessing some amusing, strange and unusual approaches to life. 

  Another interesting aspect is some of the very amusing times where Jen and I may disagree on a particular issue. I will reason that I am making a point and I fail to understand why she continues to be difficult. I have come to realize that the problem may NOT be Jenni. What is most refreshing is that I rationalize the most ridiculous and incorrect concepts, but deep within me, I am usually accurate. Let me explain. I know simply put, that 10 and 10 amounts to 20. However, at another level, I will come up with a completely different answer and think that I am correct. That is where the problem lies. I am suspicious that, within the concept, is where we lose each other. To be a little clearer, at my normal level most things make sense. But at another level, where I operate currently, anything that relates to reality is purely coincidental. 

  So, those who are easily annoyed by foolishness, I ask you to exercise an element of patience as we navigate and justify why 12 times 3 may in fact be equal to 62. Or as one buddy said to me many years ago, "if you don't like this answer, I have got another one for you". 

  Finally, it is my deep desire not to let my beloved father down. 

 Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

Much of Slovakia, some of Budapest, a little of Austria/Croatia and all lovely.

  Perhaps, we are being a little optimistic as we follow a course that has proved to be rather unusual of late and for which the potential outcomes are uncertain. Nevertheless, we have still enjoyed some unusual times as well as quite a few occasions in which we would prefer to rely upon a "money-back guarantee". But then again, we are not really a smart bunch, are we? Having skirted around the issues, it is our intention to try and bring some meaning and much sense to the last 3 weeks (seems like 3 months) that has pre-occupied our minds, souls and understanding. Unfortunately, I don't think we are much wiser than from our commencement position...not uncommon.

  Hopefully, we will try to tackle the experience and be so bold as to attempt to make some sense of it. After all, they tell us everything happens for a reason. (Pertinent information to follow shortly.)

  Frankly, as an aside, we are both very partial to the hiking experiences of this blog. 

Transmission of water makes an attractive show. 

Barenschutzklam, Austria.
Showing off as they prance, with perhaps dignity.
Climbing to reach the peak. A high and somewhat dangerous point of much excitement and some tension. Very special day, indeed. We lost most of our 'Team' but did have a thrilling time.
Beautiful coloring.
Jenni reaches a high point of the trail and contemplates a slow return.
Croatia filled with beauty and serenity.
Magnificent Budapest by night.
Castle grounds in Slovakia.
Jenni in magnific form, leads beautifully.
Looking down on a ski resort in the Rhodopes, Slovakia.
Unable to keep up the pace, Croatia.
After an 11 mile walk; Jeff getting a better view of the Danube, Hungary.
A bend in the river provides further attraction, Hungary.
Beautiful greens, Slovakia.
Challenged by my sweet woman as we test our "skills".
View of the refugie below as we make our way higher, Slovakia.
Pushing the limit over ice and snow.
Going up Koprowski Stit. The saddle for the less brave.
Polish border with Slovakia.
Viewing our trail from the refugie, Slovakia.
The Parliamentary Buildings in Budapest. 
A rough, tough challenge.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey