Welcome to special family members, Fonz and Punks, who flew into San Diego for a 'name change.'

  Fiona and Mark embarked on a weekend jaunt to spend time in San Diego with Jen and her husband. It was a lovely gesture and something we have missed. Fiona and Mark have these very busy travel schedules which interfere with our social lives. They believed they were coming to San Diego to spend time relaxing and catching up on each others lives. Little did they know that Jen is not a person to sit around and talk. The Lazarow's of Dallas are quite naive. With that in mind, we collected them from the airport and headed to the glider-port. The hike is from the port down a steep grade to the beach, passing along Black's Beach, the nudist hangout or over, which is very unattractive from a male's perspective, especially mine. Maybe it's because a 70-year old, overweight male does not cut it for me. Then again, Jen says I'm a bit fussy.

 Perspective of the climb and view.
Over in Tecolote, Jen shouts for a helicopter. At times, she can be quite demanding. "Ask your brother-in-law," I respond, "He's far nicer than me."
"Anyway, you're close to the top...thereafter, only two more gradients to follow."
After passing a number of these rather out-of-shape fellows and noticing the in-shape women hardly clothed, or should that be mostly undressed, we headed to the steep section which took us into La Jolla, the Farms Road. Dare we say it is the high end of San Diego in addition to views of the coastline, hills and ocean. Mark had expressed interest in acquiring a home on the hills above the beach which are priced a little on the high side. However, he is not easily intimidated. They are now considering making an offer, (cash of course), for the beauty that caught his eye. (See below) 

I thought he might be extending himself financially, but he really seems to require a get-away home from life in Dallas. Whom I to argue?
We then continued up toward the Farms Road, very steep and tiring. Thereafter, we decided to complete a loop and arrive back at the glider-port via the road. (Avoid going down and back up, perhaps being on the lazy side). Being long-time residents of the city, we of course knew the route. After roughly 2.5 miles walking on a hot day, it turned out we arrived at the top of La Jolla Farms Road, the place from where we commenced the return to the port. How we made this mistake is beyond this man of much experience in San Diego, known for his superior sense of directions. We asked a surfer for confirmation of our error. He pointed out that I appeared to be badly sun-burned. Turns out I was red from embarrassment. 

  A warm and hot welcome for family. The guy on the left is my little, young brother, Mark (Punksie). I cannot even remember when I was his age. Fiona, (The Fonz), is a decade younger than her sister-in-law.
   We also realized we had not eaten breakfast, and it was already lunchtime. Unfortunately, we did not notice shady areas or places to sit in comfort. We must remember to bring this up at the next citizens' beach meeting. However, having an extremely sharp eye, I noticed a large toilet block which created shade as well as a bit of an odor. By that time, we needed some sustenance, so we selected a patch of ground (deemed our picnic spot) and enjoyed Jenni's usual nourishing and tastily prepared meal. 

  Thereafter, we headed back down to the beach, walked along it to Blacks (nude) Beach, kept an eye on the lovely birds (pelicans and seagulls, of course) and took the right turn to negotiate the sharp climb to reach civilization on the level...in a fashion. As Mark realizes, we may not be intelligent, but we do have a lot of fun. 

We alluded to the very attractive birds.
Mark is a little concerned of the house being washed down the hill. Well, it is one way of keeping it clean.
Here come the crew, struggling a little, or perhaps a lazy bunch.
Approaching the beach after a steep descent and in for a surprise.
The young lovebirds keeping together and turn around after being shocked by nudists. In the background, the umbrellas keep the shady parts shaded. 

Over in Tecolote Canyon, Jen negotiates some of the toughest slopes faced. She has devised a system of attaching bonding to the soles of her feet for extra gripping. Don't even ask about the serpents...
My Fair Lady did it, "By George (Jeff), she did it".

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

P.S. For the record, these are the 'birds' referred to within the blog.

65.16 South Africa at (our) Best...Part 1 of 3, a general overview.

  When one is able to look past the corruption in high places, the lack of basic services, and the fast-deteriorating infrastructure, the magnificence of the land continues to shine. The photographs cover a bit of KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Province, and a few from the Western Cape. These will be bolstered with the publication of further South African blogs. The Cape has a tremendous reputation of being an outstanding place. We agree entirely but there is much beauty throughout the country. 

  Perhaps, one of our favorite places is along the Drakensburg Mountain range. There are places, besides the natural features, where one feels one is transported back in time, even to colonial times. Such is the Drakensberg, a range that covers South Africa and Lesotho. 

 

Early morning, the Tztzikama Trek, beginning near Keurboomstrand.
Autumn on Kenmo Lake in Himeville.
Another perspective of a spectacular place...low key lake, but exquisite positioning and coloring.
Jen climbs the two-part double chain-ladders at the amphitheatre to reach the top of the Tugela Falls, the second highest in the world.
Followed by her fearful mate.
...who now stands at quite a high altitude; he's not even considering a little jump.
The world-renowned Drakensburg Range; the famous Monk's Cowl et al.
Place of world-renowned movie scene: Kamburg...field of dreams'.
Bourke's Potholes, Blyde River Canyon.
The Crack KwaZulu-Natal, Drakensburg Park, scene of many-a-crack-up.
Making pigs of ourselves as we enjoy stepping up in Hogsback onto a hogs back.
Returning from the mountain hike, we make pigs of ourselves again at the market, while one looks a little out of it.
The sun cascades over the ocean on the famous 'Otter Trail'.
He is not showing off as he climbs nearly vertically...well, maybe a little.
Jen hits the beach while on trail.
Prior to the above photograph, she was joined by fellow trekkers. We spent the nights with 6 other women...it was very stressful for Jeffrey...well, for want of a word.
They retain a system in South Africa of washing the rocks regularly. The birds are inclined to open themselves when relaxing in that environment.
Not again, but I spotted some otters and gave chase. This is where they led me.
More spillover of the sunlight.
Jen reaches an edge and must now improvise. The smile is a brave front.
Could not resist more color at Kenmo Lake.
This is in Reenen, at sunset, 'The Golden Butress', Golden Gate Park.
We move closer to the Cape for a few shots that will be dealt with in far more detail in part 2.

Jen shows her courage as she hops along mountain edges in 3-Sisters, Kleinmond...(small mouth).
Unfortunately, although he has been quite modest over the recent past, it appears the underlying weakness of a propensity to show-off is rearing itself. We are based in Perdeberg (horses' mountain).

Follow that curve from the peak of 3-Sisters.  

 From Du Toit's Peak, we look down upon the vineyards of Franschhoek.

...and a private estate, too.
Jen on descent from Aasvoel (vulture) Peak, outside Hermanus.
We close with Jen honing her skills (show-off, too) on Devil's Peak, Cape Town. In the distance is Lion's Head.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

65.15 On a trip from San Diego, we capture scenes as we move north covering parts of Arizona, California and Nevada.

  This trip took place nearly 2 years ago. It was over a 2 months period but after viewing the photographs, perhaps twenty-five of them, it would appear to be only a couple of days out. One thing we are sure of is that it was another wonderful experience. We visited regular haunts, added in a number of new ones and tried a less formal approach to the hikes and selections. Some of the days in Reno, Nevada, were outstanding and others were even better. All-in-all, it was most enjoyable which was the reason for choosing that particular single Hike-about adventure. We also incorporated a visit to each of our sons and families who live some distance from San Diego. Hope you enjoy it as we are still on a break from Nepal! 

"Hey, fellas, let's see whether we can hold the line. (Morro Bay.)"
If three's a crowd, what to call this lot in Morro Bay?
Climbing in Reno, NV.
Follow that curve.
"Now how do I cross that stream, Big Boy? I trust you will prostrate yourself across the Colorado for me. (Arizona.)"
"Hey, where are we? Nice window with view plus a bridge to nowhere. I should have my head read for following you. (Liberty Bell, Arizona.)"
Just for the record, if I may. You are not participating in a Rocky Movie (Morro Bay).
"Do they have anything but deserts in California? How about some greenery for a change?""Not too much greenery but I really like it. There is real depth in this photograph, we think. (Mission Peak in Freemont, CA.)" 

  Aha! Elderry Rocky Ridge, in color...now you're learning...sort of."
"I'll take it. It's not green but those are magnificent colors. By the way, love the subject, too...although I say myself"...muttered Jen. Below Fortification Hill, Arizona.
"I love it. I'll take it especially as we sat on the peak a couple of times at Lava Butte. It looks so cute and petite. What do they say about deceptive looks. (Boulder City, Nevada.)"
"Back to Central California. Isn't that the red bridge on the right side (Golden Gate, San Francisco and downtown)? " 

We really like Reno, Nevada.
Not forgetting Arizona/Nevada with the remarkable rock formations and color.
Some prefer green.
Others prefer healthy greens for brunch with a smattering of blue. Lagoon Park outside San Raphael, CA).
Mount Rose, Nevada, is most attractive.
That's Jen on the way up.
Berryessa, California again, a magnificent place with Jen reaching Annie Rock, a high point. In the distance is another lake.
Who's making the first move? Come on up, Jen. (Del Valle Lake, California).
Lake Del Valle, an interesting shape.
From a mountaintop in the distance, we spot Morro Bay and its surround with the aid of the telephoto.
We close with two shots of Lake Mead.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey