Lazarow World-Hike-About

Yes, our esteemed editor, is a WIMP! I am petrified of lightning and have been for as long as I can remember. Today, really tested me. Driving to the trailhead at the Santa Fe Ski area, the dark clouds were building and my thoughts were on anything but the hike ahead. Jeff turned to me and said, “so glad I packed my jacket”. “Oops” I replied, "the sun was shining so brightly when we left this morning that I decided to leave it behind to lighten your backpack”. My intensions were good, I thought. “Oh well”, I countered, “we have our rain poncho’s in our backpacks.” I knew that I had done wrong. If I am so scared of lightning, why did I continue this steep 3.5 mile journey up the mountain. I kept asking myself the same question but nevertheless, continued up. About ½ way, it started to rain a little. I dug deep into my backpack looking for my rain poncho. “Oops! (again!). No poncho. I hauled out the emergency blanket that looked like the poncho packet. Said ponchos we...

Simultaneously on top of the world and humbled We set off on our third hike in a row in the Santa Fe Mountains, at the ski area. We believe this hike and strenuous climb is the highlight of the current trip. Then again, that’s not important. We gained 2,300 feet over 3.5 miles, one-way. Most of the trail was a steady gain except for a couple of very steep sections. The interesting part is that we overlooked Nambe Lake from an elevation 1,000 feet above or at nearly 13,000 feet. If you remember, we sent pictures on Wednesday with Jen and me at lake level. I remember looking up from the water surface and wondering about the mountains above. Our wonderings were satisfied today. Unfortunately, a thunderstorm struck when we reached the summit, forcing us to limit our stay. Lightning flashed directly above and our editor, as courageous as she is, wisely bolted. We now have an editor without a computer and red pen. For the latter, we are thankful. When we stood at the summit and looked out...