Lazarow World-Hike-About

Rain or falls--not sunshine Steamin' Peering into the Valley February 18th Hello and Goodbye, It’s time for a holiday as we complete another leg of Hike-About. Throw away the editor’s red pen, wash the smelly boots and head off to Ellie and the children. We left Los Angeles, flying west on December 5th and are due to fly into Los Angeles from the east, still flying west. The world must be round, we think. We doubt whether this discovery will be attributed to us but it is a fascinating thought. In earlier days, it took tremendous courage and skill to circumvent the world. Nowadays, it takes patience and a few ‘bucks’—actually quite a few. Tiger Falls Our visit to South Africa was filled with much emotion as we met wonderful people, our family and friends, experienced natural wonders and beauty and of course, spent time with Mom. We feel revitalized about the country and hope to make further visits in the near future. The Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal are regions with fantastic hik...

Magnificent Drakensberg Small in a large environment A chain is only as strong as its weakest.... Hi All, February 14th We left Cape Town reluctantly but not before meeting with Dani and Gill Saks, their sweet, young children, Jacob and Ruby. We saw Dani some 17 years ago when he visited San Diego for Natalie’s bat mitzvah. Dani is our nephew through Jenni’s sister. Jungle Jen...again The problem with overseas travel is that one is forced to buy return-tickets which ‘cramps one’s style’ when wishing to remain in a place for an extended period. Nevertheless, we’re working on a plan. Meanwhile, we flew a little north and mostly east to the port city of Durban. Colyn and Sharon Levin invited us to visit them in La Lucia on our way to the Royal National Park of KwaZulu-Natal. The difference, in our opinion, between La Lucia and La Jolla is that the former is modern, very well planned and at a third of the price or less. We also mentioned we lunched with the Levin’s last week in Joh...

Jenni at the Peak--what a view Take cover Part way up Chapman's Peak February 11th, 2010 Hi All, It was more than we expected—the climb to the summit at Chapman’s peak. Once again, the views were nothing less than spectacular. G-d willing, this is a place we will return. The mountain ranges are endless, the bays are attractive, the climbs are challenging, the Atlantic is distinctive, and the rocks and boulders are a ‘kiddies’ delight’. What else is there to ‘say’? Did we mention the low clouds and mist that filled the crevices and the bay, only to rise and clear, repeatedly. It reminded us of a day in Grindelwald, another recent highlight. On day one, we were captivated, day two enthralled and then finally, it ‘got better’. Editor blowing smoke Cloud and Mist Filling the Gap After four days in the mountains, including walks on the boardwalk and town, it was time to welcome the Shabbos with relief. We visited the Sea Point/Green Point Shul on Marais Street. It is a typical...

Good Hope from Lighthouse Editor taking it all in Point of Cape of Good Hope Hi All, February 10th Having the answers might not be as critical as knowing the right questions to ask. For years, we have been practising our ‘questions’. Today, we think we have the right question to ask. Here goes: If a person loves the beauty of the mountain ranges, the oceans and the wonder of a great coastline, why would such a person live in Johannesburg? What were we thinking? Were we in fact thinking? There you have another two questions—we’re on a ‘roll’. Some symmetry We spent an incredible day at Cape Point Nature Reserve. What an exquisite place. We walked to the original lighthouse then down to Cape Point, near the new beacon and across to the Cape of Good Hope. The Atlantic and Indian oceans are reputed to meet at the Point. It is also the southern extremity of the African continent, if not also the most beautiful. When it came time to leave, we decided to play on the rock...

Table Mountain, a perspective Hike up there? You can't be serious No 'blues' for us February 9th Hi All, There are many reasons not to hike up that overpowering mountain but then we might as well sit on the couch and eat potato chips—the fat-free ones, of course. “That’s not going to happen,” our editor remarked, “Isn’t that so?” “No, Boss, it sure ain’t,” we answered. Lion's Head--the hike from day before We decided on the Platte Klip Gorge trail to the summit. Wow! It was particularly strenuous because of the heat (above 90 degrees). However, we prefer it to the winds and rain. We were strongly motivated and the spirit soared to be in such a beautiful but rugged place. The elevation gain was well over 2,000 feet but in a short span. We often climb double that distance on a hike but never as steep. Our editor does herself proud. With the sinus congestion, the stomach bug and her ‘creeping age’, she showed courage that made us stand by in awe. At times, we wishe...