9.01 Something we do well—"Packing up".

Tranquility at Crater Lake, Oregon (we may reach it this trip)

The rest is nearing completion although we still feel tired. One wonders (should that be ‘two’) what we have been doing to feel this way. Whew! We digested the matzos finally; Ellie wore us down most pleasantly; we should have owned apples instead of gold; we’d like the political class to disappear and mostly, wish all our friends and family, very good health.

Blinded at Mount Woodson after Pesach, early morning

It’s time to wake and get going at last. An excitement is building, which actually commenced before we returned from Hawaii. We intend heading for Northern Arizona, Southern Utah, Northern California, the Sierras and perhaps Oregon. This could change, of course, as the area mentioned is vast and time is short. We are remaining relatively close to San Diego as Natalie is currently ‘with child’. As an aside, we have always been fascinated by this phrase. We find it an elegant expression. Unfortunately, we don’t get the opportunity to express it much—Natalie is not often pregnant. And Jenni is far too busy adventuring to be with child, herself. (Phew!!!).

Jenni descending Cathedral Rock, Sedona (initial destination this trip)

A favorite hike—Bear Mountain, Sedona

Steep ascent in Sedona

The trip following this one, we hope, will be spent climbing along the Andes, something under discussion although we have not committed to as yet. We intend to change that.

During May and early June, we will be based in Sedona, a town Hercule Poirot may have understated as: ‘One for which we have the spot that is soft’. It is a wonderful place, surrounded by giant red rocks, mountains, challenging hikes and climbs and an artsy feel to it. The artsy part is of course the attraction that clinches it for us. One of its advantages is that these spectacularly shaped and sized rocks are in the town. In addition, it is close to Grand Canyon, Prescott, and Flagstaff, making it a convenient base. Finally, we have always had a desire to spend more time in this area. Short of moving there permanently, it’s a nice tradeoff.

Mount Shasta, a treasure (intention to try summit)

A recent disappointment is that we were rejected or in the alternative, failed to secure a place in the lottery for the Half-Dome ascent in Yosemite. The idea was to form a team with our son, Robbie and Sam Hoffman. The concept is terrific but the government has other ideas for us. Instead, we are excited that Rob may join us for a possible ascent to Mount Shasta Peak—one of our dream climbs.

That concludes some of our conceptual ideas for the next three months which can, of course, change at any time. This is probably the strength of hike-a-about, the liberating effect of following our dreams rather than be locked into a fixed schedule.

Our route will take us through Page, Arizona

We look forward to seeing you on the road, slopes and peaks. As always, be safe.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

Time for a Rest before Hike-about 9

Rest! Rest? If we are resting now, one could be forgiven for inquiring what activity we were pursuing earlier as shown in the pictures. We have yet to classify it. Unfortunately, one of the partners tends to be much lazier than the other. Set out below is a taste of that vigorous activity in which we engage, supposedly hiking:

Setting the scene at Mount Tamalpais; heads in the clouds

If Mount Shasta can remain dormant, so can he

The belle on top of Bell Rock in Sedona

I need a softer rock, something that fits my aging posture in Zion, Utah

Editor calls for two minutes rest before eruption in Hawaii

Not often one catches Jenni goofing off. This one takes the cake or the sand-which is there—Oregon

Editor sneaks in a shot at summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia

Colorado Cowboy after losing horse, settles at summit alongside Nambe Lake, Sante Fe

Down but not out, sinking into Chapman's Peak, Cape Town, looks like he lost his head

Trying the belly for a change, a lot softer, at Angel's Landing. Shows incredible versatility, sleeping on front or back—so talented!

Rob, too needs a rest. Like father like son on Mt. Woodson, Poway

Resting at Mt. Woodson but the stomach isn't

After a long climb at Baregg, Switzerland, a man must hit the snooze button

Dewar Peak, outside Queenstown, NZ—hard to keep the eyes closed in such surroundings

8.20 Conclusion: The Island of Hawaii

Modern jet travel is amazing. We completed this missive prior to leaving Kailua: Our plane departed two hours late, we missed the connection, lost our luggage and still arrived in San Diego before the email that references this blog.

So long to Hawaii—included are a few highlights of this leg of Hike-about (Click on a photo to get a larger size)

We have a dilemma as we prepare to return to the mainland. Considering the term ‘mainland’, we think it might just be a little belittling of Hawaiians. Are they ancillary to the mainland? Where does the State of Maine fit into this? Did they really have to append that ‘e'? We’re not even thinking of creating a feud…yet. Anyway, that’s not the dilemma for today. However, it’s something to look forward to in the future.

Today’s issue is about a collection. No, not money, not yet anyway. Should gold continue to fall and interest rates remain non-existent then we may have to pass around the hat. Our collection is for an hour, about 60 minutes.

When we left the ‘mainland’, we gained two hours in time. Then a couple of weeks ago, mainlanders moved the clock forward an hour. Thus, when we return, we are going to lose three hours, against the two we gained previously, leaving us with a deficit of an hour. We will be out of balance. What can we do about this missing hour? That’s where the idea of collecting sixty minutes arises. Our editor suggested that we ask 60 friends. Should each contribute one minute, we’d be back on track. Nice idea, we replied but we thought it a bit optimistic, not the giving, but the number of friends. We can think of, perhaps, two. Asking them to contribute 30 minutes each may be stretching it. Please prove us wrong!

Thank you again to those who sent emails, some with most uplifting messages. We can think of a few that allowed us to soar to the heights of Mauna Loa, almost.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

The vent at Halema'uma'u

Kilauea Caldera—during the day: Above, at night

The angry coast

The crater at the peak of Mauna Loa, nearly 14,000 feet, with some snow

Akaka Falls, what's in a name, seriously

On Mauna Kea, absorbing Mauna Loa, a unique experience—the mountain is just visible

Sunset on Mauna Loa above the clouds

A view at the peak of Mauna Kea

Waimea Valley, lush and gorgeous

A snow sprinkled cone on Mauna Kea

Early days on Mauna Kea, near the beginning

A waterfall in Waimee Valley, nearly 2,000 feet high

Idyllic in the North

A fascinating summit, Mauna Kea

Waimea Valley

From Mauna Loa Peak, one summit to another

Hiilawe Falls, the highest in Hawaii

A final glimpse on Mauna Loa—tomorrow is a new day