Lazarow World-Hike-About

A favorite—I think it tells a story Shadows, even in the desert Backdrop at Mesquite Flats Editor takes five After leaving the charming town of Bishop…charming? The charm is perhaps, hidden. However, what’s clearly visible are the most wonderful surrounding mountains. The town offers access to some of the most overpowering ranges we have visited, outstanding hikes, a myriad of lakes, snow in winter and views from wherever one stands or even sits. Hiking trails are terrific with many not too far from the town. It is in the heart of the Eastern Sierras. Our targets “Where to now?” We asked our charming editor. ‘The valley,’ she answered. We remember in Johannesburg the boys from the valley, Bez Valley. You did not want to get into a brawl with those guys—brawling was their Saturday night treat. We were old fashioned even in our youth. We preferred to go on a date with a girl. In California, the other valley we know of is the one in Los Angeles County. People alway...

We had work to do, in need of a little rest, shopping chores to undertake and so only headed out by mid-afternoon for a hike in the snow, with the idea of 'catching' a sunset. As mentioned before, hiking in snow is slow-going but nevertheless, a delight. We saw sights that made it worthwhile, an understatement, if ever we made one. At one stage, we felt like intruders, the only humans watching preparations being made for the evening and night. Take a winter wonderland walk with us as we watch the sun settle, shadows cast, reflections off lakes, mountains at twilight—all close to Mono Pass and Rock Creek Canyon: (Click on a picture to enlarge, it's worthwhile) We hope you enjoyed the tranquility, mystery and isolation as much as we. Cheers, Jenni and Jeffrey

Hiking in the wilderness is not only about having a wonderful experience—there are some very serious aspects to consider. Below, we deal with a few of them. (Don't enlarge the pictures as the captions should be read to get an understanding of our earnestness) Goofing off on the Mount Whitney Trail—you thought she was always conscientious Typical hook...um hiker at start of Mount Whitney Trail. (Terrible but I could not resist) Preparing the 10 essential items per the hiker's unofficial guide. Unfortunately, 2 items missing—had to drink them en route. Definitely a lack of discipline A Chiropractor on every trail—this office with a view, too The well adjusted hiker: Mentally prepared with 10 items, and physically ready, following office visit above Guess who we miss so much—I really needed another boss in my life. Where to now, Madam?

The strong, the brave, the tall...and the editor We are trying for 'boulder' steps these days The mountain, about to blow its top, he has to tie his laces On Wednesday morning , our first day back in Bishop for our second stay, we were perhaps a little under-prepared for the weather. In two days, the landscape changed from that of typical summer to almost winter. The change is dramatic. It looks incredible from the warmth of the car or fireside of a cozy room. At the trailhead, we had to make a decision. Do we do what we know we should or rather head for the cozy room? The temperature was 29 degrees Fahrenheit or about minus 2 Celsius. Bear in mind, as one gets closer to the sun, say nearly another 2,000 feet closer, it gets even colder. You figure that out, we have a lot more on our minds. The temperature at lake altitude would be lower, the wind would cool things down somewhat and the water would probably join in the act and take us down a few degrees, just for spite. ...

Multi-chocolate colored slabs that held our attention throughout the hike . Reminds us of the Mitre Rock at Milford Sound, NZ "A guy in an orange jumpsuit? Where'd you see him?" The Laiken’s suggested that we try this hike, one of the many they undertook some years ago. It lies between Lee Vining, our new base and Bishop, our previous one. As we might of mentioned, perhaps fifty times before, this area was designed for hikers and lovers of nature and everyone else except shopping mall lovers. We stopped into the photographic gallery founded by the late Galen Rowell, world renowned mountain climber and photographer. Two things, amongst many we read, are: He chose to live in Bishop and explore much of Owens Valley; the other is that after traveling the world, he decided that he never needed to have left the Sierras. It’s all here. Fascinating crags Explosions in the sky Caught some color action in the sky as the sun & clouds danced all afternoon We had li...