.JPG)
Fiescherhorn, Grindelwald, Switzerland.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
A Sprinkling of Photographs in large format.
Fiescherhorn, Grindelwald, Switzerland.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Iron Mountain on a cloudless day (unfortunately) and a group hug.
Early morning color east of Iron Mountain.
Editor's silhouette greets the sun.
A sunset at a different location.
The unofficial, semi-annual San Diego community hike, the second leg, got off to a roaring start.
At 5:20am, we met Sam Hoffman in the car park before heading to the peak, some three miles distant.
Without clouds, we weren't expecting an exciting sunrise nor for that matter, did we anticipate rain.
A little later, Brian caught up followed by Bob, Nancy, Marlene, Neville and Max, the 'dawg'—they had
arrived a little late at the trailhead. The first leg, in September, was less than successful because at the time
not even a dog arrived for the hike.
The beauty of early morning: Some say the rebirth of the world. (Overlooking Mount Woodson and its 'glamorous towers'.)
Sunspots across the way below Mount Woodson.
On the way back, the group moved quickly while Neville and guess who ambled down. We were stopped
by a couple who wanted to discuss the animal droppings on the trail. We like to be accommodating
so we did just that. As we speak with a 'funny' accent, it piqued their interest, one thing led to another
and the conversation continued. The fellow wanted to discuss rugby as he played the game in the Chicago area.
After an interesting few minutes, which increased the gap between the leaders of our group and the
laggards (that's us), the couple asked whether we would like to partake in a 'group hug'. As we like to
live dangerously and after checking whether the editor was out of sight of the attractive maiden of fine
and shapely form (not that we noticed), we did just that. It is quite fascinating what goes on along the
trails. In future, we might have to wear deodorant and after-shave lotion before hiking.
A sunset in yet another location
The sun hits the marine layer above the Pacific providing more color.
We have an interesting and long relationship with the San Diego Hoffman family. Jenni worked as the assistant
to Betty, Sam's mom, for many years. Betty is a woman who is such a ball of fire that we think she's
forgotten she's not fifty any longer. Sam was the President of Beth El during the 'nineties' and we had the
privilege of serving under him as treasurer. The first camping trip we ever undertook was with their family, more
than twenty years ago. Finally, we intended hiking Half-dome together last year but failed to attain
a reservation in the lottery. Admission to the hike is highly restricted. Next time, Sam.
We worked with Brian Murray in South Africa some 35 years ago and are delighted to be linked with him again.
We met Neville at elementary school 55 years before. It is quite amazing that we reside in the same city,
twenty thousand miles away from our original homes. Who could have guessed?
The group, but Jenni. Front: Bob & Nancy Eprile and Marlene Stanger. Rear: Sam Hoffman, Neville Stanger,
'Young' Murray and the guy who lost the photo of Jenni in the group.
In a rather embarrassing incident, we lost a group photograph that included Jenni. We uploaded it and witnessed
it on the screen. Subsequently, it disappeared. We have looked all over including under the beds but without
any success. What a photographer!
By the way, we are thinking of taking pictures at weddings, bar mitzvah's and family gatherings. Should you need
a reliable photographer, consider calling us. We get it sort of right. Who's perfect?
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
A 'dam' good morning.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Cuyamaca (and same to you, too) Peak, San Diego County.
A view from Cuyamaca early on in the hike, one of two paintings.
Treacherous ice. Who knew to wear crampons in San Diego.
Remnants from earlier fires. Given time, they'll be back.
We were surprised and charmed when our editor suggested a visit to Cuyamaca State Park. We understood
the implication that sunrises or sunsets were not on the cards after a number of such hikes recently. Although
over an hour from Carmel Valley, it is well worth the journey. Along the way one gets a good look at some of
San Diego County's finest peaks. In fact, the prominence of this particularly one is the highest in the county.
At over 6,500 feet, it is high for this part of the world although a 'baby' when compared with the volcanoes
further north. Nevertheless, you do with what you have. We hiked over 7-miles and climbed 1,600 feet, part of it
on snow and black-ice above 5,400 feet.
In our opinion, a painting in East County
Climbing before losing the hat. The wind whipped it off the head even with the strap fastened.
A view from the peak, looking down on the county's 'lowish' mountains but always respectfully.
One does not see snow in San Diego. In order to view it, one has to travel to the Middle East
these days or at least, north-east of where we are currently. However, on Cuyamaca Mountain, there is
some snow combined with ice. The going in places is treacherous. Another of our fears is coping on
black-ice—what a challenge. There is no traction whatsoever when one hits an ice patch.
In addition, we endured strong winds at the peak which, should one stand near the edges, is quite
dangerous. We believe we received a clear warning of the danger of high winds today. While perched
somewhere on the peak, our favorite and trusty hat was not just blown off the head but whipped away, despite
being fastened firmly. Fortunately, a hat can be replaced; apparently 'our' type of head cannot—they don't
make the older model any longer.
Let it not be said that we don't listen. People have mentioned, from time to time, "Lose the hat, Jeffrey." We obliged.
Jenni reaches the peak of Cuyamaca; El Cajon Mountain ahead but not in picture.
A wonderful place to stand on a calm day, a little different with wind.
A tough and confusing life for a tree at that altitude.
In our travels, we are fortunate to have come across two Oregonian gentlemen who are quite
remarkable, Barry Jahn and Bill Arras. Last Friday, Bill did us the honor of taking a detour from
Grand Canyon National Park to visit us in San Diego. Amongst other things, he is a world champion
hot-air balloonist. We don't do him justice in enumerating his balloon exploits such as flying
over 7 continents including Antarctica, first person to fly between United States and Russia and
many other record setting achievements. Thank you, Bill.
Bill and Jenni only think about going surfing.
Reflections in La Jolla
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)