Lazarow World-Hike-About

One wonders why there's a need for fireworks displays, light shows and other man-made illumination of the night skies when all one has to do is raise one's eyes, at least twice a day. Of course, should one be able to attain height, the views become even more spectacular. Shimmering on the ocean surface This has been a tough week. We find that two ways to cope with stress and difficulty is to climb to high places and obtain a different perspective. Should the clouds and sun cooperate, then so much the better. The other method is to surround oneself with young children. They have the means to change one's perspective for the better. Last week, a man we did not know that well but sufficiently to realize he was a gentleman, a scholar and above all else, a 'mensch', left this world. To put it bluntly, they don't make them like that anymore. Modern societies, in our opinion, are far worse for not placing importance on honor, 'face' and gentle s...

Hard to beat sunrises and sunsets in San Diego. Jenni peaks after 6 miles. Layers of mountains viewed from El Cajon Peak. We undertook a few hikes this week, a wonderful one with son, Robbie and friend, Sean. However, there isn’t a hike in the county, in our opinion, that matches the challenge of El Cajon Mountain. At 12 miles round-trip, 4,000 feet cumulative gain and wonderful views, it is tough, rugged in places, involves some scrambling and has many ups-and-downs. One climbs towards four peaks and then down again before the final ascent, adding in the extra altitude gain. In near perfect weather, we were thankful for the enthusiasm we felt about hiking early, grateful in facing the challenge and even more appreciative returning to car feeling strong. It is always a boon when the car starts, too. What a great Thanksgiving Day! Sitting at the peak of El Cajon Mountain Finding the gap. A day of ups and downs, literally. With permission of our editor, we ...

Birds of a feather, spaced evenly at the horizon on way 'home'. A palm sky at sunset. "We've got the sun in the morning and the moon at night", apparently in the morning, too—6.05am. We're back in California, enjoying summer weather as winter approaches. Apparently, autumn or fall won't be making its annual appearance. Go Figure! The good news is that the editor is back to fine form after explaining that until recently, she did not want to see or be seen on mountains. We understood her situation very well. We are not without feelings. We offered to purchase a disguise for her so she could remain incognito. Suffice to say, we apparently missed the real meaning behind her confusing words. Instead, we settled on a couple of beach hikes with a little excursion onto the cliffs. The latter hike on a treacherous cliff provided nearly as much excitement as a month in Peru. Who needed to leave San Diego? A mist attempts to shield La Jolla, taken f...

Standing on one of the highpoints on the island looking down at an exclusive resort. That's the closest we are allowed to the 'exclusives'. Love their colors, though. A view of St. Thomas from St. John on a dull day. All good things come to an end eventually; the idea is to replace or fill the gap with something equal or better. That's the theory and we'll give it a good try. Our pace slowed considerably, Mon, when we arrived on the islands. As Jen mentioned, "If shopping and dining-out isn't a high priority, one should search diligently for other activities, mostly fishing, water sports and some exploring or the old standby, sleep. In the past, we loved the eastern islands but somehow, the fascination has dimmed a little. Whereas we have enjoyed being here very much, the challenges and excitement of our main activities put things in perspective. The first thing one notices on St Thomas, obviously American owned and controlled, yet one driv...

Highlights from hike-about 12, California to Washington, a slideshow