Lazarow World-Hike-About

After a hike in the 'green jungle', we came across these colors on the way home. It's not often one experiences a dull day on Oahu but we sure did on Thursday. Nevertheless, on the way home, we came across a beach and ocean water in colors that were hard to believe. It was so amazing that we asked each other if what we were looking at was real. The hike up and on the mountain was tough in places because of the rock climbing and slippery slopes. However, we found those times to be most enjoyable but not enough of them. Along the ridge we had good views but it became 'more of the same' with the hazard of thick foliage to plough through. Once again, lack of good light showed how critical the sun is to achieve interesting scenes. The surprisingly dull conditions took out the color as we hiked on a ridge. Honolulu a few miles distant, in the mist. Jenni asks whether we have a spare hedge-clipper or perhaps a power saw available. Rabbit Island...

Jenni stands on Koko Head—Diamond Head and Honolulu in background. We flew into the island of Oahu, Hawaii and fought the traffic almost successfully before arriving at our destination, Kailua. After leaving gorgeous summer weather in wintry San Diego, we found the weather similar to that of the home city, although even warmer. Rumor has it that the East Coast is experiencing blizzards. Who to believe? As a kick-off, we returned to Koko Head, a volcano that allows for stunning vistas from the top. During the war, a train would bring supplies to the gunners at the summit. Nowadays, there's no train so should one wish to reach the top, it takes a major effort. In places, the steps approach near vertical and for the rest of the climb, they are darn steep. Upon reaching the top, we wanted to puke our breakfast although we should add that wasn't a voluntary feeling. The reason we didn't though is that we had not yet eaten. The climb is 1,200 feet over a short ...

A wildfire covers an extensive area. No? Flowing lava covers the area leaving a pond of water untouched. No? Molten rock spreads towards the suburbs. No? A pool untouched by the flow of lava. No? Of course, it's another spectacular sunset, the light or blue openings being the sky. A prism in our passage, clashes with our decor. The sun, refracted or not, continues to amaze. Cheers, Jenni and Jeffrey

Should you wish to achieve a 'high', try a mountain hike early in the morning, sweat a little, run a little and take in some of nature's most attractive scenes. Iron Mountain continues, as do many others, to provide consistent and beautiful sunrises and sunsets to view. Follow the outing with a shower and then one is flying... We left home at 5:15am, hiked half-way up in the dark and reached the summit before sunrise although the dawn light made the path clear thereafter. At a little after 8am on a Sunday morning, we were back at home and ready to face the day. The amazing thing is: It's available to all to take and enjoy—a healthy start to the day. Early morning before the peak of Iron Mountain. A favorite, the scene one waits a long time to find. Looking towards Coronado and Mexico. Sun tips over horizon and creates an orange reflection on left. Sun breaks over back mountains. Sunrays fill the lens, turning the valley and mountai...

A view from the summit of Iron Mountain, Poway. I headed out to Atlanta on business or to express it another way, was summoned by the boss. It's an awful long way to travel to talk to Barry and only for one day. However, it could be worse--I could be here talking to him for two days or more. What a waste of mountain time. I'm already missing my baby, not meaning Ellie or Benny. (Barry is a nice guy, though.) I arrived at the hotel in Buckhead after investing in a taxi company. At least it felt that way after settling the tariff. The driver was from Eritrea. There are a lot of Africans in America these days. It was only last week the manager of a lube station in Carmel Valley revealed himself as an Ethiopian. It's good to meet our African brothers and dare I say, sisters, too. However, it seems the most we have in common is living in the United States. Another 'bloody' sunset...easy does it, sun...um...Son. Early part of sunset with Mount Woodson...

Our last hike of Hike-about 20 took place in Las Vegas. Fortunately, this was not on the Strip but some thirty or so miles west. We are not fond of the city at all but the preserve is such a redeeming feature of the region that it's likely to make us return. We had intended to hike a peak in the preserve but were unable to find the trailhead, at first. When we discovered where it was, we could not reach it as the road passing through the preserve is one-way. So we ended up hiking what looked like the next best. It's another reason to return to this attractive park. Although it was an enjoyable experience, the expected climax to Hike-about 20 fizzled a little. Nevertheless, the nine weeks on the trails were arguably the best experience we have had. Of course, criticism that the last hiking session is always the 'best' may be fair. However, it did feel it surpassed all others. At the end of January, we resume Hike-about by heading for New Zealand via Hawaii. ...