Lazarow World-Hike-About: 21.01 Koko Head and its rim—Oahu, Hawaii

LAZAROW WORLD HIKE-ABOUT

Eastern Cape, South Africa: Storms River region.

'LAZAROW WORLD HIKE-ABOUT: WHAT IN THE WORLD IS HIKE-ABOUT?'

Hike-about is an adventure that commenced June 2010. After storing our household movables, ridding ourselves of a house but retaining our 'home' together, we set off with the purpose of hiking in different parts of the world, not forgetting the home country, the USA.

Our primary focus is hiking to mountain peaks but any challenging hike will do just fine. Extended stays enable us to enjoy and experience living in various places amongst differing cultures. Hike-about has evolved into a way of life. It's also a process of discovery, both the world and ourselves.

We work and live 'on the road' but return to the city in which our grandchildren reside, every couple of months. This provides us the wonderful opportunity to be with them as well as a child or two, even three and of course, friends.

By the end of 2023, the blog contained over 1,560 hikes (less than that actually undertaken), each a set of pictures with stories and anecdotes from the trails. An index to the right allows the viewer to identify earlier experiences.

Finally, we are often asked about the journey's end. Our reply, as accurate as we can state, is: "When we are either forced to cease through health issues or the enjoyment level no longer reaches our aspirations, we will hang up the boots."

"A Life Experience As No Other: Dare to Seize the Day Together", published by Fulton Books, depicts our life on the road and mountains until the beginning of 2017. It has developed 'exponentially' since then.

Jenni and Jeffrey Lazarow

Whereas we continue to update the blog regularly, we circulate email notifications infrequently.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

21.01 Koko Head and its rim—Oahu, Hawaii — 'Stairway to Heaven'...more like he..

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 distance, negotiating 1,048 large, crumbling railway sleepers (steps).
It is a premier training ground for locals while every enthusiastic visitor to the island tries
his/her hand (foot) at it. Once reaching the top, we usually (always) hike on part of the rim of
the crater, which is quite special. The pictures, although not taken at a good time, give an indication
of this ideal place.

'Koko Head' takes it all in although feels a little shaky as the wind rises on the rim.

The editor begins the descent. The smile is not a genuine manifestation of her feelings for
the Koko or her husband, for that matter.

A wonderful position approaching the rim.

Honolulu, Diamond Head and Waikiki.

A genuine wall climb. Adrenaline flow suggests to avoid an attempt on El Capitan.

Out on a limb...um...rim.

A perspective from the bottom although it does not come anywhere close to capturing the incline. Fortunately,
the 'loco'motive made it back safely.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

1 comment:

Harvey said...: I just feel safer Jeff knowing you are in Hawaii protecting our western shores from enemy aircraft. Enjoy and be safe; January 29, 2015 at 5:43 PM