Lazarow World-Hike-About

After leaving Graskop, we headed for the Kruger National Park to see how the other half lives. Although this is a good rest for us, we are going on a bushwalk in the park. It promises to be...we haven't a clue but are looking forward to it. Take a break from hiking (we'll post Fanie Botha part two next) and spend a day at the big zoo with us. It might be nice, certainly more relaxing. Jenni captures a Nyala doe from close-up. Please let me cuddle with you guys...and gals and gals. Just a little higher on the left side...use your tusks. 'What'd you think about ordering buffalo wings tonight, get the calves to bed early and just cuddle a bit?' 'Can't I play with you fellas?' Cries the lonely hippo. 'Hey fatties, catch us if you can.' A flyby at the waterhole. 'I don't want to hear anymore bull from you does, do you hear me?' Does it get more colorful than this? 'Jeffrey, will you...

As we crest the first mountain on day 2, the sights get even better. Returning to Africa is always an interesting experience. One ponders the reasons for leaving in the first place and whether it was the correct decision. Perhaps something that was never part of the equation is that our lifestyles are so different currently from the first thirty-six years lived in the country. Our lives, when in South Africa these days, involve exploring and adventuring in parts of the country that we experienced so little of previously. This is a big difference from city life in general and especially the earlier periods filled with education, business and social engagements while raising children. Therefore, comparisons are not practical because our activities are so different and varied. Being out amongst the natural wonders, whether it’s in this or any other country, living in small towns, facing challenges, both mental and physical while sweating most days and being rewarded with...

The video follows after the photograph below: Arriving at 'holiday camp' on the Kepler Track. The first hut from the lake approach is Luxmore, nestled about a mile below the peak of the mountain from which it derives its name. Click on screen icon at bottom right to view full screen. (Special thanks to Brian Murray, composer, vocalist and lead guitarist and Neville Stanger on bass.) Cheers, Jenni and Jeffrey

Up close, the reality. It shows a dirtier side of the glacier. In our most dangerous hike on this trip, we set out along a level, well-manicured path. 'Where's the challenge?" We asked ourselves. We thought this was rated tricky and a little dangerous. Not that we seek danger but the hike was supposed to be challenging. Then we noticed a sign that pointed out recent deaths on the trail. Thereafter, we began to climb and descend on slippery and rocky sections throughout the rainforest. On the 7-mile hike that never seemed to end, we were put through our paces. The cumulative gain may have been 2,200 feet but it was a tough experience. When we broke the tree line eventually, we arrived at the viewing point. Before us, stood (or flowed) a magnificent glacier, Franz Josef. We had seen it the previous day from a more convenient spot. Action scene above the glacier. For a mere $350, you can have a bird's eye view. Two eyes, $700, I suppose. Jenni g...

We don’t take slogans and hype too seriously—there’s an awful lot of it going around in the modern day. So when a hike is rated the best in New Zealand and many say, in the world, we smile and wonder where we’ve heard that before. We have undertaken this hike a few times before and the hype may in fact be the truth regarding the Tongariro Alpine crossing. Even the name is exciting. The Atlantic Crossing, the Sahara Crossing, the Tongariro Crossing—all have a stylish ring to them. Say it out loud and sufficient number of times and an excitement builds within. Then again that could just be us. Talking of crossings, to get to North Island, we made another crossing, the Cook Strait. The three of us sailed on a ferry from Tipton, arriving in Wellington three hours later. For the first time in nearly four weeks, we came across poles with green, yellow and red lights blinking periodically. By the way, the third traveler was our rental car. Man, the place is steaming. Eruption...