Lazarow World-Hike-About

It was a fine day in which everything worked well as we set out towards the hot springs via the Colorado River along the Nevada/Arizona border. It never ceases to amaze us what one will find as a person moves into the interior, away from the roads and highways. Who would think that beyond the mountains to the fore flows the amazing Colorado River, slot canyons abound, springs bubble over with hot water, birds and animals fly and romp respectively, all hidden from most of us. Occasionally, one comes across fellow humans, too. The Colorado flows, as we have noticed, all over the place. On its travels, man keeps withdrawing, diverting and detaining its water. From the 'tops of our heads', we've seen Glen Canyon and Lake Powell in Arizona harness the water; Lake Mead and Hoover Dam have their effect, while the flow in, through and around the Grand Canyon is very attractive including the horseshoe it forms in Page, Arizona. An early morning sunrise along its banks in Bullhead...

Jenni heads down from the peak after declaring she might have been in the most attractive place of all time. The shades of color make one take a second look and third... Many of us are fortunate to lead lives of relative comfort although at times, we forget this. It is a fact of the human condition that we need constant reminders, most of us, as to how fortunate we really are. Nevertheless, it usually takes an experience of meeting a person without feet to realize that not having shoes is not as bad as we thought. Although we see much confusion in the world today, we also realize this is not some new phenomenon. It does appear that darkness is descending upon us or to be less harsh, the light is dimming somewhat. There are many reasons for our comment: One being that not only is the level of violence, both on and by individuals and governments escalating but perhaps even worse in a rather perverse way, such behavior is no longer shocking and is in fact understood and acc...

Looking hot and dry...it was actually cool and misty and very beautiful. We moved from Boulder City a week ago, stopping for a further week in Henderson, some twelve miles north. After hiking almost without a break for three weeks, we decided to leave 'home' at 5am one morning to watch the sun rise over both Lake Mead and Las Vegas. Above the city, the light-show was spectacular but rather low-key over the water. Sadly, both of us have had bad falls while running down Red and Black Mountains, one each. The poor editor split her lip open and received a few bumps and bruises. These trips were a little different from previous as there was no opportunity to 'pull oneself out of the fall'—it just happened and on each occasion we found ourselves grounded and sliding—losing skin, getting additional holes in the body and on one occasion, torn pants. However, the hike, including the run, is really superb. There's a lot we'll do for some action and fun...it seems. ...

Jenni returned for the Henderson Black Mountain trail which is a great day-hike, one to be repeated and often. When we got to the trailhead, a couple had returned from a short walk along the trail—many locals use the initial, relatively gentle beginning slope for exercise without going to the awesome and extremely steep peak. The fellow looked at us, made an internal calculation and asked, "How far up are you going?" He took a look at Jenni's expression and added, "You going the whole way?" Smart comment, saving him the wrath of our dear editor. I know I often say it but this is another of those hiking experiences not to be missed. It reaches an elevation gain of 2,200 feet, a sizeable portion in the last third. It has wonderful views of the valley, other mountains and of course, Las Vegas. Interesting flora on which to feast the eyes is in abundance, bighorn sheep wonder about although we missed them and best of all, some great physical challenges includi...