Lazarow World-Hike-About

Mount Taranaki from the Visitors' Centre. Less impressive than from a distance or when snow-covered. Nevertheless, it is awfully impressive. Some three months or so ago, we saw a picture of the volcano, Mount Taranaki. Frankly, it was a sight of magnificence, particularly with the prominent snow-covered cone. When we discovered it could be climbed (hiked is too general and easy a term), we made plans immediately to position ourselves close by during our sojourn on lower North Island. As we were going to be in Tongariro, we would be about 5-hours distant. Because of the road system in New Zealand, this seemingly small country appears rather ‘large’ and getting around it takes time and effort. Unlike in Europe and parts of America where mountain passes and tunnels shorten distances, the roads we have used tend to go around the mountains. The mountains are rather large, hence… (Continues at end...) Sunrise from an altitude of about 5,000 feet. Looking toward Mount Ngauruhoe...

We have included eight pictures to introduce Tongariro National Park, a premier region of North Island. Arguably, it is one of the great places of the natural world and contains a number of superb hikes. Although we've visited it before (a few times), this is the first time we've undertaken the Northern Circuit. One other thing to be aware of is that the weather is extremely erratic. Full sunshine for a few minutes is fortunate, for a whole day, it's rare. Many visitors to the park come away with sights of thick clouds, wet clothes and reason to return. Some even doubt there are mountains present because of the frequent covering. Jenni mentioned that on Tuesday morning at sunrise, she witnessed the best sight ever—the red rays reflecting off Mount Ngauruhoe. We have a number of pictures attesting to this spectacle, to be displayed later. I could not help wondering whether her comment excluded the sight of her husband proposing many years before. One can hope. Back to T...

"Hey Babe, you wanna pick me up?" 'There was a time I would have jumped at the offer. Now, the spirit is willing but...' We always thought we would change our lifestyle when something more exciting arose. Little did we know that airplane travel is providing more excitement than the fabulous mountains, scenery and views of the world. To be fair, we have enjoyed a relatively quiet and incident free year of overseas travel. However, this calm period just ended, unfortunately. While air travel does not seem a great topic for a story, this one isn’t half-bad especially should one not be intimately involved...(continued at end) From a highpoint, looking down lake. The locals tell us they are going through a very dry spell. Observing the trees and water, we thought that was 'obvious'. Slowing the fall of the water at Korokoro Falls. The New Zealanders are 'big swingers'...they love these type of bridges. Last light. Getting bac...

We commenced Hike-about-30 after learning of the passing of a very dear friend. In fact, Harold Shapiro was more than a friend. A fatherly figure would be a far more appropriate description of this man of honor, kindness and generosity—an 'old-world' gentleman would be a fitting tribute. Rest in peace, dear Harold, we shall miss you deeply. Having experienced quite a trip to reach the double islands in the southern Pacific, we have much to communicate. However, saddened-hearts preclude us from writing anything of levity or of being motivated to do our usual spiel. Therefore, we'll set out a few photographs illustrating some of the features of a 4-day tramp in a rather remote region and leave it at that. Jen reaches the highpoint of the first day in blustering winds. New Zealand is not without water. After a windy and cloudy day, the sun finds gaps through which to make an impression at dusk. The editor sends her lapdog to test the water. When we thou...

At the peak of Black Mountain, the privilege afforded the hiker to untangle 'Old Glory'. In the distance, Mount Charleston and Las Vegas. After three weeks on the desert trails, we returned to Carlsbad to rest for a forthcoming trip to go down-under. The adventure promises to be a little hectic so we look forward to it as we continue to follow mild-to-warm weather. What babies! On the trail, we met a young, former military member who looked strong, determined and fit. He was carrying a full backpack. I could not help asking him the weight. Sixty pounds. Impressive. He was in training. We thought we were 'heroes' carrying 35 pounds on the back during a trek. On principle, we had to pass him as we climbed the steep latter part of Henderson Mountain. We had no option. Our backpacks weighed less than fifteen pounds combined. The editor would have been deeply embarrassed otherwise. The climbing got steep and even worse on the way down. The first snow of o...