Lazarow World-Hike-About

This is the third of four hikes undertaken in Austria. Truth be told, each one has been tough; alternatively, we're less strong than we think. An unhappy editor is forced to 'walk the plank'. Sometimes the pressure is just too great...a need to let it out or through. We're most grateful for crazy people in the world. They create excitement, challenges, amusement, danger and keep one on the toes (or in peril). Why would anyone wish to build a type of ladder extending through a gorge accumulating over twelve hundred feet of elevation gain following an earlier walk of fourteen hundred (2,600 total) to reach the beginning of the gorge? Beats us but it sure provided a wonderful experience. The power of the waterflow was stunning, the sights and colors extravagant, the surprises terrific and the exertion level, sweat breaking. And typical of much of Europe's alpine experiences, there's usually a restaurant or refugio to provide a bunk or refreshments or...

We took this picture of Hualalai, in 2014 from part-way up Mauna Loa, at sunrise. We were somewhat above 11,500 feet at the time and heading to a little under 14,000 feet.

We published very few pictures of this trip at the time, so here is a supplemental set of fresh photographs. The beauty and wonder of the desert, something we hardly understood years back, continues to inspire and fill us with awe. Nevertheless, summer is a season during which we tend to have less awe, or seek cooler climes. With the aforementioned negative-implied judgment of deserts in mind, the following thought struck us: "We may be wiser because we know so much less and are unsure of so much more." ... "A Life Experience As No Other: Dare to Seize The Day..." We completed our blogs from Argentina last week and head for Central Europe next week. A view into Arizona and Lake Mead from Black Mountain, Boulder City, Nevada. (Fortification Hill, climbed from rear a few days later.) A view from above a balcony part-way up Angels landing, Zion National Park. The Virgin River flows below. Color in the Mojave Desert. Kelso Dunes, California, close...

These photographs were taken at Poway Lake over four visits. Because the editor is not charmed by Jeffrey's ducks, on at least two occasions, I was alone with the birds. The editor either shows confidence in my behavior or worse, she doesn't care any longer. Over the years, since we became more interested in bird life, we realize how much we can learn from these winged creatures. One of the lessons, we remember writing about some years ago, when we stood at dawn along a marsh in Himeville, South Africa was the level of enthusiasm they exuded as they chirped vigorously, welcoming a new day. On mornings when a person feels a bit down, recall the simple approach to life embraced by these busy little bodies (who don't even have cellphones) and chirp our blessings. "Some days, when it's all too much for me, I tend to put my head in the sand." 'I understand but don't you mean water.' "No dummy. Sand! My head's stuck in the mud." ...

This blog closes our visit to Argentina...and hopefully, opens a visit to somewhere else. A lovely photograph of Jenni as we make our way to the glacier and background. Cerro Torre, a distinctive look, one of many versions. We make no apologies for the fact we are no longer fond of cities and big towns. Yes, we have had to give up the ballet, symphonies, museums and cultural events which we suppose makes us peasants in the eyes of some or many, who knows. We’ve also given up, unfortunately not for long enough periods, traffic congestion, poor air quality, noise, crowding, daily routine and many other negative aspects of living in large cities. (Of course, we acknowledge this to be our opinion, probably a small minority view.) Instead, we’ve lived amongst people of different nations, cultures, backgrounds, most who have modest or little material wealth. Besides the adventure and excitement of our lifestyle, the relative freedom and challenges we enjoy and face respective...