The pictures included in this blog cover 4 peak hikes and a few local walks.
Jenni to the Morro but not for tomorrow.
On our return trip, we stop in at Morro Bay again and take in a sunset peek while strolling toward the peak.
On trails in the Los Osos/Morro Bay region as well as Pinnacle National Park, we were able to think more about some of the tough challenges we all face. The open spaces, together with the use of muscles and other body parts provides, we think, a person with balance. This is obviously very necessary on the trails, ridges and edges. However, that's not quite what we mean. We think it gives perspective to life. We cannot discuss the particular event or catalyst that triggered it but nevertheless, it certainly reminded one of the fragility of life, this past week...(continues below...)
Missed the beach, found the very steep dunes instead at Montana de Oro Park.
From Hazard Peak, we pull out the telephoto and gaze upon the morro and the bay of the same name.
After returning from the peak, we take a walk along the bluff and find it most impressive.
Still along the bluff, Valencia Peak, the highest in the park, ahead. We sat on the top some ten days before.
Jen making the final turn before reaching Valencia Peak.
One of the best rock scaling opportunities, above Bishop Peak, San Luis Obispo. Interesting approach via the gulley, a couple of jumps, sharp right, make a grab at some of the rock protrusions, steady, spring-across, climb over a few boulders and you're there.
Jenni reaching Bishop Peak.
It reminded us of Storms River and the Otter Trail in South Africa. We hope 'Dina Van der Mescht' sees this photograph. We 'might' have mentioned it before: What a beautiful world.
Morro Bay from Cerro (peak) Alto, Los Padres National Forest.
Sunset at the Bay...actually, the ocean.
The ridge crags across the way from Cerro Alto.
Giving the wing! 'Don't you just hate a show-off, especially when it takes away your glory.'
Valencia Peak from Hazard Peak, a wonderful region in which to live...
and not only for the birds.
Only a woman (female) can display such poise and the bird adds a hint of arrogance.
An interesting aspect we've never raised in respect of Hike-about, our activity and 'profession', for want of a better description, is that besides the adventure of it, it seems to provide something quite unusual, we submit. In a fashion, it allows us to recall our youth and strive to emulate in many respects as if we have returned to that era. (Not interested in changing maturity or the mind, though). In fact, we do much more than we performed when we were 'young', although we have always been very active. Naturally, we don't have the fitness, stamina, agility and command of our muscles as we did back then. We do have the aches and pains, though. Nevertheless, we have experience which counts for much as well as desire to attain physical accomplishments and deal with the mental challenges we face while moving about the world. Clearly, whatever one's choice in life, there is no 'free-ride'. No reasonable person may expect the path of life to be smooth—it's full of bumps and often worse. To the contrary, should things be easy then it would not be a stretch to presume a person is not striving to reach high enough in order to achieve his/her potential. We don't know where we are on the scale but we think it's fair to state that we try to motivate each other and hopefully, don't fall into slacking trends. It's tempting to take the easier routes, to cut oneself slack and most of all, to rationalize one's actions and in cases, lack of them.
We've noticed the human condition, which exacerbates this concept as one matures and grows older, tends to like comfort, order, certainty, stability and I'm sure we can think of many other desires. In and of themselves, they are all terrific goals to strive for. However, we submit they are a well disguised trap. We once heard a story handed down from the biblical era. Whether one is a believer or not, is not the issue. We think the principle espoused is excellent. Jacob, who is in the process of 'settling down' toward his closing years enters into a discussion with G-d. He mentions the tough life he endured, (including supporting two wives and a few concubines). He declares after a such a full and taxing life he is now ready (and deserving) of restful retirement and perhaps, putting himself out to pasture. Sounds reasonable.
We think the answer G-d provided went something like this: 'What do you mean? In the next world, you'll have plenty of opportunities to rest. In this world, there are too many things to do and to accomplish. Remain involved, keep busy.'
When we heard the concept, it obviously resonated with us. Our goal is to at least attempt to follow such sage advice. Who knows?
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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