Lazarow World-Hike-About

'Floating Island' Lake after a climb of 900 feet. Above on the right is the peak, a further 2,600 feet remaining. What a day!. Section on talus with Lake Tahoe to the left and Fallen Leaf Lake below. The locals consider this hike/climb a rite of passage . Each to his own. No doubt, it's a tough hike of more than ten miles and 3,500 feet elevation gain. What complicates matters is the rough underfoot of rocks and stones which create the talus formation. In some ways, it is enjoyable to climb and make progress over the various surfaces. However, it does place additional stress on the feet, which spend an awful amount of our days pounding the terrain. The views throughout the hike are incredible: One wonders through forests, followed by inclines in the wide open spaces including meadows. A major treat is looking and absorbing the view of Fallen Leaf Lake for most of the day; its changing colors are a delight. Of course, the massive Lake Tahoe is on show most of ...

This icon which we first noticed in 2008, attracts our attention, visible from nearly all hikes in the region we've undertaken thus far. Perhaps because most of the mountains and peaks are in colors of grey, black and white, this one stands separate and dare we say aloof. Since the first visit, it has always been the favorite to absorb visually, identify from different hikes and enjoy. One day, we might even learn its name. In 2005 or so, Nora and Stuart Laiken of La Jolla, encouraged us to take a trip to the Eastern Sierra. They spoke with passion about the Sierras because they had first-hand experience of it—the couple had hiked there extensively. I remember mentioning to Stuart that we spent a lot of time in Arizona and found it a wonderful state. Stuart agreed but spoke of the Inyo Forest and the John Muir Wilderness. Nora kindly suggested a list of hikes to undertake. A few years later, we gave Grand Canyon, Page and Sedona a miss (temporarily). The Laiken's sure knew...

A view of our favorite icon in this region, from Table Mountain. A surreal feeling on the relatively level mountain top, covered in boulders and river sand. It was like being at the beach without water. Not another soul about but square miles of open spaces surrounded by other mountains. Jenni was explaining a feeling she has of traveling to- and living in- the various destinations we reach. She then added, besides the hiking, climbing and scrambling on the mountains, how does one explain the feeling of sitting on a peak, or anywhere for that matter at height, and absorbing the natural world. To see the lakes, outlines providing distinctive shapes giving them style and beauty, the changing colors of the water as the clouds blow in and away, and of course, the surrounding mountains engulfing us and everything within them, is not easily interpreted. Two little people, viewing and absorbing the vastness, magnificence, sometimes feeling and seeing the danger, often exhausted but...

To visit the lakes, we climbed in excess of 2,000 feet over a distance exceeding 8 miles, maybe a bit more. Our ultimate destination was a free-climb above Ruwaua, selected by Jenni, which has provided much 'ammunition' for me in determining future selections. In addition, her spotting of a path where we could have been 'hopelessly lost' (as opposed to typically lost), 20 feet in front of us, created much mirth, always useful when faced with a long trail ahead. I thought of my Dad who might have commented at the time that even a blind person could have spotted it. Bless her, she's been a tigress, and on the trails, too. Text continues at end... Welcome to paradise and Long Lake. The secret of sustaining hiking is having a traveling chef. Above Ruwau Lake. No Bull, it's the name of the lake. See text at end for an explanation. It keeps getting better. A favorite above Ruwau, at 11,300 feet. Hmm! South Lake. Bull Lake aga...

We reached the endpoint of the hike after scrambling up a mountain overlooking Lake Ruwau. It was another great experience which is what the Eastern Sierra is all about. The surprise for one of us was the after-breakfast activity. It was a negative. However, the location was superb, if not better. We've heard of separate marital beds; we've even come across separate bedrooms, but this: Our own...rocks? It could be going too far or maybe, too high. This is called the curvy bed which fits the back shape or, some use it to mold their figures...just saying. This is for the uptight...um...upright, straight-back, pain-in-the-rear type. Contrary to a rumor circulating in the region, the mountain has not been renamed 'Posturepedic'. Jenni provided an alternate perspective. She calls it ' Classical Marital Distancing '. Unfortunately, we forgot our masks, Governor. Fortunately, we were the only outward hikers on the trail. (Unfortunately, the photograp...

While the world is filled with natural treasures and more, it is difficult to find better places than the Eastern Sierra to explore and admire. Anyway, it's a good start. We should have returned earlier. Always loved the backdrop, standing somewhere above Sabrina Basin. Jenni dealing with the air pressure, at over 10,000 feet, our first time out as we head up to the alpine lakes. Lake Sabrina below. We ate brunch above Donkey Lake, reaching 11,000 feet. It's named for those that extend the hike from Blue Lake, perhaps needing to feel they are working like a... Advancing to Blue Lake, one of the most original names for a lake. 6 and 8 years ago respectively, we sat in that position for a photograph. This time one of us wasn't invited. Suppose that person is too old for the dashing lady. Feeling rather dejected and rejected, he heads to face a brick...granite wall. It appears no 'tidying of the wilderness' has occurred since our last visit. Rock...