Lazarow World-Hike-About

Less than 100 miles between the interior harsh land and the coastal (cute) town, the contrast is clear but each has its own attributes. Nevertheless, the latter, Morro Bay wins by a mile (probably a 100, at least.) The hike (Tule Elk), close on 9 miles (we added on extra), with a decent climb surrounded by attractive sights, provided a surprisingly good experience notwithstanding the high temperatures. The Wind Wolves Preserve, home to the trail, reaches temperatures well over 100 degrees. In Morro Bay, the highs sometimes might be a shade above the 60's. It's hard to beat that unless of course you're a sunbather and wishes to avoid shade. Valencia Peak, one of many, is a dominant feature of the park, Montana de Oro. It's a place where one can immerse oneself in tranquility while exposed to ocean, bay and morro views, plus a whole host of other opportunities. We have learned over the years that by exercising some patience, views will change and previously clouded o...

Laguna Lake from the peak per telephoto. Contrary to popular belief, probably unpopular sentiments too, one of Jenni's strongest attributes is tracking. (She found me, didn't she? Huh? Okay, some you win, some you lose.) Back to this powerful feature of hers. Ever since we emigrated to the bush, she developed a knack for following animals. She has her own style, perhaps differing from the skills of formal trackers but they seem to work. Just yesterday, we went into an area in San Luis Obispo where heavy bear activity has been experienced lately. We wanted to find the said bear or bears and explain to them their activity was not conducive to making the locals happy. With the added pressure on residents caused by ol' Covid, people need an avenue of release and what better place than climbing the various morros in the region. However, bear activity would of course, discourage many from pursuing this important pastime. We found the hike, it turned out to be wonderful...

More than a fine all-round hike which, had we not had a previous booking, would have camped at the lake that night. Rated tough and beautiful, we would agree entirely. Day-in, day-out, the treasures abound. This location, some 8 miles above Highway 50, is covered in lakes, mountains and boulders and probably a lot more. Gorgeous is a word that springs to mind. My dear wife has limited my use of the word 'beautiful'. Perhaps she wants me to reserve it for her...I can live with that. Reaching the first 'twin' before heading beyond and above it to other lakes. Clarity of the water up high. On the way up, we missed the waterfall. Really an observant couple. At the time we spotted this sight, we were on the hike and thought it was a cloud, the first seen in ten days. We then traveled to Nevada and it became clear it was smoke. We stopped on the road to observe the destructive forces of nature. Cheers, Jenni and Jeffrey

Life can't be all fun, I mean, serious. There has to be a time for the dunes. We returned to Morro Bay after 6 weeks in the Eastern Sierra Nevada region. Why would we leave? Spectacular period would not be the slightest exaggeration. Although there are many hikes still to come, a little difference in color, pace and location makes for a change. Rolling up the sleeves before nearly rolling down the dune. Imagine the task Jenni had in cleaning out his boots. Ever so grateful I did not have to carry a beach umbrella and bar-b-que as well. Incredible position, experience and delightful. One of the steepest short climbs on very soft sand. Did not resist the dare so it was my own fault...as always. Facing a tough climb back. Cheers, Jenni and Jeffrey

Finding the perfect life is the endeavor of an extreme optimist or to put it harshly, that of a fool. It's fair to state that life presents difficulties, tests and a myriad of challenges. It's something we understand and experience. Should one take the opposite view of the optimist, knowing of the trials and tribulations that abound, it would not be unreasonable to consider that perhaps the miracle of life is a tad overrated. However, we believe both views are incorrect. What reminded us of this thinking (for a change) are our weeks in the Desolation Wilderness, the Eastern Sierra Nevada in general and the broad region surrounding Lake Tahoe. What a place, what a period! (continues at end...) I got talking to a few people at the peak and it appears someone got a little impatient. A few moments earlier, Joe said to me, "What do you think it means when a woman folds her arms across the chest and looks a little haughty?" I wasn't having a good day with Jenni. An...