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...