Lazarow World-Hike-About

A scene overlooking the city from Bug Springs Trail. Picacho: A fascinating, tough and at times, difficult climb...both ways. Soldiers' Trail, as the 'curtain' rises. We don't think we've been in and near a city that offers so many opportunities for hiking and climbing. The trails are well cared for, clearly indicating those in charge encourage this activity. While there are some rough paths, most are superbly designed and frankly, rate as luxury. Summer in the city must be tough, but then we are unlikely to visit during that season. What's missing is water. The trails vary but the scenery, mostly attractive, tends to be similar. We highly recommend this region. We'll return again, MacArthur.  We've met many people on the hikes, mostly interesting, offering different perspectives and usually, refreshing. It adds much to our activities, education and activities. We've had to try and cut down on the number of encounters recently, n...

This posting covers 3 hikes with reference to a fourth, the major mount, Humphreys. They are all in Flagstaff, a tough hiking region. We've tried to show the relationhip of the various mountains/volcanoes to each other with just a handful of photographs. You might have gathered that Mount Humphrey's is a brute while Elden finds no love from Jenni. Flagstaff, particularly when covered in ice and snow, is not an easy place to hike. Come to think of it, it's no cakewalk after a big melt either. We find the San Francisco Mountain range, of which Humphreys is the highest, to be tough and unforgiving. We've peaked 3 times over the last few years and I don't believe we're in a hurry to return. Some color and form in Arizona, plenty of that. An unhappy Jenni struggling on Mount Elden, a little brother to Mount Humphreys. A view of a mine from the peak of Elden. More color in Arizona. During Autumn/Fall, we approach Elden summit. The towers can be see...

Serene might be a fair description. Reflection. Jenni takes a '21-thorn' salute. ...then finds a gorgeous position. We felt quite ignorant early last year when we realized we’d never been into the Tonto National Forest or knew of Roosevelt Lake and Dam. After all, Hike-about is a mechanism of discovery and learning. When we found the Superstition Wilderness and Tonto, we hiked many places within. Following our arrival in Tonto Basin, it gave an impression of the Old West. As a couple who grew up outside the United States, but were familiar with cowboys and in those days, Indians, it’s a little like realizing one’s childhood fantasies. After discovering the Apache Trail, it seemed to close off some unanswered questions and puzzles from our early years. We were  inside our suite in Tonto Basin last year when a young man walked up to the joint-proprietor of the inn. They began a conversation, and I could not help smiling when I noticed his belt with holster attache...

Jen overlooks Lake Havasu from the peak of Lizard. Hmm! What's the fascination? Close to my all-time favorite action picture of Jenni heading toward Jester Peak, Yuma. Close second. We (I) dedicate this blog to Colyn Levin, a long time (term) friend from Johannesburg. I met Col on the golf course and have been good friends since, including with Sharon. A quick story about part of the relationship. Colyn was fairly new to golf but we soon became partners and took on all and sundry. In the earlier years, Col played off a handicap of 16 and I was a little lower at 2. In one competition, I played to my handicap meaning I scored 74-gross. Colyn, also scored 74, meaning he played 14 below his handicap. It’s considered ‘bad sportsmanship’ to play that well. Since then, Colyn plays to a much lower handicap despite a higher age. Should I even attempt to swing a club these days, I would need at least 16 shots from Colyn just to look partly respectable.  We would play ...