Lazarow World-Hike-About

It seems that in each city hike over the recent past, we have viewed golf courses. We find we are playing much better golf from our hiking positions than when we were on the course. We think it's probably a mental issue. I'm sure that's the Pacific Ocean...then again, maybe it's Lake Tahoe. "Hey, blue eyes?"   We spent the morning rising from, and dropping down to, coastal level repeatedly. Didn't expect to see a flock of sheep visiting the beach. Sure beats having a garden service. The lawn is trimmed and manured in each session. Loved the swaying, tall grass.   Final exit from ocean level. Contrast with San Diego coastline 4 days earlier, some 2 hours south (by car, not per foot). Early days on the trail as we climb from the beach. Cheers,  Jenni and Jeffrey

'Okay! Let's get going.' We stopped for a breather after a sharp incline and faced the next hurdle. In a number of cities lately, we often spend time determining whether the roads have been aligned correctly. If you have to ask why then clearly you're missing the point. It's a quasi-engineering concept. This platform allows for closer inspection although we hope he remembers to turn around. Meanwhile, Jen plods on and up diligently. Strangely enough, she is not concerned whether the roads are correctly in alignment. (It takes all types.) Looking towards Murray Peak, the region's highest and a good test. Jen returns safely, just a few minutes to the trailhead. Cheers,  Jenni and Jeffrey

When we camp, Jen likes to take our cuckoo clock with us. Time recorded 6.01am. The guy was running late. That's the transport to and from the island. From height, the views are superb. After many weeks of intense physical effort, totally under our control of course, we have nobody to blame, although it would be nice to find a volunteer, we were sitting on a boulder the other day and I happened to mention to Jenni that I was so looking forward to being on our own that evening and enjoying each other’s company. She replied, “What’s different?”  That's the answer one receives when you marry a practical woman. I had to think about it and realized of course, not much. Nevertheless, most days, actually all of them, it’s just wonderful to spend the night in relaxed mode after intensive active days together. Can you see the difference? Hmm! Admittedly, it is so subtle that it’s easily missed.  We remember an acquaintance asking how it was possible to spend so much time ...

What makes this hike particularly memorable, nostalgic too, is that some 8 years before, we had the honor and pleasure of meeting two wonderful people somewhere on a feeder trail toward Murray Peak. It was indeed a chance meeting that developed into something much more. Joanne and Ron Allegretto of Vancouver, Canada are dear friends, although limited by verbal communication only. We hope to change that soon. However, should people be able to develop a stong bond without physical contact, this is one of those situations.  When Ron and I communicate, frequently, it's as if we grew up together. Anyway, that's how it feels from my side. Ron(aldo) is such a good guy he probably just humors that 'hybrid southerner' but he does make me laugh often. I suppose it might look silly to anyone observing me sitting before my laptop after receiving one of his emails and hear a burst of laughter.  Thanks, Joanne and Ron. In some silly way, I was hoping that we might bump int...

Spring is in the air. Early days as we head down and then up toward the red (pink) rocks. Beautiful...the plant life, too. Upon returning from our camping excursion to Catalina Island, we thought of stopping close to the mainland port to undertake some hiking in this virgin territory, that is, for us. Jen found a gem of a park which provides wonderful hiking opportunities with some steep sections, unusual rock formations and all close to the town. In fact, much housing development surrounds this large regional park. Amazing how many treasures fill the land just off the beaten paths. Add in the blooming spring flora and we enjoyed 2 wonderful days before returning to ???  The scenery is lovely...a little surprising in this dry region. Caught off-guard, it appears. 1.2 miles sharply up. The camera cannot capture the slope (heard that one before). Spring confirmed. Aha! The rocks finally. The day before in the same region, different hike (Dreaded Hill, an...

If you're going to sit somewhere, can't think of a better place...just yet, following a stiff climb. Impressionable. A successful dwelling builder...home sweet home. The advantage of being a quick learner is that it does not take long to determine certain likely outcomes. Surprisingly, this past week we found out that ground/earth is very hard. It does not have much cushion to it unless of course, it’s muddy. Then again, the smart person will pitch camp ensuring that he not only has a tent, sleeping bag, gas cannister and teddy bear to ensure a restful night’s sleep, but also a foam contraption on which to place the said sleeping bag and by extension, the occupant. So far, so good. However, when the contraption has a slow leak which leak became less slow with each passing night, the brilliant mind of the said sleeper did not take long to reach the appropriate conclusion about the denseness of the ground. In fact, it became a toss-up as to which part or whom was more d...