Lazarow World-Hike-About

  One of the many advantages of a place such as Toadstools is that a person can move across the land without being restricted to a trail. Each occasion is a unique experience even those fascinating climbs one 'repeats'. The formations are interesting, attractive and in many cases, climbable. There are prohibitions for some of the smaller icons, which makes sense.    We have been here before. We have always enjoyed it so much that we even repeated the visit a week later. Each occasion involved hiking in different parts of the region. We think the secret of visiting and hiking in these places is approaching it with an open mind (and always good grips on the boots). The approach, combined with a bit of daring, trying something different and following hunches allows a person to discover aspects not expected.    Early stages as Jen moves ahead. Our kind of amusement park. 'Jen, you probably shouldn't try it.' Deceiving. A crumbling path, sloping ...

It goes without saying that the foliage speaks for itself, certainly more dramatic than our words could ever attain. Therefore, with a few exceptions, we'll let the pictures choose their own captions. Before we depart completely, the colors of autumn made us wonder about photography. In the good old monochrome days, prior to the advent of color photography, how did one take a photograph of fall foliage scenes? I think this may be another question for Clive M (Dennys) again.   Jen heading up. We passed the left peak on the way up to the higher Mount Wire, our destination. The following week, we reached the left peak by climbing along the ridge. Once a month for that one is sufficient to last a year. Cheers,  Jenni and Jeffrey  Jen leaves Van Cott Peak with the tiny antennae in view on Mount Wire. (A month later).

Jen makes her way along the water, moving up-and-down constantly. Reaching a junction with a third in- out- let. Perhaps one of the most enjoyable hikes, roaming through the desert but always keeping close to the water, is spectacular. It involves finding a route which could mean climbing then descending to go up again. Sometimes one chooses a path only to find water or a large fall-off preventing an advance. After some experience, one tends to anticipate the route and usually it works out reasonably well. The beauty of this type of hike is that a person never takes the same path, no matter how often it’s attempted.  While sitting in the shady spot partaking of brunch, I was able to gently nudge Jen into staying an extra two days. We were limited because of a trip to visit Mom in South Africa. Jenni bought into the idea that a day less on the road, one less in San Diego would give us the time needed to enjoy Page even more and add a kayak trip the next day. It mean...

One has to negotiate every step of the way. There is no trail which adds to the enjoyment and of course, the challenge. Should you listen to an airline cabin member going through the formalities, you might hear the following message: "There are two exits in the front, four in the middle and two at the rear. Sometimes, the closest exit may in fact be behind you."  Relevance you might ask. Well, that's how one negotiates this tricky hike. A person seeks a climb, up or down, that feels comfortable. The route could be anywhere. We hope that makes sense because at times, we'd love someone to explain it to us. Thank you for flying American! or is it United?   Entering the Lower Cathedral Wash. Great opportunity to say a prayer. Departing from the wash but feeling dirty. Makes no sense. And now? Remember, the idea is not to wet the feet...or any other part of the body. or damage any part of the body. (One slip and you take a mud bath or much worse.) ...