49.27 California (north) Black Butte Volcano, (not a beaut) including some observations from South Africa.
A rock with a view. Tip-toe through the 'bloody rocks' with Mount Shasta partly in view. There is a way to the peak which seemed impossible when viewed from the base. We arrived in South Africa without our boots although we had good feet-covering. While the manner of our dress is irrelevant to anyone reading this, it does have significance. We will not be hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains, which is a shame. This visit is to be with Mom who has not enjoyed decent health these past few months, unfortunately. The issue of aging is difficult to accept but nevertheless, that's reality. We have noticed how age creeps up on a person and unfortunately, emboldens itself, never shaking loose. Perhaps the one thing we have learned is an appreciation of aches and pains as we struggle up-and-down mountains. Who enjoys pain? Sounds dumb. However, pain is a reminder that at least we are able to be out there and pushing onwards. It is also a reminder that should we not be fa...