Lazarow World-Hike-About: 61.27 Nevada: Las Vegas: 'Ze Frenchman', a different flavor from another attractive desert.

Jen faces ascent number 2 of 4. The Frenchman provides an incredibly steep ascent, 3 on the way to the peak and one on the return. Add a scree surface into the mix and it is a strenuous climb up and tricky down. Strength and energy followed by skill respectively—that's the theory, anyway. However, it makes for a fantastic experience.

Part of the reward. (The road below in the distance is the commencement point).

Our period on 'The Frenchman' was again a wonderful experience. Often, as we struggle up mountains, down too, one becomes philosophical. While the physical aspect of a person sweats and struggles, the mental side sits back and questions the sense of it all (latter is a good deal if you can secure it). Much of the time, the brain offers no sympathy but occasionally, makes the point that 'you asked me to arrange it all and I did what your soul wanted.' After all, you can build and tone your muscles, exercise the mind and broaden your thinking but the soul resides in a different space and has, if you will, 'a mind of its own'.

'Jenni and Jeffrey, the soul is not into the limitation business like its co-companions, body and brain—it does not recognize narrow parameters. Keep that in mind the next time you have doubts and questions about life'. (continues below)

A part snow-covering of Mount Charleston provides a wonderful backdrop to the City of Las Vegas. To get it out the way: We don't like the city and what it represents. However, we love the surrounding desert immensely. Perhaps it's what one might term 'a love-hate' relationship.

From the peak, looking toward the opposite side of the city, at Lake Las Vegas, a very attractive place and of course, lake.

One of the reasons for the ongoing love affair.

Part of the Las Vegas Strip and surrounds.

On a hazy day, from distance, the incredible Lake Mead, a major aspect of the love affair. In the foreground is another favorite, Lava Butte (see next photo below).

Some years back, sitting on Lava Butte (above), a volcano without a trail.

One of many views of Lake Mead (a while ago).

The desert colors come alive, even on a dull day.

Part of downtown to the left, Mount Charleston adds wonders to scenery.

Another unusual scene.

We pass through the camel hump to the left, down again and then rise above it.

This is the third big ascent to reach the peak, a little behind the saddle ahead.

Is that one hump (lump) or two?

A view from a little below the peak.

(continued from above...)

Over the years, as do most people, we have thought deeply about many things including, being shallow about other issues. Some of those shallow issues, unfortunately, have been a lot of fun. I digress. So, what was the big thought on this day with the Frenchman. It went something like this. In fact, there were at least 2 ideas, both not new but always worth thinking about and more importantly, acting upon. They embodied one vital key.

'Talk is cheap' is perhaps a cliche. Nevertheless, it's valid. We often talk about things and in the case of so many of us, believe should we talk and discuss it thoroughly, it's as if we have done it. We really do bluff ourselves through life on far too many occasions.

Not quite in the same vein but worth noting, I'd like to add as an example in which I believe our generation has erred which is being exacerbated currently. How often have you heard people say 'I don't want my children to want for anything, to not have the things I lacked as a child.'

Wrong: One of the things that made you who you are is that very limitation or restriction. It's a foundation of a good upbringing for a child not to have everything it wants. Far better to have more of what the child really needs and strive and struggle for the other (all) goals.

(A visit to Nepal is most helpful, not essential though, to witness the principle in action). I don't think I'll ever forget the discussion Jen and I had with 3 young Nepalese engineers (26-years) over a couple of days on a trek who mentioned how everything in America looked so wonderful, how much 'stuff' was available and how little the locals had. Our reply, in a difficult (tricky) situation, effectively dealt with the previous comment regarding the principle of 'need versus want', "Cui bono". Who benefits? It also stressed that lack of material benefits gave them many envious qualities far more apparent in their society.

We'd like to add, which is complementary to the previous thought, is that should something be easy to undertake in life, then most times, it's probably a waste of time. Nothing worth accomplishing is ever easy. Life and its functions are difficult, are challenging, (added for the new "generational speak"). If it ain't tough, it's probably not worth accomplishing. Perhaps we choose the easier path by default.

What I really had intended before being sidetracked was to wonder why Jenni and I spend much time struggling up mountains, along cliff edges, scrambling over boulders, living on the road, etc. We expect much criticism, and have received some, emanating from many quarters. 'Heck,' some might think, 'They don't even earn any money for these so-called hardships/struggles or add anything to the world. What a waste.' Possibly. We might reply accordingly.

We spent many years employed, self-employed, providing some aid, etcetera. Much of this fell into a category which most understand as "What Do We Do For A Living?" (a typical question asked by many).

Many years ago, we changed our philosophy. We decided to rid ourselves of the "A" in our lives. We now ask ourselves "What Do We Do For Living?".

Thereafter, the 'stroll' became easier. Truth be told, it was once again, a fantastic hike and experience which culminated in a relaxed late afternoon collating the memorable visuals captured to complement the spiritual ecstasy.

Jen struggles a bit but she's closing in on the peak. Cui bono? (For Gav L and other music fans, this is for U2).

We have become involved in a controversy that is tearing a section of the city apart. We are reluctant to interfere with local disputes but as we had reached a point where few people visit, we became privy to some important information. Should you take a peek at the city below, you will notice at least two long streets that head to-and-from the Las Vegas Strip. We are obviously a couple of thousand feet above. The controversy existing concerns whether the roads, advertised when the developments were sold off, are straight—that's literally. (Obviously as in straight line because we all know nothing much is straight in the City). In the alternative, are they parallel, another assertion directed at the buyers at the time.

It appears that during the sale of lots to buyers, and there were lots, a rumor was circulating that kinks in the streets were deliberately built to coincide with the kinky flavor of the Strip. This affected how these owners would think others perceived them, hence a desire to ensure the roads were straight.

As we had been requested to offer an objective opinion, we took many photographs such as the one below and studied the situation in situ and later at home. Clearly, the roads were not in a straight line. We also deduced that while they appear to run parallel, the one on the right has less kinks than the other. After further careful deliberation, we had no option but to support the assertion that at least one road was kinky and as it joined the Strip, could be said to be part of an overall kinky environment.

Whether our opinion will be taken seriously is not relevant to our future hiking of The Frenchman. However, our attitude toward the City might affect whether we will be welcome in the future. At this stage, all bets are off the table...or should that be on the table.

To be parallel/and straight or not to be, that's the question in LV...or is it, $50 on red?

Jen carefully paces the distance between the streets under examination. I'm sitting on the peak watching her work. Clearly, I need a rest after the climb.