Lazarow World-Hike-About

Seldom seen from Pokhara at this time of year: Fish Tail. (See end for one our favorites of the 'Tail'.)   This blog illustrates by way of a limited set of photographs, an introduction to some spectacular times on and around the mountains of Pokhara, these last few days. Truth be told, the feelings we both seem to be experiencing are of attaining a fuller understanding of the land and people, loving the hiking, enjoying the sights immensely and relishing in the atmosphere. At the same time, we are pushing our aging muscles perhaps a little more than we anticipated. While the weather has been much better than expected, the level of humidity is well outside anything we have experienced, perhaps ever.    Another way of expressing ourselves is to state that it always seems that the more difficult or strenuous the challenge, the greater the reward, satisfaction and personal elevation. It is no surprise as it has proven to be a fact from our history and experien...

  We wander at lake level for a short while, and then head into the mountains.  The still, calm waters with a polished sheen and a hue of blues join with reflections of clouds to provide stunning and tranquil views, not forgetting soul enriching moments. After a wild scooter ride, Jen elects to take the bus home. And we tell everyone that we walk and hike. We slipped...(we kid)   It’s probably not wise to predict what will occur or even try to gauge possible occurrences—it could leave a person flat-footed or perhaps on a wild ride. Of course, most of the time one’s day can be planned and the said plan adhered to with minor variances here and there. It’s the things that come from ‘left field’ that confuse a person. Why do I raise this? Of course, there has to be a story somewhere in this little lot. One hopes it’s a decent one...see below...   The fishermen walk upon the surface... ...while the boat skates upon the surface. Change the focus, alt...

Perhaps this is a visual explanation of tranquility. (One of us loves reflections). Add in a personal touch. A week later, we are hiking in the mountains and we discover comparable cloud formations when we peer down. A restaurant along the lake. Haunting and/or wonderful. A water-color change Sarangkot Peak above a casual boating dock. On the other side of the lake, a dearth of visitors. Cheers,  Jenni and Jeffrey

  A tough hike, in steaming conditions, thick jungle, and with a climb up to Methlang, above Pokhara. (The full set of pictures to be posted later.)  Overlooking Fewa Lake and part of the city. The stupa on the rear mountain, another favorite hike. An opening in the jungle. Floating amongst the clouds, Annapurna Mountain raises one of its peaks through the clouds. In the current season, this was a most fortunate showing. We reach a higher altitude than the stupa, providing a wonderful view. Shiva Temple, higher and further right of the stupa above. Telephoto makes our interim return destination appear close. Cheers,  Jenni and Jeffrey  A close up of the Shiva Temple from last year's hike (see above).

  In the previous blog (an earlier hike), we show a couple of views of the two temples from the other side of Phewa Lake (south) on the opposite mountains. This blog deals with a steep climb to reach Shanti Stupa, the Japanese World Peace Temple.  On a rainy day, both the Shanti Stupa and Shiva Temple come into view as we round a bend. On our way to the stupa, we divert to a hill which provides wonderful views into the valley and surround.   While we were walking toward a trailhead in the rain today, we remembered why we enjoy being in Nepal. Actually, we enjoy being in most parts of the world that we frequent. It’s partially a state of mind; it encompasses a rather large element of freedom; it encourages the unshackling of bonds but for a few, as well as relinquishing conventions, plus other aspects, too. We’d like to believe it always means holding onto core values, many considered out of date in the modern world. Looks like when we leave the world, we will ...