Lazarow World-Hike-About

From our favorite hiking trail, we look south across the lake, over the mountain on which Shanti Stupa (in picture) sits and toward the 3 dots marker. Below the marker is our target: Matikhan Tower. Upon crossing a bridge, having reached the low point, we head up toward the destination tower which is more clearly visible. At this stage, rumor has it that people hear the sound of a trumpet echoing from the mountains. We confirm, based upon our experience, it's nothing other than people 'blowing their own trumpets'. We do our own share of blowing, too. On this hike, not only did we not see another hiker once again, but at the peak, there were less than a handful of residents. We are developing a complex of the negative aura we give off. Need to ease up on our trumpets as it is only a little less than 3,000 feet elevation gain. (There we go again.) For more perspective, in the distance via the telephoto from the destination Tower (Matikhan) is the multi-level building whi...

  There is no question we are under the spell of the Annapurna Mountain Range. After catching only an occasional, partial glimpse of the peaks covering a 3-week period, when opportunity arose, we grabbed it. To our great fortune, we found our hands covered in snow. During their absence, little did we know that they must have spent their break in a snowy environment. Who would have thought? Thus, upon catching our first glimpse of Machapuchare, we thought something was odd. Then it dawned upon us. As summer is approaching (it's warm over here), the previously snow-free mountain is now almost fully covered with the 'white stuff'. Is it possible that it snows during summer in Nepal but not winter? This is a question we will now ponder and return to you with results of our obviously meaningful and deep deliberations.    In the meantime, to make the point, we reluctantly include a few photographs from a stunning hike. Heck, we'll make sacrifices for our friends. After a...

Reflections at Phewa Lake. Meantime, higher up, Jungle-Jen continues upwards.   While hiking toward Methlang, through the forest and ascending continuously, with the Phewa Lake to the left, the mountain range to the right, dealing with a troop of monkeys, and unfortunately without my Jen, who took ill, I thought what an incredible natural world we inhabit. There is so much to view, witness and absorb which provide additional bonuses, upliftment, knowledge, experience, adventure, challenges, and contentment. We only have to take it—it’s there for the picking. ‘Taking’ sounds a little crude, perhaps disrespectful.    The current phrase used, “Seize the Day” is a good one and an ideal state of mind. So, I thought how lucky, how fortunate Jen and I are to be pursuing a lifestyle where we get to experience different parts of the world, particularly the wilderness, albeit a tiny fraction. Even that is an exaggeration. However, we came to realize years ago that quantity i...

  We're still in Pokhara, Nepal but thought we'd recall a few memories from Romania, allowing for a change in scenery. A minimum of pictures provide very pleasant memories, but for those where we had to avoid jealous sheepdogs and the occasional bear.  A little over-the-top in the Bercegi Region. Balea Lake.   There was an age when the shortest distance between 2 points was via a straight-line. (Transfagarasan Road)     Jungle Jen.   A person doesn't have to wander too far to absorb wonder; just know when to stop. One of the words we speak well in Romanian: 'Coca-Cola'. The sheepways...um...freeways move briskly. Balea Lake. Julia and George, a special couple who made us feel at home in their accommodation. Brasov, where we spent the High Holidays. Cumutura Climbing.   A wonderful view from the bedroom. Beautiful time of the year to visit.   ...