Lazarow World-Hike-About

A woman hunter, a liberal-democrat's worst nightmare. Simple sheaths of grass but when the sun struck, the picture became more interesting. Last time we wrote this beautiful island is a little muddy, well, very muddy on the trails. Another factor is it could also be termed a foul state…we take that back. It is a fowl state. The wrong spelling can get one into much trouble. There are chickens and the whole gamut of domestic birds running and at times, flying loose on the island. That in itself is not a bad thing. However, in our area, there are open fields in which wild roosters have made it home. The problem for us and we suppose other guests is that these birds crow throughout the dark hours. Unfortunately, we are becoming sleep deprived. Mesmerized for a few moments and then pulled out the little camera. Multi-tiers of tears flowing into the canyon at about the half-way stage down. Difficult to decide which pictures to select. While lying...

One of the most spectacular coastlines, a struggle to get there and back, too. Our turn-around-point unless we wanted to try the 'big splash. We spotted this mountain from nearly two miles away, it always looked just 'over the hill' (unlike the editor). This was our second hike in the Garden Isle, perhaps one of the most beautiful spots to visit. Unfortunately, it is only accessible by foot thus precluding many visitors a view of incredible, rugged beauty. One can hire a boat or helicopter to gain access to a degree although we would think one only catches a glimpse that way. At $250 a ride in a whirlybird for less than a minute in the alcove is some 'bang (whimper) for your buck'. The poorer folks sweat much more but rise the 1,700 feet a little wealthier, we think. We also do not want to say too much about this wonderful spot for we have known to have raised the ire of some Capetonians in the past. We think Cape Town is a delightful looking c...

Huh! An expressive face tells the story, still another 1,500 feet to ascend. Interesting terrain, too. The owner of the bag took a look at the cliff wall and ran the opposite way. We are often reminded when we see plants surviving in extreme circumstances that we have to manage 'the hand we are dealt'. It's a tough lesson to learn...to accept. We were preparing for the Mauna Kea ascent, a few hundred feet less than 5,000, so we thought a warm up would be in order. However, although this hike of close to 8 miles and an ascent of 2,000 feet seemed just right, it turned out to be much tougher than anticipated. Sometimes one gets it wrong even though the heart is in the right place, well, left side to be more accurate. Sometimes we get it wrong often. though. The opening picture, one or two unpublished photos too, capture Jenni's face in the most natural state of bewilderment. The expressions portray more than words how tough the climb was on a very ...

For the record, this is our 500th blog, many pictures and words. There is no real significance to the number although it's a large one as well nicely rounded. More importantly, in our opinion, is that we believe this hike was a particularly good experience with some worthwhile pictures—some of our favorites. The dawning of a new day, taken at over 11,000 feet on Mauna Loa, at 6:20am. Clouds fill the valley between two giants. (Waited many month to capture fiery-edged clouds) You might have noticed that we have a particular affinity for the Maunas, Loa and Kea. The Long Mountain and the White one make this island particularly special for us. Mauna Loa dominates Hawaii with it presence; its sheer volume including height are incredible. We mentioned before that although it protrudes more than 13,600 feet above the ocean surface, it’s true height measured from the depressed seabed, is an amazing 56,000 feet, twice that of Mount Everest. When we get our snorkeling gear o...