Lazarow World-Hike-About

The tucked away trailhead, when we found it, allowed us to approach Ben Lomond from the opposite side of Queenstown. We commenced at Arthurs Point and spent six to seven hours on the trail, swamped by giant mountains above the Shotover River. In New Zealand, this part of the river plays host to the jets (boats) that race through the canyon and swirl around, apparently thrilling thousands of visitors. To wake to a nice view is most soothing; hot tea would be wonderful. Meantime, back at the ranch, Jen trudges up a stiff climb. Unfortunately, the conditions are dry and the snow-capped mountains are few. Other than that, no complaints. Standing above the Shotover River, the early morning light causes the water to sparkle. Jenni was overcome with an almost spiritual feeling, so she explains, as we walked along the mountain edges towards Ben Lomond. It was the endpoint of our previous hike. We were able to get a different perspective by being in the places that...

We left Hawaii on a nine hour flight and arrived in New Zealand over a day later. We have quite a story to tell but one not related to time. Jenni stands on peak of Ben Lomond Mountain. The challenge of reaching Ben Lomond Mountain summit together with the views and beauty of the whole area are hard to match. Certainly as regards the effort to reach the peak, 'Charity', one of the Three Sisters Volcanoes in Oregon, is a close match. We were tired following the hike as we commenced from the 'real bottom'. Most people, we are told and witnessed on the day, ride the gondola up to the starting point, some 1,200 feet, which takes an hour by foot. The elevation gain, depending on who one believes, is anywhere between 4,500 and 4,800 feet to the peak. Should you trust the judgment of our muscles then it felt more like 5,000 feet. Nevertheless, it is one of our favorite experiences. Unfortunately, it does not seem to get easier. Mount Aspiring in the dis...

These are two separate hikes in different parts of the island. It's worth mentioning that the ocean colors appear artificial to the naked eye, not only through the camera. Rabbit Island view from 2,000 feet above, Kuli'ou'ou Ridge. Early stages of 'pillbox' climb in Kailua. We continued hiking up, over and down another 16 hills. A walk in and above the suburbs giving and indication of the water colors. The day after, we took an early morning hike before leaving for New Zealand, to capture the sunrise. The position is similar to that of the picture above. A point we always make: Each day is different, each part of the day varies. An Oahu backdrop, always dramatic. The foreground is interesting, too. As we came over the large hill (little mountain), the vista opened. Bonny body coming through the rye, up and over and down; repeat 15 times. Camera catches canoeists slacking. Similar position from above but early the ...

You want brunch? Hands off hips and make your way up the slope, Editor. (Jen about to climb the steepest part on a treacherous slope.) Color must have been given to brighten our lives. Editor becomes our number one photographer; fortunately, number two is still in a 'high' position. The first part of hike (and last part) on a track; the rest, in a jungle of slopes. Currently, editor running away from monster mountains...or. Early Sunday morning on Koko Head. We woke at 5am and reached the summit at 6.33am. The complication with this hike is that on each occasion, we are pressured into beating the previous time. Today, we achieved our fastest time but are fearful for the next effort. Number two trying to emulate editor...losing bet. Some of the slopes were treacherous although camera 'lies' as it understates the angles. A spectacular morning on Koko Head. Trying out a new feature of the camera...interesting, we thoug...