Lazarow World-Hike-About

Morro Bay from somewhere on Hazard Mountain. Facing in another direction. Social un-distancing. Rolling 'gardens', Valencia Peak. A couple of photos upon reaching and returning on Valencia Peak, the region's highest. A repeat but could not resist. 'Where have all the flowers gone?' Cheers, Jenni and Jeffrey

Jen goes off the formal canyon trail, usually the best times. Continuing onto a low peak. There are a few places in the canyon where you either climb the walls or turn back. The former reminds me of my Mom's wall climbing sayings when I was a tiny 'bit' younger. Have you noticed how many incidents are amusing when relayed to friends years after the occurrence. However, at the time, often they are traumatic, varying to only uncomfortable. Two such incidents occurred this week illustrating the point. We arrived at Los Padres National Forest and ascertained an entrance fee of $10 was due. This is the only national park we know of that reneges on honoring its official passes. With a paid pass, a person has unlimited access to all parks. Go figure! While we had money, we did not have change. What to do? We were not about to pay $20 to the government, (we were annoyed enough), and of course, there was no cashier present so it amounts to an honor system-no chang...

The pictures included in this blog cover 4 peak hikes and a few local walks. Jenni to the Morro but not for tomorrow. On our return trip, we stop in at Morro Bay again and take in a sunset peek while strolling toward the peak. On trails in the Los Osos/Morro Bay region as well as Pinnacle National Park, we were able to think more about some of the tough challenges we all face. The open spaces, together with the use of muscles and other body parts provides, we think, a person with balance. This is obviously very necessary on the trails, ridges and edges. However, that's not quite what we mean. We think it gives perspective to life. We cannot discuss the particular event or catalyst that triggered it but nevertheless, it certainly reminded one of the fragility of life, this past week...(continues below...) Missed the beach, found the very steep dunes instead at Montana de Oro Park. From Hazard Peak, we pull out the telephoto and gaze upon the morro and the bay ...

Jenni stopped eating for three days to enable her to 'take the gap'. For the caption above, he had to bow and scrape for 3 days. Rumor has it that penitence will need to be extended. We obviously love hiking and all facets of this activity. However, to add to the long walks, climbs and other aspects, the real fun is the additions, side-shows and obstacles a person includes. One such aspect is free rock climbing. This does not mean we don't have to pay for the opportunity but rather, attempt to climb boulders and hills without the use of supporting equipment. It's invigorating, sometimes heart-stopping, often scary but always challenging and satisfying, particularly when accomplishing the task and free of injury. I'm reminded of Winston Churchill and one of his many acerbic comments, which applies to this activity from our perspective. When told that Clement Attlee was a modest man, he retorted, "He has much to be modest about." Why this seemi...