65.16 South Africa at (our) Best...Part 1 of 3, a general overview.

  When one is able to look past the corruption in high places, the lack of basic services, and the fast-deteriorating infrastructure, the magnificence of the land continues to shine. The photographs cover a bit of KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Province, and a few from the Western Cape. These will be bolstered with the publication of further South African blogs. The Cape has a tremendous reputation of being an outstanding place. We agree entirely but there is much beauty throughout the country. 

  Perhaps, one of our favorite places is along the Drakensburg Mountain range. There are places, besides the natural features, where one feels one is transported back in time, even to colonial times. Such is the Drakensberg, a range that covers South Africa and Lesotho. 

 

Early morning, the Tztzikama Trek, beginning near Keurboomstrand.
Autumn on Kenmo Lake in Himeville.
Another perspective of a spectacular place...low key lake, but exquisite positioning and coloring.
Jen climbs the two-part double chain-ladders at the amphitheatre to reach the top of the Tugela Falls, the second highest in the world.
Followed by her fearful mate.
...who now stands at quite a high altitude; he's not even considering a little jump.
The world-renowned Drakensberg Range; the famous Monk's Cowl et al.
Place of world-renowned movie scene: Kamburg...field of dreams'.
Bourke's Potholes, Blyde River Canyon.
The Crack KwaZulu-Natal, Drakensberg Park, scene of many-a-crack-up.
Making pigs of ourselves as we enjoy stepping up in Hogsback onto a hogs back.
Returning from the mountain hike, we make pigs of ourselves again at the market, while one looks a little out of it.
The sun cascades over the ocean on the famous 'Otter Trail'.
He is not showing off as he climbs nearly vertically...well, maybe a little.
Jen hits the beach while on trail.
Prior to the above photograph, she was joined by fellow trekkers. We spent the nights with 6 other women...it was very stressful for Jeffrey...well, for want of a word.
They retain a system in South Africa of washing the rocks regularly. The birds are inclined to open themselves when relaxing in that environment.
Not again, but I spotted some otters and gave chase. This is where they led me.
More spillover of the sunlight.
Jen reaches an edge and must now improvise. The smile is a brave front.
Could not resist more color at Kenmo Lake.
This is in Reenen, at sunset, 'The Golden Butress', Golden Gate Park.
We move closer to the Cape for a few shots that will be dealt with in far more detail in part 2.

Jen shows her courage as she hops along mountain edges in 3-Sisters, Kleinmond...(small mouth).
Unfortunately, although he has been quite modest over the recent past, it appears the underlying weakness of a propensity to show-off is rearing itself. We are based in Perdeberg (horses' mountain).

Follow that curve from the peak of 3-Sisters.  

 From Du Toit's Peak, we look down upon the vineyards of Franschhoek.

...and a private estate, too.
Jen on descent from Aasvoel (vulture) Peak, outside Hermanus.
We close with Jen honing her skills (show-off, too) on Devil's Peak, Cape Town. In the distance is Lion's Head.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey