7.02 Jock of the Bushveld trail or Paradise is lost, Milton

That's a bit of 'alright'--nice mountain and valley, too

Jenni reaches Jock (disc on rock)--destination

Our most vertical rock face todate

After a violent electrical storm and heavy rain overnight, we set off in the heat for the trail mentioned in the title. It’s named for a famous local book from the late 19th century. The South African trails are not for ‘sissies’. In fact, ‘trail’ is very complimentary indeed. It’s more a bushwalk with the occasional marker hidden in the tall grass. We were rather impressed with their competence in hiding the markers. We envision a course for trail builders. It’s not surprising that we added an extra two to three miles on today’s hike of close to eight. We eventually reached Paradise Point, which revealed spectacular views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

“You should be very careful of the poffies as the grass is high,” said the woman in Afrikaans, at the trailhead. The hike commences from what looked like a run-down resort. That’s all our editor needed to hear. A ‘poffie’ is a puff-adder, one of the most venomous in this country. Suffice to say, the first forty minutes through long grass was quite stressful. It’s at times like that when Jenni’s courage truly surfaces. She did not hesitate to move forward although her breathing was slightly irregular. Nothing to worry about though. We put it down to her carrying her spouse over the more dangerous parts. People think it’s easy sitting perched up there. What’s not known is that Jenni has bony shoulders…okay, okay.

A view from above

Impatient for lunch

It was rather different covering the grassy plain and heading towards and through the unusual rock formations. Many reminded us of the hoodoos of Utah. However, in Utah the rocks are in shades of red and pink. Makes sense to us as many American Indians live in that part of the world. These rock formations in South Africa are mostly black. It figures. We spent time climbing the strange rocks including undertaking, if we might add, some rather tricky vertical climbs. We have finished boasting for now, thank you.

In Africa, monkeys leap for a branch like that...most monkeys

A different view into the valley

We went shopping at the local Spar supermarket. The experience of being in a ‘new’ South African town was fascinating. More about that later. The poverty issue is going to be around for a long time, unfortunately, we expect. We notice that little maintenance is taking place. It’s a pity because outside of the exclusive areas, extensive repairs are necessary. Not all is lost though. Fortunately, there still appears to be a lot of money available judging by the president as he shops around for a new jet aircraft. This is, of course, important if not for the country then at least for his family. It’s can’t easy traveling on public transport with a number of wives and a bevy of girlfriends. We hope he manages to find something spacious.

"No rope. You want a Coke...you come down yourself"

We need to pack now for our overnight stay in the mountains tomorrow. Hang on a minute. “No, Jen, you won’t need the hairdryer.” More whacking bushes to follow.

See you soon.

Jenni and Jeffrey

Another view from Paradise Point