Bourke's Luck Potholes--slightly larger than some we came across on the roads.
The area is covered in wonderful rock formations
The last thing we have is the 'blues'
We decided to condense the hike into two days rather than three, resulting in bigger mileage on day one. When we arrived at the Clear Stream ‘residence’, we certainly felt it had been a tough day. Carrying a heavy burden on the back changes the nature of the hike considerably. Some of the jumps across the streams, the balancing on the rocks and climbing become less certain and require more energy. The pattern of the hike was simple—down into the canyon, across the stream and up the mountainside. Repeat six to eight times. Naturally, the growth along the wetlands was healthy which meant that we had to fight our way through the long grass and bushes. As Jen mentioned, between searching for ‘yellow footprint markers’ and the unknown underfoot, an element of stress arose.
A tough trail with unknowns underfoot at times
The mountain ranges are most attractive, wonderful rock formations abound at every turn, the streams create tranquility while the rapids and cascades lend an added dimension. In summary, the views are breathtaking as a whole without any one outstanding characteristic. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We feel like two strangers at home but more about that later.
Cascades before sun breaks through early morning clouds
By the way, we have taken off the day and are visiting the Kruger National Park. Just like the animals, mid-morning to mid-afternoon is a time to be out the heat. Therefore, we are sitting under the trees on the verandah at Skukuza camp, overlooking the Sabie River, staring at a crocodile while writing this narrative. Should it leave the water, climb up the bank of about 150 feet and arrive at our table, we’ll ‘donder the bugger’. Right now, we won’t take ‘strop’ from any ‘beheime’. Wow! What tough talk especially after a near confrontation with a troop of baboons the day before.
Breakfast and contemplation
My rockette leading the way
With that off the chest, back to yesterday. We both had books to read which were not humorous although the situation was funny. In New Zealand, where we did a multi-day ‘tramp’ last year, the huts had more luxuries, which included electricity, cooking stoves and human company. We presumed similar facilities in the ol’ Transvaal, now Mpumalanga. Our light diminished with the setting sun until it was completely extinguished at about 6:45pm. So much for reading but we did get a good night’s sleep. Gourmet peanut butter sandwiches, water and an energy bar in case of active dreams, set us up for the night. The toilet was some distance from the hut so late night sessions of relief were undertaken using the imagination. An early morning visitor (3am) took great delight in running up and down our roof. We couldn’t see the point but then we are not monkeys. We’d appreciate a ‘no comment’ should you feel the need to voice an opinion.
Here comes trouble--for the herd as Jenni swings the stick
At the conclusion of the hike, we noticed a number of tourists close to the entrance where we were to re-enter the reserve. This was just after a session we had with a herd of cattle, including little ones, closely protected by two bulls. No bull. Well, yes there were bulls. It ended in a face-off—the ugly staring at the hideous, or vice versa. The tension was broken when Jen whispered: “Try some way to communicate to him that we don’t eat red meat”.
“For that matter,” we replied, “we don’t like chicken that much either.”
With that, either because they became comfortable with our presence or understood English, they allowed us through. Enough of the animals for a few days. Back to the tourists. They were viewing the incredible Bourke’s Luck Potholes from the other side of the fence. It appears we took the long way round by approaching from the rear—only 35 kilometres extra. Hey, we may not be too bright but we sure have fun.
Tourists one side, dodo the other, please
Cheers and a good Shabbos,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Those potholes are something
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