Hike-About 11.0: South Africa, the preparation at Double Peak Mountain

Batiquitos Lagoon entering the Pacific Ocean

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We discovered the concept of solar energy. Just join those cables to the sun. Simple. They don't call us 'bright sparks' for nothing.

Dawn breaks, reflects off Discovery Lake

“Have you hidden our socks?” We asked our editor as life’s steady pace began to pick up quite smartly while preparing for a long distance trip to the wilds of Africa du Sud. The French name tickles us, so we took the opportunity to use it. Who doesn’t like a good laugh? Back to the socks. Seems like a silly question to have asked our editor particularly because when we look in her closet, there never seems to be a shortage of clothing. Knowing she has a full wardrobe provides us with comfort—we know the family money (limited) is well spent. At this rate, she may even need another backpack to accommodate the overflow. Why would she need our socks? A good question, thank you for asking.

The sun lights up the morning

Editor weighs up sleeping-in against having so much fun as climb really begins

We have lived for the last 6 weeks in a condo in La Costa, an area we find very attractive. The accommodation was terrific and we hope to return. However, in winter even in mild San Diego, a corner of the bedroom is like an icebox, hence, her need for thick woolies. Our editor, in another of moment of lucid thinking, suggested we do our talking from that cold spot—something about ‘hot air’. If not offended by her insinuation, she did come close. Sad to say, out of pettiness, we reclaimed our hiking socks.

As most people know, the southern hemisphere is now experiencing warm weather; for those that don’t, we believe it to be true—it could be something to do with ‘global warming’—ask Al. Our mantra is: Follow the warm weather even though we had an incredible autumn in the Sierras where the temperature, at times, dropped below freezing.

Multi-ranges show off the area's diversity

Reflections in a small body of water

We look forward to visiting Ellie and Ben’s paternal great-grandmother accompanied by their maternal grandmother (we hope that’s correct). Talking of the boss, Ellie, we always have wonderful experiences with her; we shall miss her and young Ben, as always. There is no one, including our army drill instructors, who have ordered us around as much as this young girl, not yet 4 years old. The difference being that taking orders from her is a delight. It was difficult to keep a straight-face last week when in a process of negotiation of how many flips we should do, she looked up at us and said, “How about we do a deal?” She actually was not asking though—she was telling. She has perfected the art of the one-way negotiation.

This morning we left at 6pm to capture a sunrise on Double Peaks in San Marcos. The more than 5-mile hike with very steep sections is a great workout. Our editor is becoming quite a trail runner. We are going to suggest that she tries running uphill next time.

The boss takes 'Gaga' for a ride; 'Papa' has collapsed

We head off to virgin territory as we intend exploring parts of the Eastern Cape and the Drakensberg, in our former homeland. We look forward to seeing you from the ‘old country’.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

Morning has broken...