11.14 Monk's Cowl: Hike to The Sphinx, Blind Man’s Corner and sneak onto the upper base before peak of Mount Sterkhorn

Cathkin Peak lifts it distinctive top through the clouds for a moment


Jenni contemplates our next move into the clouds


More than three thousand feet above the valley, views are breathtaking, clouds lift allowing us
to see from whence we began

Maybe it is, maybe it’s not. We think it could be one of the most beautiful places visited in our
travels. A place of large mountains with unique formations and geology, covered with the greenest grasses,
looking like a mowing gang passes through weekly. To stand in the great open spaces, particularly at height,
surrounded by mountains with clouds moving constantly, covering and then exposing the peaks, is like
watching a theatrical production. We once saw something similar in the Alps of Grindelwald. The songs of the
birds, the trickle of the water down myriads of streams, the calmness after storms abate, occasionally, allows
a person to become one with nature. At the same time, the mountains dare the hiker to walk along the narrow
trails, along the edges of high cliffs and above deep ravines, sweating while climbing some of the steepest
inclines we’ve experienced. The Drakensberg is gorgeous, dangerous, mysterious and always beautiful.


The break occurs on the way down; we turn to see Cathkin and Company appear


Deep in thought...at least he has the occasional one

We don’t know whether we are pleased we kept our promise to our dear editor. When we reached the
end of the hike at Blindman's’s Corner, before us stood a path to the summit of Mount Sterkhorn, (9,800 feet).
We knew this earlier but because of slippery conditions and a host of other reasons, we agreed
the 11 kilometers (return) hike of 2100 feet, (bilingual in metric and customary systems), would suffice.
By the way, distance is meaningless in this part of the world as the going is usually tricky and slow.
Once again we had the trail to ourselves for six hours. We suppose that's fortunate as one tends to get
claustrophobic once the area becomes 'congested'. At commencement, there was so much low cloud
that no mountains were in view. We are used to this type of weather; in most cases, a break does occur
sometime along the route especially if our editor becomes indignant.


Jenni reaches first destination, stands on the Sphinx


The white spot is "hero" returning after reaching the area before the mist. Bossy wife
gave the 'eye', hence, the return

“Let’s push on a little,” we pleaded with our generous editor. Up we went on probably the steepest
slope we have ever attempted, which unfortunately was slippery, after excessive rainfall. At times,
we grabbed tufts of grass for support. After we completed the first ascent, our editor allowed us one
more climb, which took us to the base before the last section that also looked vertical. At that stage,
we had to honor our agreement and turned after gaining approximately another 1,400 feet, 3,500 feet for
the day. A guidebook termed the climb 'brutal and treacherous'. For South Africa that is wild—most things
tend to be understated. Who knows? That may be an understatement in itself.



Jenni still looking fresh...that's about to change


The unmistakable signature of the Drakensberg

Once again, we comment that the slopes, lacking switchbacks, make this country’s hikes tough.
The trail until the mountain was rugged but well constructed. When we began, the long grass on the side
of the path was so wet that within a short time, we were soaked. However, the coolness of the day was
more than sufficient compensation. We’ll repeat ourselves and state it is truly a beautiful place.
In fact, we notice it is an official World Heritage Site.


Jenni commences the unofficial part of the hike, the slopes of Mount Sterkhorn. Who cuts the grass?

We particularly enjoy conversing with the locals who are usually smiling and friendly—always
quick to laugh. When coming across a less ‘happy person’, we find by taking the lead in a friendly
manner, the person soon changes his/her attitude. While positions in the civil service are held by
black people, one wonders what happened to the former employees and how they cope currently. It is
not an easy situation and our less informed opinion is that the country is due difficult times.
Of course, we hope we are wrong, which is something quite common with us.


On the way down, looking for a gap


Smokin' Cathkin

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey


A few more:


Moving lower, the going proves to be tricky and slow


Haunting


Sterkhorn, the clearest shot all day, the track goes straight up, picture understates steepness


I can hear Mom: "You'll catch a death of a cold playing in the rain, Jeffrey."