On a ridge in the High 'Berg
A view of the buttress, Brandwag, from our patio. Mount Wodehouse is beyond the summit above
Jenni makes her way up a 'somewhat' steep trail
We left the High Berg, as it is known, after being in the little Berg the previous week, heading for Golden Gate Highlands National Park. There is nothing ‘little’ about the Drakensberg, that’s for sure. We have no doubt, G-d willing, we’ll be back. One of the problems in trying to climb the big mountains in this region is weather related. During summer, the weather is unpredictable and creates dangerous situations. In fact, on the contrary, one can predict on most days an electric storm will occur—quite a frightening prospect. We remember being in Colorado one year and taking two hours to descend a mountain from Deception Point in a storm. Our editor will never forget that day, particularly as we tried to sing songs of comfort and prayer on the way down. It was not pretty on many accounts, least of all, the less than gifted voice competing with thunder.
Standing on the far end, the white dot among the rocks, the editor captures our position amongst the rocks and mountains
Stand-off. 'Listen, Cow: If you're not going to let me pass, I'm calling the editor. You don't want me to do that, she'll make 'mince' of you.'
We never mentioned our afternoon of culture, did we? We went to a recital of the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir in Champagne Valley. From a local perspective, the school and choir are very well known—international tours are undertaken regularly, too. It was a treat indeed, both listening to the choir perform as well as being in that environment. It’s a private school nestled in the valley with spectacular mountains and scenery above and about. The mission of the school, inter alia, is to foster Christian values in its pupils. From our observations, the schoolboys behaved impeccably, being polite, respectful and helpful—the boys act as ushers and provide general assistance. It’s wonderful to see them dressed in uniform, tidy and most respectful—clearly, one of us is an old-fashioned guy.
This is what one deals with when going for a walk with Jenni
Hi guys. What's happening? You live in a pretty neighborhood, a little different from Johannesburg.
Colyn and Sharon Levine mentioned the Golden Gate Highlands to us last month so we thought we’d head for Clarens, the closest town. Following a short journey, and after again filling in the paperwork at the park entrance—the government loves people filling in forms—we drove into the park, an impressive area. As we crested a hill and began driving down, we saw a rest camp nestled below mountains and partly shaded by trees. It was a moment when we knew this to be the place to stay. After making inquiries, we decided to check-in at the hotel and chalets a kilometer further down, a place that provides internet access, near the restaurant area only. It has a wonderful atmosphere, positioned outstandingly below Brandwag Rock, (Fire-watch) and well below Wodehouse Mountain and many others. It’s a place that as you see, you know you’re going to enjoy the visit.
Obviously something of interest up there...a rope?
Another in the High 'Berg—the clouds are a constant source of entertainment
As we mention quite often, we can easily see ourselves returning. For those wishing for a serene and relaxing atmosphere, you can’t go wrong selecting this destination. On the other hand, the trails are tough, if not a little mean. We are in the Free State, a province in which the people are known for their strength. We did the short trail up to the buttress overlooking the hotel. In fact, from our chalet, we have a great view of it; and from the top, we could make out the position of our chalet. What a great climb with incredible views. The following day, we undertook the Wodehouse loop, which was as tough as they get. We’ll discuss that in more detail next time—it certainly was one to which we owe much respect.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
The following day's hike took us to Mount Wodehouse, showing Brandwag (buttress) and the hotel far below
Jenni begins to puff up the steep hill
The river traffic must be so busy, our 'hero' feels he needs to signal a left-turn or is he 'unbalanced'? Hmm!
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