17.11 Giants Castle Nature Reserve, the World View Hike.

May not be the 60's, but it's real flower power.



We were stunned by many scenes such as this.



We tried to catch a troop of baboons unaware of our presence. "I do believe I've put on
a pound or two," she seemed to be thinking. Perhaps some liposuction...?


We arrived in Kamberg, found the ranch at which we had reserved accommodation, parked the car
and went in search of reception. There was not a soul about but for some cows and horses. In the distance,
we saw blesbokke (antelope) grazing. The property has a large house which accommodates up to sixteen
people and nearby, a cottage. We remembered that we were promised the manager’s cottage so we decided
to off-load our possessions there instead of the ‘intimate’ house. We walked in to hear music playing,
some of our favorites, too. The atmosphere was delightful. Had the editor not held us back, we might
have made an offer for the cottage. Instead, later we made an offer to become the manager so we could
live in the cottage. Sometimes we might be considered impulsive. The beauty surrounding us, especially
Mount Lebanon towering above, did nothing to change our favorable feelings.



With good light, reasonable positioning and some luck, we only needed to press a button to capture the Giant.



One of the many 'hills' confronting us along the way.



Could never feel the same without a view of Cathkin, Monks Cowl and Champagne Castle
but really fascinated with foreground. This is the opposite side from Cathedral Peak.



Once we had settled, we met our neighbors, Mark and Heidi, who are locals on a short fishing vacation.
It seems that fly-fishing is a big thing worldwide. Two days later, Mark asked whether we had
a barometer. We don’t even have a GPS; a barometer is far too sophisticated. Apparently, he felt that as
the fish weren’t biting, it was probably because of an upcoming weather change. We smiled as he sounded
like a golfer who finds problems with the greens rather than his putting stroke. Thereafter, we met the real
manager, Thalia Thain. She's quite a personality, runs a good operation and made us feel very welcome.
We love her name, too. We extended our stay as we enjoyed the Kamberg area vey much.



Giants Castle is overpowering and looks completely different from each angle viewed.



The unique Drakensberg with its basalt and buttresses.



Back to the first day. A few dogs arrived outside the cottage. We decided to introduce ourselves. We’ll
pat you down and you smell us, kind of thing—that’s what happened. That night at 9:30pm, we were working
when we heard scratching at the door. One of the dogs had arrived to say ‘hello’. We’re not that pet
savvy—we didn’t know whether to send her home or invite her in for a drink. What do you offer a dog…Diet Coke
somehow seems inappropriate. Anyway, it was probably not a good idea to bring a female into the cottage after
Jenni had retired for the night.

We have lived in big cities, spent some time in small towns but few stays in rural areas. However, the
rural regions in and about the Drakensberg are a delight. Sometimes, it feels that we are in another world.
It is a surreal feeling. Fortunately, we have many of the regular comforts of the city but the beauty,
tranquility and simplicity of country life. Frankly, it’s an amazing life style; it provides fulfilment
and joy as long as one fills the day with productive activities…whatever that means for each of us.



Jenni stands at the highpoint of World View hike.



South Africa is a fascinating country beset with problems and blessings. It is an African country and
therefore, it works differently from a modern western country. Should one be able to accept the
inefficiencies of Africa, a person can enjoy an amazing life. Security issues, unfortunately, are a
great worry, a curse really. Looking beyond the above issues, there is a quality of life that is, we
think, unique. There’s still a lot of African in one of us and it’s not going away, it seems.




We don't think it gets prettier than this notwithstanding it being rugged.



We had to include this one as he felt left out. He couldn't wait to show off his purple t-shirt.


We entered the park Friday morning and after securing our windscreen wipers from the crows’ fetishes
(see earlier blog), headed towards a kopje that is named the World View. We think we’re fortunate to
have captured on film or should that be disk, some of the beauty of this region. Giants Castle dominates
the one side and our favorite, Catkin Peak with Monks Cowl and Champagne Castle, the other. In between
is Tom Thumb, another peak above 10,000 feet. The hike was on the easy side, gaining only 1,300 feet over
a distance of about nine miles. Once again, there were scenes filled with color that took our breath away.
We think some of the pictures give a fair indication of another wonderful part of the Drakensberg.

Cheers,


Jenni and Jeffrey