17.12 Giants Castle Nature Reserve: Bannerman and Langalibalele Trails, 13-mile hike through beauty.

Colors, contours and contrasts bowled us over; fortunately, no injuries.



Initial destination is below Tom Thumb, a 10,000 feet giant. Note how clear the sky is at this stage.



Clouds, always attractive, entered the scene quietly before turning a little hostile.

(See note to the right for options in viewing photo's)


Our second foray into this area was spectacular but towards the latter stages, the muscles and feet
began to tire and hurt respectively. A distance of thirteen miles, 2,600 feet elevation gain, on rough paths
and in high grass at times, will cause the feeling. We began in crisp, clear weather, heading towards Tom Thumb,
a peak of ten thousand feet or so. The hike ascends the escarpment but not the actual peaks. Sometime in the
future, soon we hope, we would like to return for an overnight hike in this park in order to reach at least,
one of the peaks that dominate the region.



A favorite—the scene seems to have everything including symmetry, color, clouds and mystery.



I can't hold up my arm (leg?) any longer. Get rid of the bugger already.



Creeping clouds cover the mountain, moving earthwards.


Throughout the morning, the clouds began to move into the bowl, providing unusual sights that dazzled us.
Over the years, it has become clear that every moment of the day in nature is unique. When and wherever one looks,
one is, in our opinion, observing a sight never seen before—similar perhaps, nevertheless, unique. As an aside,
we had a chuckle when moving through some high grass. We heard a noise followed by three baboons darting from
the bush. Simultaneously, our editor shrieked; we turned to face her and try deal with her problem—we thought
it was about the primates. She explained she'd heard a noise but used her hand and arm to describe it.
She simulated the movement of ...you got it, a snake. We wondered why she did not use the generally accepted
term to describe the reptile. We think she was in shock. While we were trying to explain it was baboons, she
was gesticulating that it was the crawling 'thing' without being able to verbalize it. Maybe, it was not that
funny. We suppose you had to be there.



Shoulders back, stomach in, soldier. Wipe the grin off your face while you're at it.



We had to wait a long while for partial clearing of the clouds; apparently, clouds can be quite unreasonable.


We think we are beginning to understand the Drakensberg region, just beginning though. The mountains
dominate the region, forming a natural boundary with Lesotho. Their composition of basalt, sandstone, the
buttresses and thick grass coverings combine to form a rugged, natural beauty. Then, positioned in the shadows
of the mountains are the villages, towns, farms and places of leisure. There are not many people about. It is
generally quiet and rural. Many of the roads are of gravel surfaces, while the macadamized ones often have
potholes, unfortunately. Farms dominate much of the region. Cattle, antelope, baboons and horses are visible
in many places. The colors of lakes, grasses, trees, rolling hills and big sky, set against the mountains
combine to present at times, artistic pictures and always, a fascination.



Big, bold and plain overpowering.



Another at the 'Thumb', could hardly get enough of the 'back-walls' in this area.



Weather turned ominous quite quickly but sun fights a rear-guard battle.


However, there is something else. It feels like one is living outside the world, at least, the world
in which we grew up and inhabit. Sometimes we feel we have to ask ourselves: ‘Is this real?’ People live at
great distances from the bigger towns, from each other as the farms and homesteads are large and widely spread.
They travel big distances to socialize, shop and even to fill the gas tank. In a way, it has the feel of
colonial times where a person, with a little capital and income, can live a wonderful and healthy life. It is
as if the reality or the thrust of fast-moving city life belongs on another planet, certainly not here.



The editor heads up one of many 'hills' on the day.



Ascending escarpment, facing large open spaces which create a tranquil feeling. For the record,
the subject is not standing on grave stones.


It happens frequently but we were particular struck by a recent scene, sense and feeling. There is
something about completing a big hike and sitting back and allowing the feeling of accomplishment to settle
in, reminiscence silently about it and think of what it means. We were traveling in such circumstances the
other day when we came over a rise somewhere in Kamberg. Confronting us stood a magnificent range with
Cathkin Peak and Champagne Castle on the right side, stretching all the way left to Giants Castle. The mountains
were blue in color, a haze softening the starkness in the mid-afternoon light. Without consciously doing it,
we allowed the car to slow to about fifteen miles per hour and were captivated by the mountain with the grasses,
hills, lakes and dams, sprinkling of horses and cows as a supporting act. The earlier effort expended provided
a feeling of elation. Combining it with the beauty ahead, the eyes moistened, the car continued to slow and the
world appeared to stand still. People talk of out of body experiences. That was one where physically we remained
in the car but metaphysically, we were somewhere else. The Drakensberg can do that to and for one.



The legendary and distinctive Drakensberg, not surprising it is world class. What bias is that?



The rolling hills meld into Giants Castle.


We intend to hurry back.


Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey