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,...