Lazarow World-Hike-About

Although we had hiked up to the top of the pass last year, we were even more excited to repeat it. This time the editor insisted we sleep at the Sani Mountain Lodge on the top, thus allowing us to undertake some hiking in Lesotho in the late afternoon as well as the next day, before descending. We reached Mount Hodgson, the lower peak, leaving the higher one for our next visit. What a wonderful idea! Why couldn’t I think of that? And she doesn't even earn the big bucks…for that matter, nor do I. What she did forget is that we required big backpacks, almost full. It made a difference. The road to the border post is so bad that only a four-wheel drive can make it. We organized a ride to the commencement and fortunately, a return lift. Aldo was there to collect us at 4pm the next day (see below). The road between Lesotho and the South African immigration office is in better condition but with many very poor segments. I am of the opinion, and I would love to try it, that I c...

We arrived in Himeville, stepped into a coffee shop to say 'hello' to Bev, the proprietor we had met the previous year. She certainly has a memory for customers as she pointed out where we had sat during that visit. Tactfully, she did not say anything about the mess we probably left under the table. Thereafter we headed for Kenmo Lake and viewed the small but exceptional body of water, surrounded by trees, each one in a different stage of its autumn period. Later that afternoon, after checking in at Elsa and Derryl's Yellowwood Cottage, we returned again, in a light rain, to view sunset at the remarkable lake. We were not disappointed as a combination of soft and fading light, still water and the incredible coloring provided a treat that can only be expressed visually. Try it out but just before scrolling down, we'd like to mention these two special ladies again. We had not decided what our plans were until the last moment, that is, whether we would head to ...

We spent a restful short period in Howick, before heading to Lesotho. Nevertheless, we took a hike in the Umgeni Environmental Centre followed by a walk down to the Howick Falls. In addition, the walk in the park (literally) provided an opportunity to view the falls from an unusual angle rather than the common over the top sighting or our other destination, a favored view from the bottom of the falls. The 350 feet falls with a strong water flow barreling over the top provides the viewer with quite an experience. We also meandered into the thick brush below the falls down river and achieved some unusual sights. Perhaps the best of all occurred because of the position of the sun; it created incredible reflections off the pond below the waterfall as well on the river. We did a little exploring and found the vegetation as 'thick as concrete'. (Editor was sharp as she picked up great reflections.) Howick Falls, more than just a waterfall. Howick reflections....

The trip to Sani Pass was more than a hike—it was an experience. As the title suggests, we were walking on air for the two days it entailed. The realist in me, sometimes known as the negative side, hinted that the ‘coming down to earth’ would be a little tough. Nevertheless, we’ll take these highs every day of the week with the anti-climaxes that are sure to follow to keep us grounded. Truth be told, Hike-about has provided periods that are without doubt, highlights of our lives. In fact, the last time we felt so good was quite some time ago—when our eldest child, now a man, slept uninterrupted through the night. We remember it clearly because it was soon after his 12th birthday (sorry, Gav!). To provide balance to life, no matter how beautiful it is, it’s not a bed of roses. After all, even beautiful roses stand each day in manure. (Continued after pictures...) At the end of journey, Jenni approaches Immigration and Customs. Declares to the officer: "I'm tired...