Lazarow World-Hike-About

Three days in Lesotho is insufficient, especially when we have hardly touched on the sights of the country. However, three big hikes put us to the test and once again we were thrilled. It was a period of tranquility mixed with rugged beauty and physical exertion, complemented in conversing with nationals from England, Scotland, America, Germany, South Africa and locals of course. We began the walk after passing through the South African border post (with passports). When we arrived at the top after gaining a little under 3,000 feet over 5 miles, the immigration officer wanted to know whether we were arriving or leaving. Perhaps it was he who did not know whether he was coming or going. Although we have done this hike a few times before, we love it each time. In addition, we enjoyed some new challenges once at the top of the pass, one of the highest in Africa (nearly 10,000 feet). The pub is considered the highest on the continent, whatever that means. We discovered that there are ...

After walking, mainly climbing through dense forest along a 'goat trail' for more than an hour, we reached a jeep path. We made the right as suggested by the lodge guide which turned out to be the wrong way. We retraced our footsteps and made the left turn which took us to the top—although to be fair, the path gave us no assistance. We sat on the jeep trail, removed our brunch from the backpack, including utensils. Moments before we began to eat, the editor rather nonchalantly remarked,"Wouldn't it be funny should a car come roaring up the mountain?" Very funny, indeed! Within less than a minute, we heard the approach of a land rover, our first sighting of fellow humans on the trail. They were employees of the timber company that owned the land. The timing was amazing. We had to move the dining table, chairs, kitchen sink and other appurtences we carried up to show the correct degree of appreciation to our delightful editor for her culinary skills. Heading f...

In the Maloti Mountains, ignorant of the classifications but always enjoy the beauty. The pictures of the climb of the rather tough Hogsback Peak 1 will follow in the next blog. In the meantime, we thought we'd display a little of the color about the country. In this instance, we focus particularly in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal/Lesotho region. We continue to meet many people, both locals and foreigners, who provide a source of amusement, education and a plain ol' good time but more importantly, reveal the good side of humanity. We enjoyed a couple of coincidences, one in particular, which we almost disbelieve ourselves. We'll relate it on our next tough trail. Getting down, deep and dirty...actually, cleansing ('Madonna and Child Falls', Auckland Forest.) Kenmo Lake before sunset, Himeville, KwaZulu-Natal. We met Serge in a coffee bar after some hiking. He told us he had just returned from a session of bungee jumping. Serge hails from...

If the birds tan to be dark on Clifton Beach, why not in Tsitsikamma? Results seem more effective here. What's not to like? After this hike and a further day in Storms River, three more days than planned, we left the coast. Sunday we woke in Storms River, Monday morning we woke in Queenstown, Tuesday through Thursday it was Hogsback, Friday Maclear and Saturday in Himeville, KwaZulu-Natal. The other places are in the Eastern Cape. It was a tough week of driving, some great hikes too, but we needed to make up traveling distance...and we did. Our next stop would be three days of hiking in Lesotho. The contrasts within South Africa as we passed through some of the poorest towns nestled in beautiful surroundings never cease to amaze and at times, sadden us. It truly is a land in which millions have very little while some have much and the leadership continues to enrich itself. It's not unusual though; we've lived long enough not to be surprised by human behavior...