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 the Congo but is living in Cape Town and going 'crazy' at Storms River. While he was born black in color, he looked quite white. This he told us was a temporary phenomenon because he'd never been as frightened in all his life as when he stood on the ledge while fellows to either side helped him over the edge. After a little banter, we asked whether he would do the jump again for a million dollars. He admitted he would not. The jump takes place from a position under a concrete bridge that spans the N2 freeway near Nature's Valley. The sight of this engineering feat is worth a visit in of itself.
Catching a view of a prism from the scrambling side of the falls tucked away
in the forests of Hogsback.
The season is changing, not only the times.
In the Maloti (Drakensberg) Mountains: "At least I kept my head...The wind got knocked out of me...Hey, where's the beef?...
Some days, I get that hollow feeling...I think that's probably my last mating season, the rams are too horny for me. Some
of my best friends are (were) vegetarians."
We've no idea why the skin, head and limbs were kept and stored on the top of the home. Someone suggested it's to attract the vultures or to keep out of reach of dogs. Nevertheless, a sad sight.
"Okay, okay! You made your point. My turn to carry, Heehaw." (Homes in Lesotho)
On the Friday after completing the Otter Trail, Nora, the owner of the lodge at which we stayed, told us that she had just returned from the site of an attempted suicide. There are a number of bridges in the region and suicides are not uncommon. A police officer rescued the poor man with the help of some civilians. Fortunately, a relatively happy ending. Nora and her friend, an ex-policewoman, related a number of stories from that area of the Cape. Perhaps, the least impressive but one that would create interest is that the authorities try to discourage suicide jumps from some of the higher bridges. The recovery of the body from these difficult positions puts a strain on their budgets.
This guy gave the editor 'lip'...need I say anything further. He thought he was going bungee jumping.
'Madonna and Child Falls' cascades strongly.
Sunset in Lesotho.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
The cable-car station on Table Mountain from Lion's Head, Cape Town.
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