On our second day in Lesotho, we set out to climb Hodgson Peak. Upon arriving at the top, the editor suggested we try the second peak as well. As we had nothing better to do, why not? When she gets these periods of inspiration, whom am I to argue. Down the peak we went, along the saddle followed by some boulder hopping and climbing and there we were—another peak. The views, as in most places of the Drakensberg, are staggering. Its distinctive look never ceases to amaze us. Often, one sees vertical slabs leading up to what appear, smooth meadows at the top. The edges are sharp with 90-degree angle walls. It's as though one can take a stroll along a summit and once reaching the end, find a vertical wall with a long drop to the bottom. Much of the range has those features.
The picture below, taken just before sunset from Elsa and Derryl's home and lodge in Himeville, gives one an idea of the twin Hodgson Peaks. The view from their house is magnificent notwithstanding it's many miles distant.
Towards the end, we introduce an experience from Kruger National Park.
The Hodgson Peaks as seen from Himeville, South Africa a little before sunset.
A view that caught the eye as we made our way up to Hodgson.
A peek over the edge.
The editor stands on peak of Mount Hodgson (north).
Contrast the sunrise with the sunset below, like two distinct concepts.
It was a long way down but the preferable route was the old-fashioned trail.
In the end, she chose to use the great outdoors.
The weather turned very cloudy but by the time we returned back to the pass below, it cleared.
Farewell from Sani Pass, Lesotho.
Nature has an incredible system of allowing for survival, cleaning up messes left behind and renewal. However, part of the system has a seemingly cruel and harsh aspect which is highlighted below.
We spotted these giraffes in the distance. They were running, made us think they were nervous.
Then we came across this carcass. We subsequently learned that the animal had been shot in the head by a ranger after breaking a leg. (The giraffe, not the ranger.)
We spotted the vultures and were surprised to see how calm they were.
Around the carcass, the behavior was quite shocking. They screeched and fought with each other.
We came across the orphan, a sad sight indeed.
Meantime, back at the ranch, things continued to look rough.
Haunting?
What remained of the carcass after two days of active scavengers.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
On a brighter side, should you feel despondent about the 'American Dream', we found an alternative in Swaziland.
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