26.27 Witsieshoek, Free State: Sentinel Chains Hike and so much more. Plus Mom takes the 'high ground'.

We left one of our favorite places in the Drakensberg for last. Unfortunately, the weather did not allow us to undertake all that we had intended but we still squeezed in more than the minimum we set ourselves. At an altitude of over 10,000 feet, the weather is erratic and dangerous. When we reached the plateau above the chains, we continued climbing further only to find visibility of a few feet. We stopped for breakfast, hoping that the mist would lift. It often does. However, not this time and so we had to return without reaching the Tugela Falls, some twenty minutes further along. We were also intending to try and reach the peak of Mont-aux-Sources. This will have to wait for the next time. We learned that a person broke his leg in that area the previous week and had to be rescued by the defence force.


At the position we met the second set of hikers of the day.





Sun beams penetrate on a day of mist/fog and clouds.





Devils tooth comes into view. Some days, one feels quite intimidated standing below or upon these giants.



Notwithstanding the heavy cloud and mist, nothing remains constant for long up in those hills. It's not unusual to see the sun appear for a short while and then disappear, repeatedly. Although it can be a little frustrating when the mist blocks all visibility, it also creates another form of attractiveness. Crevices fill with cloud, mountains are partly covered but one gets glimpses of sunshine and reflections from penetrating light; it appears to be choreographed in a most sophisticated manner. It's delightful.

When we arrived at Witsieshoek, we met most of the staff from previous visits. It's like meeting old friends which adds another dimension of a visit to the region. Once again, Sampson joined us for breakfast; we spent time with Ezekiel as well as an older gentleman, Hosea, who uplifted our spirits when we came across him at the trailhead guardhouse. His eyes gleamed although Jenni says it was probably the light. Over the period, we have developed a special relationship with some of the employees at the lodge. We did get some good input on race relations in general as well as the relationship between the Zulus and the rest of the nations in the surrounding areas. Once again, when we visited and passed through local towns, we were invariably the only white faces out of thousands. We felt we did not stand out...much. Then again, we're biased.



Here comes a very focused editor emerging from the mist. She's on the second set of chains. Below to the right
is the steeper initial set (if you look carefully).




It's a very special place is the amphitheatre.





On the day, every nook and cranny filled with clouds and mist. Jenni tucked in the side (bottom-right) provides
some perspective on size.





Sun breaks through as we go boulder hopping. Closing in on the trailhead below.





Does this woman ever get enough of these chains? Picture taken from as far as possible without
tumbling back over the edge.





Another interesting and overpowering scene on trail.





On a grey day, never a dull moment.




Whatever the reason and there are many, we love this place.





Last one of the chains as Jen nears the top.




Cheers,


Jenni and Jeffrey



A story of the times with at least a positive ending.

The pity is that the next deserving person of charity or assistance is likely to suffer. Sounds harsh. It's sad but reality or at least what one does for self-preservation. I know our Mom is a kind woman and she has become stronger as she has had to fend for herself for many years, since my Dad left this world. I remember the time she was robbed of jewelry in a bank by a policeman-you don't have to read that again, it's no typing error. On another occasion at an ATM, a 'kind gentleman' helped her with a withdrawal and managed to steal her debit card and of course, much money in the process.



Today, she was stopped at a traffic light on her way to the office. Yes, she is still active at her age. A man approached her handing out advertising flyers. He then begged and pleaded with her for a ride. Normally, an elderly woman would not provide a lift (ride) to a younger man. It's a matter of survival. He continued to beg, the traffic was building, the horns were honking and Mom beckoned him to hop into the car. How can one do wrong in showing kindness. He positioned himself on the backseat. Mom kept hearing him jumping around in the back, making a noise and appearing to fidget vigorously. At that stage, whether she was suspicious or not, there was not much she could do as she had committed herself to a dangerous situation.
Fortunately, he departed from the car at the destination point. That was crucial. The rest is very upsetting but manageable. Mom noticed when watching him in the rear view mirror that he had placed something into his carry bag-it was her purse.



In South Africa, women tend to lock their purses in the trunk of the car for safety. This scoundrel was able to get his hands into the trunk (boot) from the back seat and grab hold of her purse and pull it through to his position. Said purse contained, money, credit cards, phone, female items (exhaustive list), driver's licence, house-keys and of course, a beautiful, irreplaceable picture of her eldest child. Fortunately, she showed tremendous fortitude as she went about the rest of day dealing with the issues that arose from this unfortunate incident. Jen and I are heartbroken over the events of the day but full of admiration for the way Mom handled it. I don't think we'll ever forget the crestfallen expression on her face when we walked into her home and saw her sitting next to the telephone. We hope we have even a little of her strength in our souls.