26.19, 26.20, 26.21: Kingdom of Lesotho: Hodgson Peaks, 12 Apostles, and peak above the Saddle. Also, a story of a giraffe.
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...