33.22 Worcester, Western Cape: Tierkloof Kop, a little beaut tucked away in a corner. 33.23 The same hike with additions on a different day. 33.24 A walk at Gariep Dam, Free State.

Did you hear the one about the Irishman stuck out in the 'platteland', in the sticks? Sounds like a joke coming. We try not to be that transparent so instead, we'll tell you how surprised we were to meet Victor, the proprietor of accommodation in the town of Rawsonville, a town formerly unknown to us. Yes, Victor is an Irishmen that can understand and speak a little of the local lingo. It's amusing hearing Afrikaans spoken with an Irish lilt. Nice, too. The important thing was that Victor was most pleasant including his staff members. We also met a woman friend who charmed us with her philosophy of life and how it should be led.

We arrived in this strange town to be reasonably close to a hike that we wished to undertake. Alas, because of high winds and driving rain, we were forced to forego it. Instead we undertook a little gem that gave us good views of Brandvlei Dam and the town of Worcester, nestled below the mountains. Unfortunately the high winds persisted throughout the afternoon even after the rain had ended. Truth be told, we should not have hiked to the peak as the winds were so strong that it was impossible to remain stable without holding onto something for traction. Nevertheless, we did it and while full of fear as we approached the top, felt full of delight after leaving the small but tricky peak in good health.

It was impossible to take meaningful pictures under those conditions, although for our own satisfaction, we snapped a couple which proved to be meaningless. But one is not always rational when attempting to meet certain challenges which, in a way, is a good thing...isn't it?



An editor struggles up a rather steep incline. What's new!



As we move up, we look down and gaze at the grey background and wonder what it is. The editor wonders, too (bottom of photo.)




It's water. Brandvlei Dam comes into view.




Making my own trail, off-trail, to reach a minor peak.




Clouds cause shadows over rough water.




Returning from the peak under vicious wind conditions. We question why we went the whole way.




Light ripples and shadows on the water.




The town of Worcester in the distance.




A few images of Gariep Dam, the largest in the country. We left Beaufort West in the Cape, heading for Ficksburg in the Free State. We spent the night in this town situate along the Orange River. The town is small but boasts of activities and some luxury accommodation around and near the dam. It also appears to be one of those places that remain in an earlier century, or maybe even before that.

Once again our ignorance was in full bloom as we admit not knowing of this place. Fortunately, during this trip we spent most days in new places to us and undertaking fresh hikes but for one.














Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey