Lazarow World-Hike-About

Whether it be Cathkin Peak and its buddy, Monks Cowl, or the Sentinel, what does it matter; it's only a few degrees difference of 'love' we have for these massive, daunting, attractive and dangerous edifices. For the purpose of this blog, we decided to show the many faces of The Sentinel and its surround, a place we find as close to a nature lover and hiker's paradise as we envisage. Should we have only one choice where to absorb beauty, find tranquility and almost contradictory, seek excitement, adventure and challenges, we would probably choose a place where the Free State, Kwa Zulu-Natal and Lesotho meet. More specifically, it’s a location known as Witsieshoek. It attains these criteria and is positioned above Royal Natal National Park, encompasses the Amphitheatre of the Drakensberg and hosts the Tugela Falls, the world’s second highest, Mont-aux-Sources Mountain and so much more. It’s also where the Sentinel, a massive block of rock, acts as the western buttr...

South Africa has an abundance of birdlife, as is well known throughout the world. While we know very little about these creatures, it does not prevent us from stalking them and mostly, being shunned by these chirping fellas. For every bird we capture on camera, a multiple of five seems to evade us. Nevertheless, it's an enjoyable endeavor while we move up and down the mountains and through the forests. (See end for text...) 'Hey, I'm showing you my tail; at least, take a look.' "Hi Gorgeous." 'Imagine how I'd look with long eyelashes...in fact, any lashes.' This 'bird' is lucky to be on chains. (One of our favorite places, Sentinel). You're not serious? 'I'm not as mean as I look...not even close.' Takeoff! Giving the eye. Majestic. The bird is at the top of the Tugela waterfall, the second highest in the world at over 3,000 feet. A male captured on camera chasing t...

The chirping birds are a sweet alarm in the mornings as they begin their days with vibrancy and good cheer. When I turn to my left, I look through a window that opens my eyes to the world. To my right, lies the editor, not ready to leap from bed or chirp but realizes, at least, she should stir. It’s Monday morning and time for the commencement of the weekly grind as we need to get back into the channel or groove: go for a run, shower, get the kids up, fed and off to school, then into the work rut but not before combatting the traffic. You’ve got to love routine. Oops, I forgot. The kids are grown up and independent; we’re pensioners and on the ‘way out’ but for what awaits us through the window: Giants Castle , a mountain standing proudly in a region that is not great but rather, spectacularly great. Jen gives the word and we jump out of bed, drink water, wash, dress and head for the pass, Langalibalele. On the way, we see the mountains standing proudly at over ten thousand feet,...