38.01 South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal: An introduction to the Drakensberg from our initial base at Vergezient.

The Drakensberg is a range of mountains that stretches an awfully long distance, passing through much of South Africa and the neighboring state of Lesotho. However, it's far more than mountains; rather, it's a culture. It has a strong influence over the people living below it and on its magnificent, stretching length. It's covered with unusually shaped edifices, many protruding above the mountain base. Animals and birds abound, flora is magnificent and the people provide an interesting perspective themselves. They are clearly influenced by the environment and fiercely protective of their lifestyles.

At times, one feels, but for the internet and Coca Cola, (perhaps a few additional luxuries, too), one could be living in the 19th century. Not quite sure what life was like then from a lack of personal experience, but imagine the horse-riding, golf, other recreation, climbing and hiking, sleeping in mountain caves, neighborly visits to respective farms, observing and being absorbed in the daily and seasonal variety of weather, the frequent electrical storms, the Drakensberg Boys' Choir (superior school) and the ability to speak English with a refined accent, provides an influence over those who call the mountain, home.

We grew up in this country and regret how little we visited the towns along the mountains and having not experienced the trails, paths and climbs provided to every visitor and resident. Our first real visit to this area, ignoring the vacations at the 'luxury hotels' along the beach was on our honeymoon, perhaps an inappropriate time to be hiking on mountains, which we did. Fortunately, in the last ten years, we have begun to make up for those losses but we will never be sated. What a magnificent and gorgeous place, environment and culture.



The 'three-legged' horse grazes before part of the magnificent Drakensberg, in early evening.




Curtain rises as we prepare to observe the 'berg' closing down for the night.




Typical Drakensberg, a hike in Royal Natal National Park.




A time to reflect.




We've seen myriad birds but failed to capture them on camera. (Blue starling).




"Jeffrey! How many times have I told you not to sit in the bush without your 'undies'? No wonder you scratch incessantly most nights."





Love it. Royal Natal National Park, Tiger Falls trail.





We wrote of an 'upside-down' world recently...here's the proof illustrated by a Weaver.




We found this treasure.




Sunset during a storm.



Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey


Unfortunately, there are many realities.