38.05: South Africa: Exhilaration, thrills and no spills (phew) on and at the 'Berg'—a brief selection.

During 2005, Jen thought fit to insult me, not with malice though, just a good-hearted put down. Some thirteen years later, I obviously have not forgotten it—not that I bear any grudges. Insults can be character building...hmm...or perhaps, destroying...(continues at end).


Jen would not let me have the upper-bunk so I had a tantrum at Meandering Hut instead. Can't say it was satisfying.




Jen goes rock climbing at Mount Everest game farm. (Between you and me, so proud of her.)




Stunning replica of an eagle at Eagle Mountain. Is there a way up?




Apparently so. The 'eagle has landed'.




'Razor Edge' at Vergezient, Drakensberg Retreat.




A strenuous climb mainly because of the terrain, positioned below Mount Horeb, Clarens.




A glorious position above the Tugela Falls. (The white hat, at least, thinks so as it's tied to a chin.) When looking to the right, the sights are breathtaking. Actually, wherever one gazes, it's a treat and privilege.




I think I'm taller on my right side following that stretch.




A different perspective at the Sentinel, taken right above the vertical wall (first set of chain ladders).



Platberg, Harrismith. We've been eyeing this mountain each time we travel through the town. Today we reached
the amazing, flat summit, although this picture is only part-way up. (Real men stand on rocks of this nature.)




Scrambling in Witsieshoek. The chalets and bungalows are below on the right. The road winding to the left, further up, is arguably one of the 'worst in the world'.



I can't recall a more stunning place to reach, steep but over a relatively short distance.




Jen takes 'a leap of faith' below the Eagle.




The 'real men stand' insult had to be countered so he ran back to do it.



There we stood on Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona, heading up toward the top, still a long way to go. We sat for a while on a rock which gave us an unhindered view downwards. It makes a difference to the 'fear-level' because there was nothing in front of us but air. After a while, I began to get dizzy, my mind started talking negatively with the result I became a little overwhelmed. It felt like I might fall off the rock, a drop of a few hundred feet. It seems when one stares from height towards the ground, it's as if a force is compelling one to jump—and that's not only gravity at the helm. I did not mention earlier I considered myself weary of heights although not a person with a phobia for such fears.

It got to me. I stood, told Jenni rather forcefully, “I’m outta here”, and moved down as fast as I felt I could. She followed on my heels. However, she passed a comment that we both remember only too well.

“You’re a ‘wuss’," she said. (Basically, a pipsqueak or baby or worse.)

“So be it,” I answered, “I don’t need to feel frightened when I’m supposed to be enjoying myself.”

After making my way down for a while, still closely followed by ‘the shadow’, I decided to turn the tables and reverse course, taking her up a steeper section. A challenge had been issued or a dare arose from within. We arrived at the top in good time, if not quicker than average. Along the way, I kept hearing this voice beckoning, 'Slow down, wait for me.’ I was having nothing of it until I reached the destination.

I’m pleased to write that since then, I have trained myself to take on more-and-more high place challenges. Of course, there are situations that scare (terrify) me, but most pinnacles are within my comfort zone. I look forward to attaining height these days. Indirectly, I have Jenni to thank for motivating me to overcome that fear. I only hope she will help me with numerous others of my non-exhaustive list.


Glorious Giants Castle, 'climbing the wall'.



Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey