38.02 South Africa: The Drakensberg, unique location(s) — further highlights from a number of hikes.
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,...