Life changed somewhat for us and a number of other people recently but especially for a family. It reminds us once again the awesome power that exists beyond our control. We may think of ourselves as inhabitants of this amazing world, yet we are visitors and only for a short duration. We are temporary but fortunately, there are those, perhaps few in number, who leave an honorable impression. A good and true friend, Errol Grolman, a man who occupied a relatively small space in this world has left a massive void, a hole that is multiple times larger than his physical presence.
Each relationship has its own dynamics and we were blessed to share a memorable one with dear Errol. Wherever he is now, his superb logic, kindness and honesty will again make a most favorable impression.
We wish he had said “Goodbye”.
Love,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Literally, Platberg means flat mountain. We always thought of it as Free State's Table Mountain. Not that it's an original thought, but it makes the point.
While the editor struggled up the mountain, upon taking 80 minutes to arrive at its base, after crossing the veld filled with dongas and other natural obstacles,...
...he rested although looking a little nervous from this angle.
The town is named for Sir Harry Smith, an English officer who undertook duty for the British Empire in South America, France, United States, South Africa on two occasions where, during the latter period, was appointed governor of the Cape Province. We complain of air travel while this gentleman travelled the world by sea in the early 19th century. Wow! Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal and Ladismith in the Cape are named for his wife.
In our youth, we would travel to Durban from Johannesburg, a distance of approximately 360 miles. While there were amazing sights and equally fascinating places along the way, the aim was to reach the coast as soon as possible. Mountains, valleys, interesting towns, Howick Falls and so many other places were ignored. Instead, we got to the beach and lay on the sand building castles, perhaps, building castles in the air might have been more productive.
Harrismith does have significance for Jen and me, besides the few times we have since stayed and hiked in the town. In December 1974, we spent a rather special night at the Holiday Inn on the way to Himeville, a town on the border of Lesotho below Sani Pass, a place we visit frequently. The reason for that stay in our youth? The picture below probably provides a clue:
Just gone 44 years since her first hike...I mean marriage. Wow! What a bride. (You may notice we didn't have a photographer for this auspicious occasion. Found these photos on visiting Mom for her 90th.)
We continue after the diversion:
"Is there a way up, Jen?" The question was posed 90 minutes into the hike.
Looking through 'a window' toward the town of Harrismith, named after a British officer. Beyond the town, is South Africa's third largest dam, Sterkfontein, a real beauty.
A somewhat weary editor finally approaches the base of the mountain on this trail-less hike.
Target which can be seen from the town center but 'snapped' from midway through the hike.
Meantime, 'the fearless' wildlife scattered every time we got within about five hundred yards of them. Armed with cameras and facing tons of bodies, sharp horns and strong legs, one would think we should have fled, not them.
The 'flat top' is in fact flat, even more than one would anticipate.
We look up after returning from the summit on a different route from ascending.
Looks a little like 'Alfred E Neuman', one might think.
Can't seem to avoid graffiti, even in tucked away places. Not long to go to reach summit.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Suspect paths and 'great' groundcover.
Some perspective: Platberg viewed from about 20 miles east as the former child-bride returns to safety.
No comments:
Post a Comment