Jenni, on a previous occasion, views the Eagle while ascending. It's at this juncture where she came across a thick, colored and frightening snake, yesterday—her words. Besides lightning, this is Jen's worst nightmare. Well, then there's grizzlies and I should stop there. I might add that she said to me that on this trip she will be extremely brave and shut out any thought of being intimidated by bears. To that end, she did not even bring bear spray with us. What a woman!
During this visit to South Africa (a month thus far), we hardly recall a day without rain. This is unusual for the country. In addition, we brought with us clothes for a summer season. Wrong. While we prefer to hike in cool weather, the range of temperatures has been from cold to cool with the occasional warm day. The wind has been prevalent, too. The positive for the country is that all the dams we've come across, including the mighty Sterkfontein, are full. Another benefit for two 'too cool youngsters' is that the countryside is lush and green. It's a great sight and good for the country. It can do with a break or two as most things are already broken. Phew! I withdraw that.
We can't help mentioning a speech recorded in Hansard, the Parliamentary record, of a woman member addressing the house about the drought and shortage of water and half-full dams. She said and I quote (and thank her) 'that the problem was caused by the apartheid regime. Had they built the dams at half the size instead, they would now be full.' (This is taken from the official records—I could not have made this up. I'm not smart.)
Fortunately, we are two simple people who are enjoying a small part of the country before returning to Mom. (Yes, Mom, we're on the way.)
Landing on the Eagle, a great feeling.
The Eagle in the distance, a striped horse in front.
A view from the just below the side of Everest. Weather turned us away from the final push (if there is one.)
Jen coming down from base of Mount Everest, cross-country.
Sunshine at last, albeit short-lived.
On our last visit, we had these spectacular climbs, wind free and with decent cameras.
Everest behind our chalet.
Heading for and reaching the other side and top of the game farm.
Don't fence us in.
From a high vantage point, we view what we have called, Harrismith's Table mountain.
Three years before, we reached Platberg, referred to above.
Jenni walks on the table, not considered inappropriate under these circumstances.
We saw much game and love the concept of stalking animals. It's become a great pastime for us whenever there is game about. Unfortunately, the animals are rather shy and intimidated by Jenni so they flee at first sighting of her or my smell. Had we had our regular cameras, we would have captured wonderful shots of the various species of antelope, the wildebeest, ostrich, zebra and maybe others. Instead we have wonderful photographs of blurred animals. By the way, there are no bears in Southern Africa—all stolen, now in China.
The Eagle in the distance, a striped horse in front.
A view from the just below the side of Everest. Weather turned us away from the final push (if there is one.)
Jen coming down from base of Mount Everest, cross-country.
Sunshine at last, albeit short-lived.
On our last visit, we had these spectacular climbs, wind free and with decent cameras.
Heading for and reaching the other side and top of the game farm.
Don't fence us in.
From a high vantage point, we view what we have called, Harrismith's Table mountain.
Three years before, we reached Platberg, referred to above.
Jenni walks on the table, not considered inappropriate under these circumstances.
We saw much game and love the concept of stalking animals. It's become a great pastime for us whenever there is game about. Unfortunately, the animals are rather shy and intimidated by Jenni so they flee at first sighting of her or my smell. Had we had our regular cameras, we would have captured wonderful shots of the various species of antelope, the wildebeest, ostrich, zebra and maybe others. Instead we have wonderful photographs of blurred animals. By the way, there are no bears in Southern Africa—all stolen, now in China.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
How to befriend a zebra or maybe not.
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