Early evening arrives at the 'Retreat'.
Heading out for the day.
Across the way toward the left is the Sentinel on view from the 'Retreat'.
A close-up of the Sentinel plus part of the Amphitheatre, taken in Witsieshoek.
On the way to the base of the Sentinel, one utilizes the double chains. Jenni provides a demonstration.
A close-up of the Sentinel plus part of the Amphitheatre, taken in Witsieshoek.
On the way to the base of the Sentinel, one utilizes the double chains. Jenni provides a demonstration.
Could be one of the frequent storms approaching.
'What are you doing?' People might ask. Initially, should someone in a uniform have inquired, we would have said the internet is spotty and we were making some adjustments. Hopefully, this would have sufficed. Our real purpose was to carry on a South Africa tradition established over the last 30 years. We were borrowing (stealing) copper wiring. We are strong believers in tradition.
'What are you doing?' People might ask. Initially, should someone in a uniform have inquired, we would have said the internet is spotty and we were making some adjustments. Hopefully, this would have sufficed. Our real purpose was to carry on a South Africa tradition established over the last 30 years. We were borrowing (stealing) copper wiring. We are strong believers in tradition.
Slightly tricky move as Jen climbs with pazzaz (Unfortunately, Jeffrey is not pazzaz, for the record).
Whenever we see a protea, the national flower although there are many species, we always think of the late Barry Kassar. However, there was only one Barry, a special man, Avra.
South Africa has an 'Open Door' welcoming policy. We still did not know whether it would be fitting to walk through the gate uninvited. Jen came up with a brilliant idea. 'Walk around the gate as there's no fence'. We felt better about that decision. We also thought it gives new meaning to the concept of a 'Gated Community'.
Whenever we see a protea, the national flower although there are many species, we always think of the late Barry Kassar. However, there was only one Barry, a special man, Avra.
South Africa has an 'Open Door' welcoming policy. We still did not know whether it would be fitting to walk through the gate uninvited. Jen came up with a brilliant idea. 'Walk around the gate as there's no fence'. We felt better about that decision. We also thought it gives new meaning to the concept of a 'Gated Community'.
Chasing after Jenni up the chain ladder. (Second set of chains)
The ultimate destination: The Tugela Falls, the world's second highest. The water flow at this time of the year is poor.
The Drakensberg Mountains extend from the north, roughly in Mpumalanga, and finds its way through KwaZulu-Natal (prominent), Lesotho and the Eastern Cape. One of our regrets is that we spent too much time in Johannesburg when living in the country and insufficient in Natal and the Cape. Even the underestimated Free State offers unique wilderness opportunities. Over the last twelve years, excluding the recent Covid past, we have visited the country annually and tried to make up for the deficiency. One never can but it’s worth giving it a shot. Add in some of the insecurities of being in the country and it’s quite a challenge to visit other desirable regions.
The ultimate destination: The Tugela Falls, the world's second highest. The water flow at this time of the year is poor.
The Drakensberg Mountains extend from the north, roughly in Mpumalanga, and finds its way through KwaZulu-Natal (prominent), Lesotho and the Eastern Cape. One of our regrets is that we spent too much time in Johannesburg when living in the country and insufficient in Natal and the Cape. Even the underestimated Free State offers unique wilderness opportunities. Over the last twelve years, excluding the recent Covid past, we have visited the country annually and tried to make up for the deficiency. One never can but it’s worth giving it a shot. Add in some of the insecurities of being in the country and it’s quite a challenge to visit other desirable regions.
We are currently staying at the Drakensberg Mountain Retreat, holiday accommodation tucked away in the bush. For the first two nights, we were the only residents, save for the staff. The word retreat is most apt. It’s a place which brings one close to nature, both the land and mountains, with a sprinkling of animals and many species of birds. In addition, we have hiking opportunities available—we suppose that goes without saying. We would imagine that should you wish to visit earlier centuries but with modern appliances and luxuries, this would be the location to seek. It’s unique, it’s gorgeous but not for those who seek 5-star accommodation and city life. Frankly, it’s one of our favorite locations in which to immerse ourselves.
Unfortunately, it’s difficult to reach because the last 10 kilometers is on a dirt road. The track is extremely challenging. During our last stay, some three years before, we suffered two blow-outs. With one spare wheel, three out of four will not cut it. This year, we desperately wished to return but applied rational thought while discussing it intensely. After learning that much rain had further damaged the condition of the surface, we decided against it. A few days before leaving Clarens, we forgot our rational reasoning, deliberately, and went with the gut, including our luggage and car. We undertook to drive at the slowest and most careful speed ever. The road turned out to be smoother than anticipated but there were at least three sections over which the car slid and slipped from side-to-side and worse. It was a bit of a harrowing experience. Fortunately, we made it safely but felt a little older for the challenge. At time of writing, we still need to find our way back to the main road safely. The rather cautious Jenni began walking back earlier today. (For the record, an appropriate vehicle makes it relatively easy to negotiate.) With delight, we extended our stay, delaying the return further.
When a person walks onto the extensive patio and further to reach the lawn, a large section of the Drakensberg confronts the eyes. It truly is magnificent. At the extreme left is Giant’s Castle, the Sentinel forming part of the Amphitheatre somewhere in the middle after Cathkin Peak, Monk’s Cowl and the rest of the gang. A host of other peaks form along the ridge. I don’t know whether I’m odd (opened a can of worms) but these icons grow upon a person and a relationship develops, maybe only one-sided. It’s like returning to visit family—family one actually loves. And this is only a limited section of the range.
The people living along the Drakensberg are different from the rest of the nation. Many are of European descent and retain a colonial air left by the British. The locals are down to earth, friendly, smile frequently and knowledgeable of their mountains and animals. Whatever the reason for this uniqueness, who’s to know, we believe the mountain influences the people, thus giving them a refreshing demeanor. Frankly, a person arriving from the metropolis of Johannesburg is identifiable at first glance and confirmed once communication begins. Very little commonality exists between them although the driving distance is less than four hours to the beginning of the Drakensberg.
From our limited experience, an analogy for our East Coast friends, Jenni says we still have a few, it would be like a New Yorker from the island arriving at the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We were there some years back and found the region impressive.
Hopefully, I have not insulted anyone (give me more time) as most of the text was intended in a complimentary vein. However, these days, many have become super sensitive. In fact, I know how irritable I’ve become since falling pregnant, as mentioned a couple of months ago. It really can be a drain for us 'pregnant people'. How I long for the days when only women were 'birth-persons'. And oh for the days of sense and values rather than feelings and emotions.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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