On our first day at Ledges, we arrived back from the tough opening hike to be greeted by the receptionist. She was most apologetic as they had not serviced our room. No problem. She explained that the winds were gusting that morning (which we experienced on the trail) and she thought we were sleeping in (old people) so they did not want to disturb us. This is South Africa. That afternoon, I requested fresh towels which arrived slightly damp. I proceeded to hang them on the wash-line together with our wet clothes recently washed.
Meantime, I left Jenni in the bathtub hoping she’d wash properly; I returned the dirty towels to the laundry as we had fresh ones. I walked back to the line to collect the clean, hanging towels and learned from the Mama that she had thrown them into the washing machine. Why? Hmm! Could I get two more then? A bit of a problem for a while. Jen was due for a long bath. African women are not used to people (white males) doing their own washing and hanging same. I embarrassed her, I think, but heck, my wife has taught me to be independent. On a good day, I choose my clothes and even dress myself.
We recommended the Camel Hump hike to a couple we met briefly at the fancy Caverns Resort. Real swanky place. As we walked through it, the people lifted their noses and sniggered. We must get better class backpacks. Anyway, the couple followed our recommendation and two days later we met the husband on another mountain without his wife. I could understand her taking a rest after the tough hikes. However, she had an even tougher challenge—she was looking after her five children. Now that’s a woman of valor. By the way, we learned that the Cavern offers three meals a day—a gourmet’s delight or should that be ‘glutton’? Now, now, Jeffrey, your mean side’s showing.
On the evening following our outing with George, the hiking hound, we lay in bed listening to the insects flying about. I can certainly do without these annoying pests. However, we had to keep the windows open to allow the cool air to flow inside following the warm days. I heard Jen exclaim, “Is that you, Honeybunch?” although her question seemed a little strained. She thought I had placed my arm around her to wish her ‘goodnight’. After a few seconds she realized it was something else. The cat had entered via the window and lay upon Jenni. It was proving to be an adventure with the animals. How do you chase a cat from the room when it has all the advantages, including hiding under the bed, vision in the dark plus local knowledge?
It reminded me of the time we had to chase a rat that had crept into Jenni’s backpack on the Swartberg trek. Fortunately, things went well after that until a dive-bomber came for my ear in the form of a mosquito. It was quite a day, a few hiccups but really incredible. Not to be outdone, the cat dieted for two days, squeezed through the window bars and arrived on my bed, too. First time ever, a female was that forward with me. You learn when you haven’t got it much earlier in life. Could things be changing? Nah. It's the foliage, buddy.
John had heard the joke before but still laughed. Kind of guy you can't help but like.
Our next stop in the region: Lake Naverone, a place that 'blew' us away, literally and figuratively. Heck, the Drakensberg is one treasure after another.
Cheers,
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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