I don't recall anything (except humans) having the effect that the Drakensberg Mountain Range has had upon me, including the surrounding wilderness, people and atmosphere. It raises my spirits to highs that I'm fortunate to reach. Sometimes the toughness of the range with its natural obstacles dampens one's enthusiasm slightly but only temporarily, until one recaptures one's breath and continues. The ever-changing views, much like any other mountainous region, are wonderous. To be able to scale a mountain and catch a glimpse of Cathkin Peak and the Sentinel, add in the Amphitheatre and then view them from five other vantage points in the same week, creates a familiarity and may I say, an intimacy. The peaks mentioned are part of the Northern Drakensberg. Truth be told, driving or walking within the region is in and of itself, an incredible experience. It has been a wonderful location in which to think of my Mom and gain perspective following her passing.
Cathkin Peak on the left; I have a thing for this icon.
Sentinel at sunrise from close-up.
Sentinel in the distance after Jenni summits Sugar Loaf.
A famous South African author, Alan Paton, published a book, inter alia, "Cry the Beloved Country". The title captures the tragedy of what was wrong with the system at the time. Today, the political system has changed for the better to establish the obvious concept of equality. However, those in power have added official corruption and a host of other negative aspects to the menu which hampers the country enormously, perhaps will destroy it. Briefly, the supply of power is erratic, water too, the roads are a mess, personal security is a major issue, poverty is at an extreme, high unemployment exists and the brain drain continues, to mention a few aspects. "Cry the Beloved Country" is once again apt, but in a different context.
Sentinel at sunrise from close-up.
Sentinel in the distance after Jenni summits Sugar Loaf.
A famous South African author, Alan Paton, published a book, inter alia, "Cry the Beloved Country". The title captures the tragedy of what was wrong with the system at the time. Today, the political system has changed for the better to establish the obvious concept of equality. However, those in power have added official corruption and a host of other negative aspects to the menu which hampers the country enormously, perhaps will destroy it. Briefly, the supply of power is erratic, water too, the roads are a mess, personal security is a major issue, poverty is at an extreme, high unemployment exists and the brain drain continues, to mention a few aspects. "Cry the Beloved Country" is once again apt, but in a different context.
In our opinion, all is not lost. There is another form of tears that Alan Paton was probably writing about, perhaps predicting should the country take the correct path. For me, there are tears. Fortunately, these tears manifest themselves when I experience the joy of a sunrise or sunset at the 'Berg'. To reach positions, one only read about in earlier years, to gaze at the renowned peaks from other peaks, from locations at much lower altitudes, or roam the fields and hills coming across a myriad of birds and a lesser number of animals, adds to the experience. Include the people who tend to enjoy being in the wilderness and we find these meetings and exchange of ideas fascinating, enriching and enlightening. In addition, the relationships that exist amongst the permanent inhabitants appear much closer to the concept of 'love thy neighbor'. Heck, we even established a good relationship with George, a Scottish Terrier (see earlier blog).
The incredible Amphitheatre (from Sugar Loaf) with first snow on Mont-Aux-Sources (Sentinel on the right).
A previous visit with the action vigorous, next to the Sentinel.
Another view from Jackal's hill of Mont-Aux-Sources, early snow across the way.
When one adds this all together, then perhaps Mr. Paton envisaged a time when "Cry the Beloved Country" could be an expression of tears of joy flowing down the cheeks after experiencing so much that is good in this land. I hope that's the case and will turn out to be the result--that people have the tears I have felt...of joy in this wonderful wilderness. Welcome home, Jenni and Jeffrey!
A previous visit with the action vigorous, next to the Sentinel.
Another view from Jackal's hill of Mont-Aux-Sources, early snow across the way.
When one adds this all together, then perhaps Mr. Paton envisaged a time when "Cry the Beloved Country" could be an expression of tears of joy flowing down the cheeks after experiencing so much that is good in this land. I hope that's the case and will turn out to be the result--that people have the tears I have felt...of joy in this wonderful wilderness. Welcome home, Jenni and Jeffrey!
We had no idea this view was awaiting our arrival at the peak. South Africa, the land of water...surprising.
Die Kaalvoet vrou (barefoot woman). A very moving story and issue we wish to share next blog or two. Cathkin Peak, again taken from a completely different location. Perhaps, 50 miles by car difference.
Cheers,
Die Kaalvoet vrou (barefoot woman). A very moving story and issue we wish to share next blog or two. Cathkin Peak, again taken from a completely different location. Perhaps, 50 miles by car difference.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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