65.18 South Africa: Third of 3 highlights from the Past...plus a supplementary array of unusual photographs, at end.

  It's funny (strange) how we remember so much from past experiences, things like incidences, scenes, people, and even animals and yet have forgotten the majority of occurrences. When scrolling through photographs tucked away in our archives, almost each one has a tale to relate, a scene over which to reminisce, or something else to make a person smile and often ask, "Were we there?" 

  With that in mind, although we have so many more unique photographs of the country, we close off 'call back the past' with this blog from South Africa; today, a very different land with mostly terrific citizens and an awful ruling (un)class. 

Sometimes, one should let it all hangover as we travel south-east (Harrismith), but stop for a few shortish, but stiff-climb, hikes.
A man has to find luxury accommodation wherever he can. Fortunately, we found this little 'gem' which condition might be considered commensurate with the new occupant.
The scene seems to portray or emit serenity and a calmness from the Drakensberg region. Many believe cities are modern, developed and luxurious (civilized), while the country areas are primitive and backward. Perhaps it might be the other way round.
A family reunion on the green, green grass of home.
Meandering giants of the Drakensburg. Monks Cowl Stands next to Cathkin Peak, a favorite.
The extremes of the day produce extreme beauty and sights.
At the Drakensburg Retreat, a country manor of sorts, we travel back in time.
In the previous blog, we showed this view from the opposite side. We are standing at the top of the Tugela Falls. Talking about falls...
Wingswept at Drakensburg Retreat: Jen stands proud after a good climb.
Mount Everest Game Park: Storm ahead.
Fancies himself as a rock-climber, apparently.
Brandwag in the Free State where everything is far from free.
Sometimes she just won't listen. 'Take the elevator', I tried to persuade her.
Sometimes attacks have come from snakes, bulls, baboons, even cows; now here is a horse playing 'silly buggers' with Jen. They just don't learn...she is actually a lot fiercer than she appears.
I tried to warn the fella. However, he thought he was a big deal. Sometimes Jen is inclined to over-react, though. 

  Meantime, the horse panicked and Jen had to run up the hill and pacify the creature. Quite a day. I enjoyed resting as I waited patiently for her return. Nice break. Sometimes it's more stressful waiting around for Jen to return.
We had climbed partially to Camel's Back in the Drakensburg when a single hiker ran past us warning us of a gang of hunters looking rather dangerous. They had with them 14 vicious dogs. They told me they were searching for a red cow.
In a difficult situation that we mentioned at the time, we convinced these fellows to move on and that we'd head for the peak...keep cool, despite the weather. (After parting, I thought of taking the photograph which probably wasn't a good idea judging from their reaction.)
On the way down, after a difficult situation which had resolved itself, we take in the views from height.
We thought of taking a break and playing golf. However, the autumn coloring was too distracting. How does one keep the head down and the eye on the ball?
We found this wonderful accommodation and hiking venue at Navarone. There really are many gems to be found. 

Middelrus: Two photographs follow of this amazing place.

Meantime, Jen finds her way to the top of Lion's Head, Cape Town.
The clouds allow us a peek at the cable-car station on the peak of Table Mountain.
This is for Maude and Theo Alge, good friends who clothed me for school from 5 years old. Same place, more clouds.
Moolman Kerf: We hiked to the peak and then took cover from some lightning and rain. (Jen in bottom left corner.)
On the way to the above peak, we face-off. The magnificent-7 versus the Odd/Old-couple. No contest.
A couple of hikes follow in Montagu, the Klein (Little) Karoo, and Cradock Peak. 

  Looking toward George from below Cradock Peak.
Masemane: Taking brunch in a large cave.
Followed by taking steps to the peak.
Back to Table Mountain: Platteklip approach to the peak.
A tricky position. Where to from here to reach the 'table'. The face shows a little consternation, I think.
Greyton: Jen stands on the other side of the waterfall.
One has to avoid the flow of the waterfall, otherwise one will get wet. So much 'wisdom', so little time.
Madonna Falls in Hogsback, no pigging...we mean kidding.
Malolotja Park, Swaziland. The scene of some interesting hikes. Jen makes her way back up. 

Miliwani, Swaziland: Jen takes such signs seriously. We hope the crocodiles do, too, as wording appears to address them directly.
Probably good thinking. The crocodile follows the signage from a different perspective...just where it's supposed to be.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

 

Supplementary List...one should probably quit now. 

Miss Zip in Karkloof, took the day off to play 'silly buggers'.

A little rock face climbing at Everest Game Reserve. What are you doing, my Jen? 

Perhaps, we have had smarter days...but it was thrilling.

The next are of hikes from the surround of the Drakensberg Retreat. 

Yet, another odd couple. Apparently, it's not reserved for humans, only.
The eland is the largest of the antelope.
Sunrise, sunset, who cares...both exquisite.
Cathkin Peak on the far left; a little of the Drakensberg Range.

Very tired after a tough hike. Found that this position 'trains' the back to straighten while lifting the head and legs. It is suggested to stay with short durations. Loved the tranquility. (I think this was the time we were asked to depart from the country.) Hopefully, he is beginning to grow-up...and might be a little more responsible since he reached the seventies.