33.27 and 33.28: Golden Gate Highland National Park, Free State, RSA: A unique and wonderful region. "Vrystaat!"

Editor enters their territory and the wildebeest engage in a duel over her.




On a dull day, the sun shone finally, at sunset.



In our penultimate hike in the Republic of South Africa, we were overtaken with joy at seeing some amazing scenes. There is no doubt one needs luck in being in the right place at the right time. As someone once said and we can attest to it. One's chances of being in the right place increases exponentially with experience and frequency. Unfortunately, in the case of the sunset on the buttresses, when we noticed the phenomenon of a dull day turning into a climactic sunset, I dashed to a vantage point. So far so good. However, I had the wrong lens with me and could not chance returning for a better option as the sun was unlikely to wait upon me. We have noticed that the sun can be unreasonable about waiting until we are suitably positioned.

Once again, we feel blessed to have seen many of the treasures that fill the magnificent landscapes of this troubled country. The great pity is that it has an abundance of potential which may be wasted while tribalism and corruption dominate the action of the ruling class.


A view from our peak of this rugged and most attractive region incorporating many buttresses.




Another of these vast, open regions not hindered by forests of trees.




A final thrust gets the editor to the peak of Brandwag buttress, a short but steep climb.




Class is in session as dassies await the teacher's arrival: Over to you, Ms. Jonna.




Peering through the reeds in search of water.




That's better: We now have all our ducks...um...dassies in a row.




Sun hits the spot at Golden Gate Highland Park, Van Reenen rest camp.




Late afternoon as the clouds create a sultry look.




A Little earlier (before sunset), it was a magical moment or two.




Then it became even more magical.



Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey



'Bye, bye birdie.'

Iron Mountain in the early morning: A time and place when and where mind, body and soul unite in tranquility, perhaps a little sweat thrown in for good measure.

Iron Mountain is not a difficult hike nor a strenuous one either. In fact, the greatest danger we face at the site is when we run down the mountain and fear tripping and landing on the hard and harsh stone-and-gravel covered trail. There are many stones and rocks that protrude a little above the path surface and should one not notice, there's a good chance of finding oneself sprawled across the trail, face down. On one occasion, I looked up from my supine position to see a woman studying me as if I was an unusual specimen. (Comments are always welcomed but perhaps should be avoided in this instance.) Unfortunately, falling has happened far too often which has been exacerbated by not lifting the feet sufficiently, employing a bit of a shuffling motion.

Before we were side-tracked and waylaid in the opening paragraph, it was our intention to mention that Iron Mountain provides, on many occasions, some of the finest views. These sights occur for a number of reasons including: To the east are a number of ranges which provide wonderful sunrise scenes; to the west is the Pacific Ocean that creates amazing sunset sights. Perhaps the most attractive aspect of all is the cloud, mist and fog that form in the region. Although the East County of San Diego is particularly hot and dry, clouds form over the mountains in this region frequently and often take the shape of the covered-objects. On each occasion, nature allocates different styles of choreography with clouds completely covering the mountains, at times, partially draping them and often allowing only peaks to protrude. The combination of the sun, clouds and land working randomly, although often it appears well-planned, provides some of the stunning scenes we see often at this unique spot. Once again, we believe the scenes witnessed on our latest outing at the 'Iron' were outstanding. Hopefully, the photographs attest to our remarks.


A sunrise at 5:50am but we're facing west. Aha! Then it must be the moon.



Below the peak, 15 minutes to go.




Pale shades early in the morning.




A wild scene below the peak but clearly one of order, too. To the right is Mount Woodson.




A sea of clouds in the east, an ocean of water to the west. (With Maude Alge in mind.)




Clouds fill the gaps.




El Capitan, a previous week's 'monster' hike, at rear.




The sun bursts through.




Perhaps a great favorite. The clouds seem like moss or spider webs strewn across the hills below.




Clouds, like drapes, form over the mountains and hills.




The editor reaches the top and seeks a great vantage position.




Telephoto brings the house (castle) below, closer to the summit.




As sun rises, colors change.




Web of clouds cover the mountains and land.



Two more we could not omit.




We think a painting.




Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

33.25 Reunion: A Hike to Marla, a town in a cirque with access per foot only. 33.26 Waterfall near Cilaos.

We departed from the trailhead, after taking a bus from our hotel, a journey of less than 20 minutes. A car provides convenience which cannot be over-estimated. However, bus travel reduces stress levels caused by the usual worries of renting a car. These include costs, potential damage, theft, directions and in some locales, dangerous roads and/or drivers.

The hotel management provided, as with many establishments, a service allowing us to store our baggage including computers and other valuables on site while we were away. Facilities such as these are essential and much appreciated. On our return from the hike, we had quite a task ahead of us. We went to the second hotel to check-in but found the receptionist to be on siesta. We left our basic hiking gear under a table out of view from passing pedestrian traffic and returned to the first hotel to collect the rest of our baggage. A short but tough 'hike' brought us back again to a delightful Apart-hotel. It was worth all the sweat and more.


As we summit the pass and continue on, the town of Marla comes into view.



Back to the trail: Our plan was to acquire 2,800 feet of elevation to reach the summit and then descend a further 1,400 feet to arrive on the plateau within the cirque. We would sleep in a hut in the town and return the following day by reversing the route. The only access to the town is per foot unless one has the service of a helicopter. While there are times we'd like the use of a 'chopper', this was not that occasion and anyway, it might be considered not within the spirit of hiking.

We were pleasantly surprised by the high quality of the accommodation although we had no cooking facilities. Nevertheless, sleeping on a firm mattress, having a roof over the head and hot-and-cold running water plus a commode is hard to beat in the bush.

The only downside to the experience was the light rain that soaked us on the ascent. Fortunately, as we began the descent, not that the rain ceased but rather, there was no rain. Only one side of the mountain was wet—the latter side was dry and dusty. We don't try and understand nature—we enjoy it—for there are many anomalies although we do understand some of the effects mountains have on the movement of air and hence, clouds.

Once again we met some interesting locals, many who hale from the mother country, France. Swopping stories and experiences as well as getting varying perspectives continually proves to be fascinating and hopefully, helps with mind development—ours, of course.


Clouds building for a change.




The flora on the mountains are impressive, in light rain.




Love it when the birds are not intimidated, something that seldom happens.




Down on the other side as we view eastern part of the cirque.




Jenni making here way back down the mountain but through the thick, unusual growth.




Notre Dame provides an impressive beacon.




We're not tree-huggers yet.




Somethings worrying him...perhaps the next scene.




That'll do it.



Returning from a waterfall hike and finding a beacon again.


Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

El Capitan, San Diego County's toughest: a challenging, testing and nearly 'brutal', in heat. And, a short walk for the birds.

The picture says it all. Not often I see the editor in that position—it attests to the tough nature of the hike and heat of the day.



El Capitan is considered, certainly we do, the most strenuous hike in San Diego County. While it's not difficult, it is tough. Gaining some 4,100 feet in elevation (11miles) but not as one would expect. On the way up, there are about 850 feet of declines and of course on the way down, a similar amount of climbs. Therefore, one is often ascending and then giving hard-earned gains back to the mountain. Of course, the 'hill' does not appreciate our generosity. In 90 degrees weather, the heat proved to be another factor with which to contend. Nevertheless, it's a wonderful test, something we do each November to ensure we don't slack. I'm hoping the editor will continue this annual challenge as she was not happy in the heat.

We hike up Mount Woodson and Iron Mountain often when we are in town. Both mountains are easily visible from El Capitan, forming a triangle, making for we suppose, a triad of challenges ranging from steady, a good challenge and a tough 'bugger'. The views from the top are quite spectacular. In keeping with the East County geology, the mountains and in fact the whole region is covered in boulders and rocks. It provides interesting views which are enhanced when the early sunrays light them. In the so-called dry country, at least three lakes/dams/reservoirs are visible. Once again depending upon the light, the views are amazing especially the coloring and the sharp outlines of the bodies of water.

Many years ago, we met a delightful young couple at the peak, Michelle and her boyfriend. I remember this distinctly because the young woman made a very favorable impression. I commented that she was just the type of woman a father should bring home for a son, that is, if the son had not taken the initiative. They have since married and blessed with a child.

Back to the trail. On a good day, with a strong effort, a person can make the ascent in a little over 2.5 hours, that's pushing it. Of course, some of these iron men and women make it look ridiculous as they run up and down as if it's almost level. Should anyone wish to try this climb with us (me), I'd love to do it again. Give us a shout.



Close to the trailhead, Barona Casino is a prominent sight in the 'wilderness': The home of the loosest sluts...slots, so it advertises.




View of El Capitan reservoir from approach to the trailhead, a mile to go.




Love the rolling hills.




San Vicente reservoir (we think) from the top as the editor approaches the peak.




Typical scene in the East County, boulders and rock outcrops.




Zooming in on another part of the reservoir and the background mountain.




Some perspective of a strenuous hike in 90 degrees, San Diego County's toughest.




A typical incline/decline on the trail, nearly evenly balanced. (Downtown San Diego in far distance.)




Telephoto of the reservoir from the peak.




'Ah! There's the commode brush.'




A view of the other side, harsh but so attractive.




Passing a boulder and taking in the encroaching buildings of Barona reservation. Iron Mountain in background.



Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey



During our recent trips, we observed many birds, both unusual and colorful, so we thought we might add a few images from a walk at the coast in San Diego, soon after our return. We were most attracted by their behavior rather than color.


"Up, up and away, my beautiful" a rendition by the Birds or was it the '5th Dimension'.




Only our granddaughter, Ellie, is more graceful than 'Nelson'.




"Come fly with me": To be quite Frank.




Ye...s?




"You're not serious. That was supposed to be a joke?"




"I may be kinky but there's nothing wrong with my neck."




"If I hear a comment about my eye-liner, I'll...I'll...you don't want to know."