The mountains are beautiful, any way you look at them. The smog is just a pity
Vulture restuarant, nearby the gorge
The Peglarae, rare aloe plant which can only be found in the Magaliesberg
DAY 16: GETTING LOST, AND LEARNING
Today was one of those ones. Woke up, had a quick coffee, packed up, said our good-bye's to Umbulane, and away we went. Rocky start however, because when we were almost on top, and it was seriously, a rocky climb, I realized that I have forgotten my water bottles in the freezer. There were no two ways about it, I had to go all the way down and get them.
Climbing was difficult, many boulders, and rocks as far as the eye can see. If you couldn't manage to step between rocks, you were sure to roll backwards or forward. We saw the most beautiful rock formations going higher, and once over the first ridge, what seemed to be a gorge. Now, we weren't sure, but this looked like Castle gorge. We couldn't see any of the dome pools, that we thought must've been here. Maybe it's because it's been a dry season, or they could be lower down, but the way down didn't look too appealing, so we spend some time, admiring, being quiet, and took photos.
We went through the gorge, and back up to the escarpment, when I realized that Maria was nowhere to be seen. I had the two dogs with me, but no Maria. I started calling, till eventually I was screaming, but no answer. I could hear my own echo, but nothing else. I got such a fright, dropped my bag, and made my way down to where I saw her last, but nothing.
I was calling out, and looking everywhere for about half an hour, but there are so many rocks and ridges, it's difficult to see much. By this time I was frantic, and thought the worst. I was just about to call someone, when she answered to my call. She didn't sound like she was close, and I tried to listen where the sound was coming from, but didn't hear her again. Another half an hour went by, before she answered me again, from way down at the bottom. I stay put, until she got to me, but it was the worst hour ever. I've never run so fast up and down ridges in my life before. Exhausted!
We walked for a while again, and now, almost time to set up camp. Then, we got to another point, where we couldn't continue along the escarpment, there was a dirt road going through the middle of the two peaks. We found a pass going down, and walked along the road for a bit. Our water supply is running out again, so we need to refuel. It seems like we were going in the wrong direction, because you could see the road going on for miles, and nothing beside it.
We turned around, and walked all the way back, until we finally came upon MCSA car park, and campsite. This makes me think, was that Castle gorge that we've passed earlier, or is it coming up? I hate the feeling of being lost, and today was all about that. Another stone turned, I guess. I've made a decision, not to be concerned with what's ahead, and to take things as they come. It is all so beautiful, that going in search of a gorge, which we wouldn't recognize if it bit us on the ass, just seems stupid.
So, I'll take pictures, and will be so happy if someone could point out what the name of the gorges are that we're going through. See, we have a map that was given to us by the MCSA, and this map gives you a clear idea of what is where, when you're coming by road, and doing day hikes. We've been hiking for 16 days, and to be quite honest, the rocks are all starting to look alike.
We've set up camp at something that looks like a campsite, well, there's a sign board that says: nature area, no fires please!, and there are stacked rocks, that forms a square. It's windy tonight, so I'm glad for the extra cover.
I'm exhausted, and off to bed, immediately.
Sweet dreams
P.S. It's been two weeks now VODACOM, since you've promised to sort out my blogging nightmare! I still have to go through serious trouble to do daily postings. PLEASE, be so kind as to SORT IT OUT! I can't post my pictures!
DAY 15
Okay, so turns out we're not at the Request, and this is not a MCSA camp spot. In fact, this place belongs to Penny Hoggsveldt. We got this information from a lovely young guy who arrived early morning to tend to the gardens. He's name is Umbulane, and he's worked here for a year. We got Penny's number from Umbulane, and phoned to say we've camped here, and to find out more about where we are.
Penny didn't know that the gorges were named, but according to Google Earth, the Request is on the other side of the East facing ridge. With Penny's permission, we've decided to stay here another night, and just do a day hike to the Request. It should be fun without all the baggage. This is the ideal get away, and looks like there have been many happy moments here. The Hoggsveldt's have collected some tremendous artifacts in the area, under which, there's a human skull. This is one of the oldest mountains in human history, so it'd be interesting to know more about said skull.
It's creepy at the same time. I don't scare easily, but when things become spooky, I'm careful. There are a few tall tales & myths, surrounding this mountain, and it does keep us on our toes, especially when it's suddenly dark, the dogs are edgy or protective, whatever, and the night sounds start to fill the silence. I even hear breathing, and since when is my hearing THAT good? It's since I started listening! As this happens, Maria decides, now is a good time to fall asleep. She closes her eyes, and even starts snoring, well, maybe it's more like a deep sleep, but straight away, no hassles.
There I am, can hardly breathe, I'm so scared. Wide eyed and bushy tailed, cannot even bat an eyelid, how will I close them? It's about then, every night, that I battle with my fears a bit, before I decide, bugger that. To be where we are now, is magical, nothing scary about that, a bit overwhelming perhaps, but scary, no. It's a little better now, they're friendly ghosts right?
There is like a message in a bottle, everywhere we go. Every challenge met, and every stone turned, has a message, but sometimes, we have to turn some more, before we finally get it. Having done this for almost 3 years, has been the best and worst times of my life. Owning up to the challenges of extreme terrain, extreme exposure to sun, wind and rain, and physical pain, makes you appreciate yourself and your capabilities more. The people who inspire you to go forwards still, that is what makes you appreciate the power of giving and sharing so much more. Truth and honesty, they are the jewels, embroidered on the bottom of every message. Many of us pride ourselves on the fact that we live honest lives, and do good every once in a while, and that we have nothing to be ashamed of, can look ourselves in the eye. It's fantastic, but some of us, are a bit slower on the uptake, we have to be sure, follow every whim, recreate and search, hide and seek before we can see it, hurt before we can understand.
Somehow I think it's the same journey for everybody, only difference is, to which extremes. We're all on our own journey through life, some hectic, others beautiful, but the amazing thing is, how everybody's paths have to become intertwined, before we can heal, live stronger, live more gallantly. Everything comes full circle in the end. Accepting responsibility for your life, somebody called it today. Those are grand words, but true.
It's become dark, we're back but were told to sleep in the house tonight – thanks Penny! Katryn is making big noise outside, warning off anything that dares enter her bubble. So pretty soon it's bed time. It's been a very, very good day, and I'm looking forward to tomorrow.
Umbulane brought us some coffee, after his lunch break. He is the sweetest, friendliest, helpful man, and he is always smiling. Another message unveiled through his unconditional kindness. Coffee, a bed, beautiful surroundings, and good company, what more do I possibly need.
Sweet dreams.
DAY 14
Went home for mother's day yesterday, and it was fantastic! My mother brought us back to the mountain this morning. Thank you ma, and especially thanks for a very special day yesterday.
We got up really early this morning, so I wasn't on form in the beginning. I don't even know how Maria manages with her bag. It's almost bigger than her, and as heavy as it's big. She's tough though, and never moans, so I guess she's handling.
Dante and Katryn seem so happy to be back, but it's hot as hell, so they run ahead, to sit waiting beneath the trees. The roads were really bad, coming back to the Magalies, so my mother dropped us off nearest to the point we came down from. We realized that we were actually quite a far way away from it, so we decided to hike back towards Pretoria, because there are many gorgeous spots in between, none of which we wanted to miss. It looks like a day's hike, but we have enough time until the 26th, so a couple of days to spend hiking around the gorges.
We hiked back to the Request, which is the next gorge from where we were. We couldn't see our way there clearly, because we also didn't know exactly where it was. Finally we decided to go way up, in the hopes that we'd spot it, actually hoping it was close. We've had a busy couple of days, little sleep, and my Achilles is inflamed and uncomfortable, but we made it okay.
We stumbled upon a house, right at the beginning of the gorge. Well, it actually looks like hikers accommodation, maybe owned by the MCSA. As far as I understand, many farmers have shares in the rights to this gorge, of which the MCSA holds the majority share. There are many camping spots, and hiking trails leading into the gorge from here. It was a beautiful place to set up camp, so we pitched our tent on a wooden deck, overlooking the valley. Gorgeous.
Maria decided to take a dip in the pool, but the water was freezing, so I left it for the morning. hahaha. We have a solar shower handy, which we filled with water, and left in the sun, to heat up a little. Not enough daylight to get it very warm, but a far cry from the Antarctic.
It's suddenly very dark outside. It's so quiet, except for the crickets and the baboons making noise in the distance. We saw lots of deer today, something you don't see much of as you go higher. There isn't really any water at the top, so I guess not much need for them to go there, right?
Well, I'm dead on my feet. I'm going to get myself cleaned up, and catch up on some lost sleep.
Before I forget, Linda, I hope you had a beautiful day, whish I was there. Happy birthday, and may there be many more.
Elsalie, happy birthday girl, and we hope to see you this weekend.
Dante & Katryn is already passed out, and I guess Maria will do the same, before she hears noises and gets scared. So good night, and sweet, sweet dreams.
P.S. Marissa, and Lelanie, thank you so much for everything! If it wasn't for the two of you, Go 4 Good, Rustenburg, would still just be an idea.
And to my friend Neha, good luck with what's ahead, I am thinking of you
Night…
