Middle-aged flash packers

It wasn’t the best of starts. We strolled up to the dining room for breakfast at 8am when Mike our guide greeted us and told us our lunch packs were ready for our hike today. We thanked him and then continued our course towards breakfast at which point Mike seemed quite surprised and informed us that we were supposed to be leaving at 8am. The last time we heard the start time was 9.30am so actually we were quite early by our clocks. The other people coming with us had thought the same, so nil points Mike for your communication skills.

However, we managed to stuff down breakfast and be ready by 8.30am so off we went, with Mike hitching a lift in our car. Mike comes from Amazizi , a village and tribe close by Tegula Falls. He told us that he is currently trying to save enough money to buy 11 cows to secure marriage to his chosen wife.

Our walking companions were George plus his 3 children. The kids were university age apart from the youngest who I’d say was 11/12. George was very busy on his phone and fell behind as he discussed technicalities – his kids were unfazed and we all carried on walking.

The scenery on this walk was unbelievable. The sky was bright blue, the mountains grey rock with some of them covered in green, stunning.

The gorge is deep and because it’s wide there are great views.

It occurred to me that George was missing but Mike was unconcerned , saying that George would probably stay where he was, on the phone. The kids said he had all the food and all the water but they’d just drink from the river. It appeared that it was only me that was bothered by George’s absence.

Eventually G appeared, fairly sweaty, after chasing after us for sometime. I felt a bit guilty when he said he’d thought we’d wait for him but then again why is it always me that feels responsible for everyone? I’m not even the bloody guide!

Equilibrium restored, we carried on, through shady bits and exposed paths. It was quite hot but the views continued to be spectacular. Eventually we reached our picnic spot by a clear water pool.

Steve and I went off to find a good viewpoint for the falls. Tegula falls are apparently the highest waterfalls in the world. It seemed hard to believe but they are truly spectacular. The whole area looks like something from The Lost World, amazingly dramatic scenery.

On the way back, the universal language of football got everyone talking with Mike (usually quiet) exceptionally animated. Wherever we have travelled, a knowledge of the latest football results has been worth its weight in gold. I can’t think of any country I have been to where football hadn’t been discussed.

We were all pretty tired by the time we got we got back and after a 30 minute drive, S and I were glad of a cup of tea and , yes you’ve guessed it, a short snooze.

A quick beer, followed by our usual belly busting meal, then a stroll in the grounds, watching the lightning flash around the hills, just about brings an end to our time at The Cavern and the rest of South Africa.

Tomorrow we drive to Jo’berg and then fly back home in time for the Christmas countdown.