Rough Journey

Today we moved on further up into the Drakensburg Mountains. These mountains are really special – a bit like the Alps, a bit like Canada, a bit like Northumberland ..... but very distinct.  Huge areas of rock and it’s very hard to explain their size with an image – it’s more something that has to be felt!  The road we were travelling was definitely not a main highway but we were told it would be OK for us with a normal car because it was dry –in wet weather it would only be passable with a 4x4.  It was rough, no tarmac in sight but very beautiful passing through the landscape.  Eventually we moved on to (theoretically) a better surface BUT the tarmac was more like continuous potholes with a hint of tarmac around them. It was very difficult driving although John quite enjoys this – weaving around to maintain progress.  No danger though and nowhere near as and as the other night in Ithala!
We passed a great number of these dwellings on the way - huge areas of random development in various states of repair or disrepair. Their occupants walk miles and miles to get to anywhere although children seem to be 'bussed' to school - no seat belts or other safety features, just bundled into the back of a van or pick up truck!
Tonight and tomorrow night we are staying at another reserve in the Draks.  We have a chalet overlooking the mountains but have to keep doors closed so that the baboons don’t invade;  there are also some strange rodent creatures around the site I’ve never seen before, I think they're Dassie – a bit like rabbits with the face and build of a beaver but no tail; the garden staff must have great difficulty in maintaining the place as these animals seem to eat anything green.  There are lots of birds and butterflies, wild flowers and ... mountains.  Walking is very hard because it is so hot – very draining.  I think we will not do much tomorrow.
 

There is wifi here but I need a code from the reception staff and they don’t work in the evenings – so sometime tomorrow I will post this blip – I hope!