Sunrise over the Drakensburgs
Except for the rain these mountains, the highest in Africa, captured my heart forever with their magic when I went hiking the Drakensburgs.
John on the trail
Fortunately Jo from Memorable Meanders introduced me to her son John who guided me on a 30k hike into this beauty.
Sunlizards at Breakfast Stream
Stopping along the way to take pics of the flowers, bugs (remember I’ve been traveling with Joan), lizards and exceptional scenery.
Eye of the Needle
We experienced the most amazing storm about 1k from camp. Had to stop walking, cover packs and with backs to the hard rain just absorb the energy as thunder and lightning tore the skies above, and prayed.
Although I was tired and foot sore at the end of the day this hike was SO worth it.
Spires above camp
Lost my camera to the ocean waves in Durban so replaced it with a Fuji with 12x zoom. Good thing I only lost a few photos.
View of the Sphinx and valley below
Gaelyn, these are such gorgeous photos and places…I envy your far-off journey!
I am soooo envious, but so glad you are enjoying yourself. I live in this country and has never had the opportunity to go hiking in the Drakensberg. From what others tell me, it is even more beautiful in winter with the snow capped peaks.
Looks like a beautiful day to trek and hike… Amazing pictures of a beautiful place!!
Pixellicious Photos
By now you should be making your way down to towards the Garden Route. We are going to the Drakenberg in Dec/Jan to camp there for 10 days.
Amazing pictures Gaelyn!!!
What a marvelous place, the mountains are so very green and beautiful! Neat eye of the needle and sunlizards. Enjoy the next part of your adventure!
Gaelyn: What a wonderful area. Continue to have a great time. Love the Eye of the Needle.
My trip is a week away and I'm excited.
What beauty! I would have loved to go hiking with you. What I want to know is, did you cry when you lost the camera? I would have.
What a fantastic trip, Gaelyn! And I'm so glad you met up with Jo's son! That's terrific! Love your photos, they're marvelous as always! So sorry about your camera, glad you were able to replace it quickly! Have more great times and do remember to stay on the left!!!
Sylvia
To my poor adandoned friend: Hope you find out how to make coffee tomorrow. LOL!! Forgot to leave you the recipe. 🙂
It looks like you are having a wonderful trip. I'm amazed at the sceanery and the beautiful hiking.
Yes, the southwest has had rain but I don't think as much as you had on your hike. Now it is turning hot and I think it will go rapidly from too cool for the wildflowers to burning them up. Last week they said Death Valley was still to cool for bloom, this week it is in the 90's!
Oh No! The camera that the ocean took had the pulitzer prize winning photos on it… Great pics! So glad that your having such a great adventure! See Ya…
Lost your camera to the ocean waves in Durban?! There must be more to this story. Much as I would like to be with you in SA, I would have held you back on a 30 km mountain hike. Beautiful scenery!!
what scenery..travel safely…Michelle
Wow Gaelyn – this is just awesome. I haven't been able to drop by because I got hacked and then got a bad virus in my computer which completely wiped my hard drive. I've been so anxious to read about your trip and see your photos. Sorry you lost your camera – The perils of traveling! Looking forward to seeing more… I can see you are having a fabulous time.
Wonderful photos of a place utterly new to me! Sorry about your camera! Looking forward to seeing more…
Gaelyn, What an amazing adventure you're having. But – how could you lose your camera in the ocean?? Hang on to the new one. Thank goodness you had already downloaded the Big 5 pics! Stay Left!
Oh Gaelyn;) you make me long for the Drakensberg. At least we're close by and will be in that exact area by Thursday next week. Sorry about your camera. Your photos of the 'berg and earlier ones of the Eastern Transvaal (Mpumulanga) are BRILLIANT. You make me see all these well-known places through new eyes! Bless you my friend. Keep left and be safe! Hugs Jo
Now I am envious! I can't believe you're in South Africa meeting Jo's family!!! I've missed so much these past few weeks. Hoping to catch up soon!
Much love,
Esther