Tuesday, 13th April 2010
7 miles, 2,300 feet
A new addition this week was the addition of a hotel guide to lead us on the walks, ably supported by George. On the first walk we were also escorted by one of the hotel dogs, Lulu. After walking along along Bushbuck Ridge we passed Sungubala Mountain Camp. On the way Stanley explained some of the history behind The Silent Woman, the rock sculpture we were on our way to visit. It seemed that a gentleman, Willy Chalmers, didn't agree with conscription in the 1950s and spent his time wandering around the Drakensberg creating rock carvings. The Silent Woman was one such carving. Leaving The Silent Woman in peace, we took a route that passed beneath the Bishop's Mitre and headed for Echo Cave. This large cave provided a suitable spot for lunch. A steep descent set us on the path back to the hotel.
Looking across the valley . . .
we have a good view of Sugar Loaf where tomorrow's walk will take us
Echo cave will be visited on our return . . .
and the Ace of Clubs . . .
will feature in Friday's walk
The group queues up to visit . . .
The Silent Woman . . .
also known as the Paw Paw Woman . . .
and much discussion follows!
Four of the group make their way through the tall grass . . .
and in the open landscape Sugar Loaf provides the backdrop to Sungubala Camp
A rustling in the woods . . .
and an Eland surprises us . . .
but fortunately . . .
spends some time checking us out
The Bishop's Mitre . . .
takes on a better shape in close up
Lulu enjoys a drink as we cross the stream
Stanley finds a sheltered spot for our morning break . . .
and Protea bushes feature heavily in the landscape
Time for lunch . . .
at Echo Cave . . .
with its huge walls . . .
and sloping floor
A steep descent takes us into the valley . . .
from where we have a good view back to the cave
The dams signal that we are nearly back at the hotel