Otter Trail - "The Mother of all Hikes"

Nature's Valley BeachDay 1 - After much rock scrambling and a lunch break at the waterfall, we arrived at camp. All safe and sound, although after a dip in the sea we were sitting aorund the camp fire and noticed a big hairy baboon dashing into our hut. A few seconds later, he emerged with Nadine's braai meat in his mouth as he headed for the hills. Clearly he pounces upon all unsuspecting Day 1 hikers. Needless to say, we learnt very fast about locking the hut!

That first day proved to be a warm up as days 2 and 3 were up and down, and up and down.. with a few beach lunch stops in between. The crossing of the Lottering river on day 3 presented some moments of concern and hilarity as a large wave came in as Nadine, Michelle and Andre were crossing. Nades and Michelle got swept a little up stream and Nades managed to lose her one shoe and sock. Luckily we managed to recover the shoe 20 minutes later!

The Bloukrans river mouth crossing on day 4 could only be done at low tide (8.55am) and we had 10km to hike to get there. So after an early morning start at 2am, we hiked in the dark using the moon and our headlamps to guide us. A few false starts as path markers were covered by high tide nearly led us astray, but we eventually arrived two hours early at the river mouth. To hide from the cold and the wind, we kipped in our sleeping bags on the path. I now know that I can definately sleep anywhere. I'm just glad we didn't sleep through low tide and managed to cross (unlike those on the two days before us who had to be rescued).

Heading down to the river mounth to assess if we could cross..

After a successful river crossing (and a quick change of clothes to get warm)

We then found out that we had to wade though rather smelly sea foam and scale a rather technical stretch of rocks.
Needless to say, we were all rather tired at the end of the 13.8km of day 4, especially with the cold and early start! Some well earned rest was in order.
A final look at our huts from the fourth nights' stop, before the final 6.8km home stretch.

Arriving back at Nature's Valley Beach after five days of hard hiking.

Korannaberg Adventures in the Free State

Given that we had 3 public holidays in one wee, we decided it was a good reason to get outdoors, relax and test my new mountain bike at Korannaberg in the Free State (http://www.korannabergadventures.co.za/). A number of punctures later, my bike was nick named 'Patches' and I had a new found resolution to buy tire liners and slime tostop this happening again. The repeated tube repairs aside, we had a great relaxing weekend in the middle of no where, enjoying the peace and quiet aswell as some game viewing from our bikes.

Kommetjie

A few days in the sun, on the door spet of a desolate beach is exactly what a girl needs..

Leaving London

It's been a fabulous three years in London (I can barely believe that it's already been that long), but I must admit that I am looking forward to upping my sunshine average and catching up with friends and family that I haven't seen in ages. I'll miss you all in London, but hope to see you all soon, whether on a trip out to SA or on my travels in the future. So long & farewell..

My last week in London

Coming Home

Looking forward to being romanced in candlelight when the power goes off, getting calf cramp from driving my new car and having to put on sun cream. In 2 weeks on the 6th March, I finish up work here in London and head south back to South Africa. Eish, but I can't wait..

Moreton-in Marsh, Cotswolds

Catching a train from London Paddington, we headed off to Moreton in Marsh in the Cotswolds on Friday (15 February 2008). Charlie, ex-war veteran and proprietor of the B&B (snoozeandsizzle.com, formally known as Warwick House B&B) picked us up from the train station, cautioning me to look out for the 'old, battered blue Volvo as the new ones are taxis'. En route the 5 minutes to the B&B he gave us a whistle stop town orientation. All two main roads could be missed if you blink and with a population of 3500 inhabitants, it's entirely possible. Having chosen one of the coldest weekends in the English winter, we spent the weekend walking around town, popping into tea shops, lounging over long, lazy lunches and huddling up indoors from the cold.

Catching some sun in Sitges (Spain)

In much need of some sun in the middle of the English winter, Tristin and I headed off to Sitges, a little seaside town 40 minutes outside of Barcelona. The weather, people and quaint little Spanish town did not disappoint. We wandered the relaxed streets, took in some sunshine and my wallet was very relieved to note that there was no Zarain Sitges. Saturday night we headed out late to some tapas bars with Pilar, a colleague of Tristans, and Joseph, her boyfriend. What better way to experience local traditions than with the locals! Spain is indeed a country that I need to explore further.