Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Amphitheatre!

To spend the day on the summit of the Drakensberg Ampitheatre must be one of the most amazing experiences. It's P and my favourite - although I doubt whether at my age I could climb up there again! On one of my first week-ends away with P, we climbed to the top of the Amphitheatre and slept in a two-man tent right at the top. It was quite scary, I might add, as there was a HUGE storm up there that night.
It takes about 3 hours to reach the summit - the most difficult part for me, was climbing up the chain ladder! It does not help if you're afraid of heights!


Shane, climbing up one of the chain ladders - you can see the 2nd one to the left of him.
The views one sees while walking along the paths, and of course looking down the gorge are beautiful. The wild flowers and various grasses, insect life and birds (the Bearded Vulture flourishes here) are truly God's world. On one of our subsequent walks, P proposed to me, right at the top of the Tugela Falls (the worlds second tallest falls plunging over 3110 feet), which tumble over the edge of the Amphitheatre. The views in the distance are of the rolling grasslands of KwaZulu Natal. After a picnic lunch, the walk down should not be started later than 15h00. The weather can be unpredictable and dangerous. It has been known to hail and snow in summer at that high altitude.
The walk is perfect for any nature lover. The water in the river is ICE cold and as good as any bottled water! The sun shines down warmly (even in the winter, when there has been snow) and how beautiful the drops of melted ice look against the rocks, shining in the sunshine.
We have climbed the mountain on numerous occasions with special friends. Stacey was only 12 the first time she climbed with us and we were really proud of her. It's not an easy climb to do!
Truly one of the most memorable things I have done in my life.

9 comments:

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

I climbed up the chain ladders and went to the top of the amphitheatre on our matric tour so years ago. We didn't spent much time but I would love to be able to do it again, this time with camera in hand.

Country Mouse, City Mouse said...

I can't even imagine doing such a thing..... it is breathtaking.

What a perfect spot for your husband to 'pop the question'!!

I love this type of thing, it is wonderful to learn about your part of the world through your eyes.

Have a wonderful day.

Anonymous said...

Ah yes it's a beautiful place - and so romantic for you and P!!! Special memories, always! My son Carl also did the chain ladder on a school tour. We got as far as the base and Elaine was too scared to go up so we had to turn back - one day we'll do it!! We have been often - our latest haunt is The Cavern but alas haven't been for more than a year. We are off to Champagne Castle for lst weekend in Feb - can't wait - never stayed there but popped in to see the hotel a few years ago.

Anonymous said...

I've actually never done that

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