Saturday
The Grotto is an amazing pool deep in the forest just over 3km from the Drakensberg Sun Hotel in Cathkin Park. We stayed at this hotel in December 2013 and went to the Grotto a few times. The path was often wet and the river that needed to be crossed, 6 years ago, was a raging torrent. After a very dry winter with no snow, the river is a gentle flowing snake of water meandering gently through the kloof. It made the walk a lot easier and less threatening to life and limb. You don’t need to leave South Africa to enjoy some blissful mountain walks.
The start is at the hotel…
And is clearly marked…just follow the blue feet….
Once you enter the forest, it’s shady and pleasant with blue feet to follow…
There are lots of ups and downs, mainly ups on the way there…
At one point you need to cross the river. It was a cinch today as the river is not raging. Depending on the time of the year, it varies from easy to a challenge…
Across the river, there are more ups and downs (more ups) until eventually you get to a rope barrier and you are nearly there…
Round the corner and there it is…(the rope is there for when the river is in full flow)
Again, due to the dry weather, the pool was not as full as it was at the end of the rainy season. Still we could swim. The water was really cold….bone chilling cold.
After a swim up and down, we hurried to get out….
After the initial plunge, I sat on the edge and adjusted…
And then David decided to figure out how deep it was. Armed with a long stick we went around the edge…
First I took the stick, but soon realised I should make way for David, so I got up and moved to his spot. Gerrie took the photo and it looks like we are doing a twirl as we changed places.
After we found it was not very deep, we climbed back in and swam back…
It was very invigorating. It’s just over 3km to the pool . After getting back to the hotel, Mike and I decided to walk back up the house.
Quite a day of exercise! This evening Jess made a delicious chicken stew and we are having an early night. I’ve checked in for our flight home tomorrow. It will be another 5 hour drive back to Johannesburg and directly to the airport. This time tomorrow, God willing, we will be home!
Psalm 119:98
Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies.
These are the days!
Keep the smile going.
God bless you.
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂
Gym
I think I’ve sucked the marrow out of this day…
Braces:
Day 319