The day dawned bright but bitterly cold at
EarthRise Mountain Lodge in the Maluti Mountains.
The sun only peeked over the mountain tops at 07h35…
I had been up waiting for it to appear from 06h30!
So, both these leaves and I had a layer of frost waiting to be thawed.
This is part of the Maluti Mountain range that surrounds
 the lodge and enfolds Rustlers Valley
My wife is not a morning person, however once awake
and after a delicious breakfast, we decided,
in order to warm up, that a hike out along the trail to
some caves close by would be a good idea.
It would be both educational and it would certainly warm me up.
On a walk along a farm road, there is always at least ONE gate
that has to be opened and closed.
THIS was that gate.
The road less travelled?
I don’t think so!
This area has been traversed since the 1800’s.
Back then it was the local tribes fleeing from the Zulu,
but in recent years it has been visitors who come here to seek
 the peace and solitude that the valley affords them
I had been given detailed instructions as to how to find the caves.
At this dam, or so I thought, we were meant to turn left.
Turned out I was wrong,
But at least our long walk in the wrong direction
was in reality not that long.
Back on the right road…
Another view of the spectacular mountain range.
It is difficult not to be in awe of these majestic edifices.
THIS was the correct dam…
So it was here that we had to turn left and head into the foothills.
With the brilliant blue sky reflecting in the crystal clear water
I was certain that our goal was not too far away.
You know that it is going to be a great day
when even the poop has a smile!
Looking back towards the main dam on the property.
It was at this point that I got confused as to where we were meant to be heading.
I could clearly see the two-track that we were walking on,
but that took us to what we thought was a ravine.
And it was here that we turned back
My wife’s body language seems to sum up the way we were both feeling at this point
“Where the bloody hell are we”.
We were later to discover, from other guests,
that we were only about 10 minutes from the caves when we decided to turn back
If there is a gate, there has to be a fence.
And if there is a fence, then there has to be barbed wire.
At least we did not have to climb over it.
At least we found our way back to the lodge!
So we did not reach our planned destination,
but we did spend a wonderful 3 hours out in the brisk fresh air.
So a win all around.
At the time of our visit, there was only one sign (at the lodge)
to let guests know the route. I hope that will be rectified in
the not too distant future and that more signs will be erected.
To find out more about the various forms of accommodation on offer,
visit their website:
A big thank you to each of these brands
 for coming on board.
This has been my constant travel companion
for the past several years.
It might look worn,
but that represents the kilometres/miles
we have shared together.
From Kilimanjaro to the beaches of India.
To coach trips across Europe and Vietnam
and to a variety of game lodges and road trip destinations
 in South and Southern Africa.
BEST SUITCASE EVER!
Check out their Facebook page:
This torch has been turning heads!
The Olight SRS2UT Intimidator.
Marketed locally by:
My camera brand of choice for more than 4 decades!
When it is time to print out my special images,
this is the company that I rely on to do that.
Bush gear to make me blend in…
in comfort and style.
They are probably the most comfortable pair of shoes
that I have ever owned.
Now to try out the rest of the colours in the range.
When back home, I rely on this ISP
to provide me with high-speed fibre connectivity to
 enable me to get my postings published in record time.
This Powerbank is my constant companion
 while I am travelling.
It can do up to 4 full re-charges of my phone before
needing to be charged.
Supplied by…
Â
ALWAYS choose to be Batman.
My constant travelling companion.
To find out more about the collectable Funko range of figurines,
visit:
I could not do without this awesome laptop bag from Solo.
Padded for protection and with enough pockets to keep
almost everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink in,
this is definitely a stylish addition to any business presentation.
Be it in the boardroom or the bush.
This bag can also be worn as a backpack.
There are straps in a hidden compartment that can be deployed
when you need both hands for other purposes.
To find out more about the stylish Solo range,
visit:
This locally made product was indispensable when using a long lens.
The ball and socket might look simple…and it is,
which is why it should be in the gear bag of every serious photographer.
This locally made, deceptively simple device is ideal
for tracking birds in flight or animals in motion.
The base can be used on a beanbag or a tripod,
with the ball being fitted to the camera.
The simplicity of the device allows moving from supported
to handheld in a fluid motion.
There is also a version that can be used on a car window.
To see more about the product,
visit their Facebook page:
Or order directly from:
Â
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To see who else were winners in 2018, visit:
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and may not be used without permission
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