in places I didn't know muscle existed. We took our lovely hike along the Treur River and into the Blyde River canyon this past weekend - 17 km (10.5 miles) the first day and 13 km (7 mi) the second. My ass is still sore!! Most of the hiking was through rolling hills and valleys covered in long grasses, as most of the territory is considered savannah. It resembled soft fur on the back of some great beast - flowing, changing color with the wind, definitely needing to be stroked. As we came to about the third valley we saw the results of a controlled burn gone wrong. Nothing but charred remains as far as the eye could see, bounded by the towering granite walls of the canyons. Even among the destruction were the beginnings of new life - buddnig grasses, trees barely scathed by the heat... pretty crazy. In the midst of all of this, as we hiked along the river nearing sunset, we were cautiously eyed by a gaggle/herd/pride (what the hell do you call a group of baboons??) of thirsty baboons.. they quickly ran for the cover of the canyons as we grew closer, but I did manage to get a picture (which I'll post as soon as I get home). When we emerged from our trek, we did so at Bourke's Luck Potholes. My camera croaked on Day 2, so I don't have any pics of my own, but here's a great link:
http://www.exclusiveescapes.com/khumbula/images/Khumbula%20-%20Photo%20Gallery/slides/Bourkes%20Luck%20Potholes.html
Anyway, it was brilliant and wonderful and fabulous and then some.
This weekend we're off to Kruger Park to see how many of the Big 5 we can spot (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, and leopard). Then it's home again next Thursday. I cannot believe how quickly the time has gone by. It feels like I just arrived yesterday. I guess I'll let reality set in a bit later.. not ready for that yet. I hope all is well on the home front.
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