Post 32 Build it Journey

Blog Post 32

I woke up to my favourite noise in this life – the soft coo cooing of doves. I opened up my tent flaps to witness the sunrise and how magnificent it was. There were buck and guinea fowl in the campsite and after making my tea I lay there quietly contemplating how awesome God has made this world and how lucky we all are. There is no need for great riches, all that is best in life and in this world is laid on a plate for us absolutely free.

I packed away my tent and had a bite to eat and rather regretfully left beautiful Royal Natal vowing to be back as soon as I could. I did not get to do any huge hikes this time as I only got in mid-afternoon yesterday but I did get to walk to the Cascades and then down to the dam soaking in the scenery and enjoying the sunshine on my face. I only truly feel at peace when I am out in nature and especially walking in it. I hope I can get out into it more as I get older.

The day was good and the sun was shining brilliantly again and once again the scenery was just spectacular. I drove to Harrismith where I met the wonderful Celeste. What a fantastic women and I have to say something about the Harrismith store. Whilst I am no judge of anything and I have seen many magnificent, orderly and organised stores along the way I think that the Harrismith store so far is the most clean, orderly and nice looking I have seen so far. It was really great. Not a speck of dust anywhere, everything beautifully laid out and clean. I think Celeste deserves a huge compliment for the way she is running the Harrismith store and I could not have been more impressed.

We had a good go through her store’s listing and Celeste was so positive about the site. It was really great for me and what a ‘lekker’ store visit. Thank you Celeste.

It was then off to Phuthadijhaba (I dare you to try and say that 3 times as fast as you can ) to see Deon and Isaac of the Qua Qua Build It store. What awesome guys and an awesome team. We had some good laughs and again they were both so positive about the site. Thanks for a super visit Deon and Isaac – you are two of life’s good guys for sure 

I had driven quite a bit over the past two days so I was thinking of camping at Golden Gate Highlands National Park but when I got there the wind was absolutely howling so I decided to carry on to Clarens and find a B & B there and strike out at some nearby Build It’s tomorrow. The drive through Golden Gate is one of this county’s true treasures and should be done by everyone. If you can also hike through the park you will have some of the best hiking of your life. I have been lucky to camp there before and done a few days hiking and it is some of my best memories. The scenery is striking and spectacular, there is game to see away from the roads and is just beautiful. If you are ever planning to drive through and can do it when the sun is setting I can promise you it will be a drive and a time you will never forget. The Park does not have the name Golden in it for nothing.

I am in such a beautiful part of the world. Clarens is just lovely and reminds us all of what all our little towns and villages can look like if we try harder. With Greyton in the Cape this is one of my two favourite villages in South Africa. I am so lucky to be here.

Happy Days Everyone