Mo's African Adventure

Wednesday, January 4 was a day of conflicting emotions for me. While I was looking forward to seeing Cape Town and all of its sights, I was desperately sad to be leaving the Cederberg. Those of you who know me well know that there is very little I enjoy about city life, other than good restaurants and perhaps a show or concert. While I knew that my time in Cape Town would be enjoyable, I could not help but yearn to stay in the mountains.

I arose at 4:30 a.m. so as to go on my last walk. The mountains did not disappoint as they lay before me the most spectacular sunrise, ablaze with yellows and reds. As I stopped to rest in my special place and looked across the landscape for the last time, a part of me wanted to stay there in that untouched place where I knew no-one would find me.

After a time I returned to Gecko Creek to say my goodbyes. We loaded up the Jeep and I asked Linton if he would pick me up on the way out as I wanted to walk out the road one last time. On my way, a couple of girls who were staying at Gecko Creek passed me on the road and asked me if I wanted a lift; they seemed to think they were saving me from the terrible walk. I knew from the look on their faces as I declined their kind offer that they couldn’t for the life of them figure out why I wanted to walk and I, for the life of me, couldn’t figure out why they didn’t get it. I continued my walk to the gate where I found a stalk of wild oats to chew on and sat to contemplate the beauty of this place for the last time.

Tuesday, January 3, marks our last full day at Gecko Creek. Tomorrow we will head to Cape Town for our last week of holidays. I cannot believe how incredibly hard it will be for me to leave this special place and these special people.

The people ….

The gentleness and kindness of the people who live at this place is profound.

Veronica and Adrian who work at the lodge have gone out of their way to welcome us and help us and I am truly thankful.

Ingrid, my gentle, German friend whose kindness knows no limits and whose friendship will be a lasting treasure even though we will be miles apart. How do you thank someone who has touched your soul and left you a better person for it? I will carry her with me in my heart as I leave this place.

Although Linton and Lisa will be travelling with us to Cape Town tomorrow, I have to talk about them here as they are an intrinsic part of the Gecko Creek experience. What amazing hosts. They welcome you, share their space with you, yet give you the space and freedom to enjoy your surroundings without feeling you are intruding. What generous spirits they have to share such a wonderful experience with us.

The place …

Words seem inadequate to capture the peace and tranquility of this mountain hideaway. Nestled in a valley up in the Cederberg Mountains, a stillness falls here that is so restful to the soul it leaves ones emotions bared raw. Each morning I rise early before the sunrise and walk into the mountains to witness the breaking of the day. As the sun backlights Spirit Mountain, Baboon Ridge, Leopard Rock and so many other places I don’t even know the name of, it throws hews of yellow and red across the morning sky and floods the hills and valleys with glorious sunshine. It is nothing for me to walk for three hours every morning here, exploring the landscape, enjoying the sunshine, and soaking in the tranquility that is both profound and comforting. This place brings out all that is best in me and it is as close to paradise as I have ever known. Although I will leave tomorrow, I know I will leave a part of myself here.

The opportunity to fly in the Fokker again was just too inviting to pass up. Beautiful day ... blue sky .... a mix of cirrus and cumulus clouds ... 12,000 feet up with the canopy open (and yes it's ... [Continue reading this entry]

Sunday was again another beautiful day. Every single day here has been glorious sunshine with temperatures between 90 and 100. One day we did get over 100 degrees but always at night it cools down beautifully. There ... [Continue reading this entry]

After a lazy day exploring the rich surroundings of Gecko Creek Lodge and yet another wonderful meal prepared by Ingrid, all of the guests of the camp gathered in the Boma for our nightly campfire, drumming and story session. ... [Continue reading this entry]

High Flight John Gillespie Magee, Jr Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds, --and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of --Wheeled and soared ... [Continue reading this entry]

Thursday we ventured north through the mountains to the world famous Bushman's Kloof. This 5 star resort is a jewelled oasis, starkly in contrast to it's harsh surroundings. Imagine the image of a proper english gentleman in a ... [Continue reading this entry]

Wednesday we visited the closest town to Lisa and Linton, Clanwilliam. It is about half an hour from here, still nestled in the Cederberg Mountains. As we travelled the road, Linton pointed out the local dam here which ... [Continue reading this entry]

Evening saw all of the guests of the lodge gather in the Lapa, an open-air shelter which houses tables and chairs, stoves, sinks and refrigeration for the use of the guests. It is here that people gather for meals ... [Continue reading this entry]

I think that Linton and Lisa have managed to capture the perfect union of rugged camping and creature comforts in their lovely lodge nestled in a valley in the Cederburg Mountains. The collection of tiny huts that we saw ... [Continue reading this entry]