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This was an extra
weekend activity arranged at fairly short notice due to Adrian’s scheduled Zulu
Cave weekend having to be postponed to the following week.
Mary’s cottage is situated in the Cathkin / Monks Cowl area, above and
north west of the Drakensberg Boys Choir (6 km from Dragon Peaks) and 140 km
from Howick.
The cottage is reached
via a small dirt track which could be difficult to find without proper
instructions so Mary kindly provided us with a copy of her own marked-up map.
The Saturday forecast
for Pietermaritzburg was 32oC as Margaret and I set off from Howick
in reasonable weather which steadily deteriorated as we headed for the
Berg. By the time we reached Dragon
Peaks to pick up Merle and her son Andrew it was very misty and absolutely
pouring down with rain.
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A normal car is not
recommended for the last 6km but a bakkie with good ground clearance would have
no problems (unless it was a day like we encountered). I was pleased to be in our new 4x4, however
I did not engage 4-wheel drive and made it to the cottage without any problems,
although the mud was a bit tricky on the steeper uphill sections.
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It was still pouring
down as Mary and her two lovely dogs greeted us at the cottage, so we first
relaxed with some tea next to the inviting log fire in the lounge. Then I assisted Mary with some necessary
odd jobs before we set off for a walk in the rain. (Andrew stayed behind to
study for his exams). Even in the rain
this is a beautiful area with beautiful streams and wild flowers.
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Campbell and Lorraine
were also due to arrive in their 4x4 but there was still no sign of them when
we returned from our walk. We later
discovered that although they must have got close they could not find the
cottage, so you can imagine the state of the pouring rain and mist. Sorry Campbell and Lorraine that you missed
the luxury of Mary’s Cottage.
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After a good evening meal and some drinks next to the fire we all had a
good sleep. What a pleasure to be in the wilds of the Berg in such luxury.
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After breakfast on
Sunday morning we all set off towards the contour path and then headed in a
north-westerly direction towards Jacob’s ladder. On the way we admired the magnificent scenery, wild flowers and
abundant bird life. Andrew turned back
to carry on with his studies – what dedication! We stayed for a while at Van Damms Cascades and clambered up the
side of the lovely waterfalls. The
weather was still not too good but we still enjoyed the walk, returning to the
cottage for a nice lunch before we set off home.
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Thanks again Mary for
your hospitality and making us so comfortable in your cottage. It must be
brilliant in good weather. I can
certainly recommend other club members to join the next visit to such a good
venue.
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Keith Ashton
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