Following our Lesotho cycling trip we decided that some rest and recuperation was in order! So we spent five very laid back days at one of our favourite spots in the Berg, Lotheni which is situated in the Southern Berg. This area is much loved by us as it is never overcrowded, probably because it is more remote than the other Berg resorts and the road there is pretty rough. One feels a great sense of being immersed in the mountains and the views are tranquil and beautiful. There was a low point however - we took a walk up to Simes Cottage and were horrified to see that they have commenced cutting down the row of magnificent Cedar/Cypress trees that have provided shade to hikers cars for many years. These trees are ancient and I am sure were planted when the original Simes Cottage was built and are very historical. On enquiry at the office we were informed that the decision has been made to clear the area of all exotic trees, and this includes the very historical Gelib Acacia tree that was planted in the late 1940's by a Carbineer that survived a skirmish in Italian Somalialand. I fail to understand the reasoning behind this as these trees pose no threat to the environment as they do not spread as the pine and wattle trees do. A sad day. We left feeling very relaxed and at the same time, reluctant to say goodbye. I have no doubt though, that we will be back soon......
