We needed to get our resupplies for the looming Drakensberg Grand Traverse ( yes, it is only 3 weeks away) up to Sani Pass and 7 of us met at the Sani Backpackers on Saturday morning. This resupply will cover the section from Sani Pass to Organ Pipes Pass and we asked everybody to store their supplies in plastic buckets. This is to rat proof them – can you imagine what a disaster it would be if the rats were
to get their gnashers on the food! Russell Suchet who is the owner of Sani Backpackers very kindly agreed to transport the buckets up to Sani Lodge which is at the top of the Pass.
to get their gnashers on the food! Russell Suchet who is the owner of Sani Backpackers very kindly agreed to transport the buckets up to Sani Lodge which is at the top of the Pass.
After dropping the buckets off in Russell’s storeroom we drove to the SA border post and after getting our passports stamped, proceeded with our walk. From here it is a 900metre climb and we would top out at 2 876m. It was turning out to be a very hot day with brilliant blue skies. The pass was very busy that day with numerous tour companies passing us. We stopped now and then for a rest and to top up with water and eventually reached the hair pin bends towards the top. After passing through the Lesotho border we walked to Sani Lodge which was packed with tourists, mostly foreign. We ordered a light lunch which we enjoyed before returning down the Pass. It was of course a lot quicker on the way back but not without a bit of slip sliding and acrobatic manouvres on the gravel road! We got to the border post before 4.00pm and I for one was quite surprised at how tired I felt. I think the heat played a big part in this. After cleaning up we enjoyed a braai in the bouma at the Backpackers and were all in bed pretty early.
We had a leisurely start the following morning with quite a few cups of coffee consumed! Despite good intentions of a walk we all decided to rather enjoy the views from the comfort of the verandah. Mavis put us all to shame and was up early for a 20km walk – what a dynamo she is! We also used the opportunity to chat to Russell about the resupply. Richard made a donation of 24 of his Berg books as a contribution and thanks for Russell's assistance – greatly appreciated by us all!
So – one more resupply – and that will be the Cambalala/Organ Pipes in just over a weeks time…………..watch this space!
