Karkloof

While at Midmar Dam Eugene came around and inspected our solar installation. He found that the 20 Amp controller fitted was not adequate for our 300 Watt solar panel and recommended a 30 Amp instead. We ordered the new controller and Eugene personally dropped it off the following day on his way to Pietermaritzburg. It has made a major difference and the battery charging is now working as designed. Thank you Eugene!

We also ordered the RaceTech chip which was delivered to us at the Wimpy the following day. Roger installed it while I browsed the shops that Liz recommended close to the Howick falls. It is early to say but it seems as if this was also worthwhile in terms of the power and performance of Ufudu.

We enjoyed our stay at Midmar Dam, which was overflowing spectacularly. Not sure how often this happens!

We went to the Howick Falls expecting to do the walk into the gorge but were very disappointed when the Info Centre Staff told us that it was closed. The walk is not safe because the path is overgrown due to lack of maintenance. Anyway, we at least had a good view of the 95 metre high falls from the viewing platform. According to Zulu folklore a huge snake similar to the Loch Ness Monster lurks in the deep pool under the waterfall. The creature is believed to hide in an underwater cave at the base of the falls and when angry causes violent storms. And then a distraught lady comes up to us, telling us that her dog disappeared two days previously while they were walking at the top of the falls. She has been there daily, scanning to see if she could find his body below, but without success. Creepy…

After leaving Midmar Dam we headed out towards the Karkloof area. Our first stop was at the Karkloof Conservation Centre to find out more about the area. Carolyn, assisted by Twané, who run the centre were most informative. It was a really pleasant experience to chat to such enthusiastic and driven people. For more information check them out on www.karkloofconservation.org.za .

Next we went to find Bushwillow campsite recommended by the Conservation Centre. Again, what a pleasant surprise: the campsite is amazing. Huge sites, all grassed, and the owners’ (Irvin and Angie) personal attention to detail evident throughout. Irvin was there cutting grass in preparation for next week’s Three Crane Adventure race and took a break to welcome us; we were the only campers there!  www.wildseries.co.za/three-cranes-chalange/

The next morning Angie came to meet us and promptly invited us to their house for a braai and swim in the evening. Again, we were blown away by the warm hospitality of the people of KwaZulu-Natal! We had a wonderful evening in the pool, braai-ing and chatting to interesting people. Thanks to Irvin and Angie!

We saw a number of Long-Crested Eagles in the area and also learnt that Twané of the Conservation Centre is studying them for her Master’s.

We were up very early on our first morning and after coffee set off to the Conservation Centre’s bird hides with a packed breakfast basket.

The two hides are beautifully designed and we spent a long time there, including a quick return to the centre for breakfast.

We were lucky enough to see a large number of bird species and here are just 3 pics:

In the afternoon we went to see the 105 metre Karkloof Falls. They are truly spectacular, especially because the water thunders onto rock instead of the usual plunge pool at the base of the falls. It is deafening!

We were up early again the next day; this time for a hike up the mountain to the top of the Mare’s Tail Falls. (The waterfall is named after the way the stream of water sways when the wind blows, resembling a horse’s tail swishing.) The trail consists of a steep climb up the mountain followed by a walk along the top and back again. It was a round trip of about 9Km through beautiful indigenous forest and grassland.

Here are some of the creatures we encountered along the route:

Roger walked in front with a stick, carefully clearing the spider webs from the path, thinking that we would not have to do the same on the way down. Alas, by the time we returned they had all industriously re-built their webs!

The forest was magnificent and the flowers were stunning.

The walk was tough for me but, for all the kind people wondering about my foot: I managed and it was great!

After a braai and an early night we were set to depart on the Midlands Meander the next day.