22nd January 2023
Nestled in the spiky ridge of Johannesburg lies a 128 hectare public park. A nature reserve that houses the first gold mine in South Africa (which is unfortunately closed due to rockfalls) is in Roodepoort. I was lucky enough to go hike in Kloofendal, this morning. My friend, Marlene wanted to do a trail run so we met before the gate was open at 6am but I'd warned her that I don't run trail routes. I walk them and I brought my stick. She agreed to my (lack of) speed!
It was another stunning morning with fresh cool air in the depths of the valley where we started from and we just took a path and walked. It was great catching up and I was very happy to let Marlene chatter away as I didn't have the energy to speak and climb, lol.
The vegetation looks stunning due to the excessive rains in December, although it did cause quite a bit of damage to bridges and structures within the reserve. We climbed up to the first Lookout point and breathed in the view. It's extremely hilly and I'm amazed to think that ox wagons made their way through this bush in the 19th century.
I spotted a Malachite Sunbird although I didn't know the formal name at the time, I guessed that it was a long tailed sunbird. We also saw the buck (possibly Duiker- I was far away) and a mongoose ran across the drive on my way to the exit. There were a few hikers making the most of the beautiful playground in the middle of the city. We ended up walking against the flow after a strange turn, but it meant that I could ask oncoming hikers what was up ahead for us and be comforted that it wasn't the 'long way round, haha!
I'm quite weak in my hiking feet so Marlene was very patient with me as I crawled down over the boulders and rocky bits. The rains have dislodged a lot of stones so I was very thankful for my walking stick to help me on the downhills.
I didn't take my camera again so I'm afraid my pictures are scarce.
It was another wonderful start to the day although I'm feeling the different muscles now 14 hours later.
I will definitely be back to explore the beauty of nature.
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