Bermondsey
6th to 8th November 2009
by Cynthia Webber
Bermondsey - "the Mouth of the mountain from which many waters flow" or the case of the misleading arrows?!
Well, the "many waters" were much in evidence on Friday night - thunder, lightning and torrents of rain.
 To hike or not to hike - that was the question on Saturday morning. It dawned overcast but not raining, so off we set nice and early. We weren't too sure if we were going to the top of the mountain, but the path led us ever upwards through magnificent forest. Just near the top, the clouds and rain rolled in! The rest of the hike was a race to get back to the railway carriages. A great pity as the scenery and walk next to the Komati river could have been great.
Many divides in the path with nary a sign to point which was the "right" way. Much disputing and despairing.
Sunday dawned bright and clear. Four of the party opted for the "Donkey Trail" while the rest relaxed and then returned.
The Donkey Trail proved even more confusing in its markings as at one point there were arrows pointing in two different directions. Still - got to the top of the mountain and returned via a magical kloof following a little stream through indigenous forest.
Highlights were:
Railway carriage accommodation. Comfortable and well appointed.
Dina - the boerbull bitch who accompanied us on all our walks - a delightful companion.
Magnificent scenery - pity about the rain - but countryside was green and lush.
Good company - with many a tale and many a laugh - THANKS to Kevin (Leader), James and Barbara, Eddie, Pat, Jenny, Erica, Carol, Joy, Terry, Lucilla, Cynthia
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