Spit on a rock and place it on a pile. That is what all nature lovers are supposed to do at this spot at the top of kloof gorge.

We duly did this before we started our hike, heavily laden backpacks each stuffed with a small person. It’s was a hot winters afternoon and we faced a steep climb down into the gorge to the river.

The prospect of a dip in the frigid waters of “skinny pond” was an inviting one. It was hot sweaty work lugging our heavy treasures down to the river. It’s a place we all love, nature at it’s best, and, right on our doorsteps.

The water was perfect and the spot even better. It was our own private paradise! We needed to head up before the sun set so we started on the steep rocky climb. A bit of quality training thrown in for good measure.

There Aren’t too many views in the world this good.

We returned to find the zebra kindly looking after Mertyl for us. We thanked our friendly car guards and headed home.