The south end of the beach at Hua Hin, Thailand.
Where are Kevin and Ruth now? Hua Hin, Thailand.

Where are Kevin and Ruth going next? Maldives on March 23rd.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Drizzling, but still a great day...

Our regular readers might have noticed that we're trying to play catch up from our six days away without much internet. We did have enough connectivity to check emails, but definitely not enough for a blog post, especially with pictures. So check the prior posts to make sure that you didn't miss anything because we're trying to do some extra posts until we're caught up!

On Monday February 3rd, we went for a hike. Rain or shine.

There was no way we were going to miss the beautiful scenery because of a little rain. So we asked our new friend Zoe if she wanted to join us for a hike to Hole-in-the-Wall.

One of the things we like about this "backpacker" type of accommodation is meeting some of the other travelers. Sometimes you hit it off, and sometimes you don't, and because we're a little older than most of the backpacker crowd, we often don't click. But we hit it off with Zoe, a 25 year old girl from Switzerland traveling alone with her backpack and surfboard.

We set off just after 9:00am.


You can tell that it's not a bright sunny day! It was warm enough, but again...it's the rainy season here. It wasn't raining when we set out, but there was rain in the forecast.

A typical local's property.

This is actually a fairly large local property. The garden is big, and there are quite a few buildings meaning there's a large extended family living on the property as well. As we came down the hill, a little girl came running out to greet us...

Ruth, with our little friend.

This little girl couldn't get enough of us. It was too cute.

Zoe and Ruth admiring the view.

Kevin and Zoe.

Made it to Hole-in-the-Wall, and it started to drizzle.

Still, we walked down to the beach. Can you see the hole???

Sorting through pictures, we have realized that we don't have a picture of Zoe, other than those you see above. Too bad. We had a lot of fun socializing with her and some of the other people passing through the Wild Lubanzi backpacker lodge, and hopefully we'll see her again someday.

Made it back to the lodge in the rain. We were pretty much soaked by the time we got back, but we enjoyed the hike. relaxed and read books for the rest of the afternoon. We bought the lodge dinner at R60 ($6.30) each, a delicious plate of roast chicken, potatoes, and veggies.

They have a policy at dinner time...no cell phones and no internet. That means that everybody actually has to talk to each other. What a concept!

Despite our gripes about the animal issues, we really did enjoy our couple of days there, but it was more due to the people we met. Some things we didn't agree with, so it's a good thing we're easy to get along with.

Next up? The road to Durban.


10 comments:

  1. I don't mind hikes in the rain at all. Unless it's a cold rain, otherwise it seems a wonderful way to experience nature.

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    1. We didn't mind the rain either, it only started rain shortly after we got to the "Hole-in-the-Wall" so really it was only the hike back to the hostel that was wet but it was warm out so the rain cooled us off nicely. Having said that the pictures would have been so much pretty with blue sky and sunshine.

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  2. You've hit the nail on the head - enjoying the people you've met along the way - Zoe the backpacker, the dear little girl in pink, the couch surfers you've stayed with, mingling with the locals, etc. So many memories being made - for you and for them, too! Love the beautiful scenery where you're at now. Can't believe you only have about a month left - your trip sure is going fast!

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    1. Yep, this trip wouldn't have been the same if it wasn't for meeting all these fantastic people along the way and I am sure that we will stay in contact with many of them over the years to come. We can't believe how fast the time is slipping by either.

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  3. Awesome place, love the hole in the wall! You are sure getting some great hikes this trip!
    That little girl was so cute.... :)

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    1. It really is a beautiful area here in the Transkei and we loved it there. That little girl came running right up to us with the biggest smile on her face, I don't think she wanted us to leave, I think maybe she wanted us to stay and play with her. : -)

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  4. You're not letting anything slow down your fun, the rain must have felt good after all the heat you've been through. :c)

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    1. Nope we don't intend to let anything slow us down and, yes the rain did feel good after all that heat. Unfortunately it doesn't make for such pretty pictures.

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  5. The Eastern Cape used to be known as the Transkei. It is a beautiful area and my family and I have spent many memorable holidays in the area. Wonderful sea and surf fishing with magnificent walks along the white sandy beaches. A wonderful place to visit.

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    1. We couldn't agree with you more. Not quite sure why it isn't more popular but in a way I am glad that it isn't, that way it will stay beautiful for longer. It is nice for a country to have a few hidden gems.

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