CELEBRATING THE NEW YEAR

After the departure of our Christmas guests, we set out on another new adventure, this time heading south-southwest on the MR9, the “Grand Valley road”. Back-packs packed, we caught an early bus, transferred in Manzini, rode to Nhlangano where Fred and Florence met us in time for lunch. From Manzini south was new territory for us and we enjoyed the views of the green hills and small mountains (although we did not enjoy riding in the bus—a little crowded, and Swazis have an aversion to open windows, even when the temp approaches the 30sC). We were impressed with the big city of Nhlangano. We saw sidewalks, curbs, and even traffic signals in a business grid with nice shops. Quite impressive when compared to Siteki. After lunch, we caught a Khumbi for another 20 minute ride to Mahamba and still walked 20 minutes more to their cabin. They have a very comfortable cabin in a beautiful valley setting—made me feel as if I was at a lake cabin. (They have electricity but no running water.) A little wine with supper and a little brandy ushered out the old year.

New Year’s Day, Fred and I climbed the ridge behind their home so we could look into Mpumalanga province of South Africa. Little did I know that I would be hiking with someone who is part mountain goat, whose legs are half again longer than mine, and is eight years younger. My keen eye estimated the elevation gain as 1500 feet (estimating pattern altitude) and we accomplished that in little more than 60 minutes. It was a beautiful day, much cooler on top, and I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.
The second picture is 'the gorge', where the Mkhondvo River enters Swaziland from RSA--and shows the elevation gain we climbed.

Third picture: The Palouse? No, the Mahamba Valley.

Fourth picture: Intersection in downtown Nhlangano, taken from inside KFC. The yellow vests are 6 per block everywhere in SD--selling air time.


The Mkhondvo River just after passing 'the gorge'. This is a camp
ground and the 'chalets' can be rented.








A view looking into the Republic of South Africa.











A typical homestead with rodeval in the middle and clothes on the
line.

Downtown Mahamba.

(Clicking on these pictures should enlarge them.)