There were moments of expansive dry bush, rocky mountainsides, open farm fields, constricted orchards, huge tree plantations, cloud-capped mountains, marching pylons, and thick bush. Every kilometer of the Agterwitzenberg was something new and we found ourselves frequently walking along borders: ridges that define the border of properties, peaks that border the sky, borders of water, man, electricity, machine. Borders of wild and tame.
First light of the morning and time for us to pack to be walking before sunrise.
This apple orchard inspired The Orchard, Johann’s Poem, and Explorer Moment of the Week.
The first time we’ve walked in shade or with anything taller than we were.
Johann reading his poem.
Look closely and see there was still snow on the mountain peeks.
These are the mountains above rural towns, always there but never visited.
Walking near the electric pylons provided for the path of least resistance through the bush, but took away the wild spirit of the mountain.
Thick bush and the orange vine with a love to entrap.
The last descent for the Agterwitzenberg Passage. It leads to the train track. The track leads to the road. Road to toll house. End.