Modderfontein

It was a cold icy Johannesburg morning, another Saturday morning spent with nature. It is always a daunting task for me to get out of bed during winter to go hike. However, as soon as I am up, I forget all about warm blankets. I think am not a morning person, I don’t know, still trying to figure that one out. Maybe I am disciplined in what I enjoy doing, I can sacrifice my warm bed for better. LOL.

This day was no different, got up early, still dark and way we went for another beautiful morning. As soon as we got to the farm, I was blown away by the beauty of sunrise through the fog. The experience of someone who get to these spots very early verses someone who arrive an hour or two later is different. I get to experience the sunrise, even better during winter, fog and mist. It’s picture perfect. It’s the small things for me, the rest is just a bonus. The tranquility of it all, fresh air, quietness. The best escape ever, cannot compare.

Modderfontien is surrounded by lovely dam, besides the hiking trail, people come through to fish and bird watch. There is also a market with different stalls including food stalls, it’s a nice touch to it.

I want to digress a bit and tell you why I named this piece “The Escape”, besides the obvious reason that hiking for me is my safe space to catch and release. The beauty of finding peace is that when life is lifing you, it lends easily because you are in a way ready for it. You know consciously or subconsciously but you just know. Writer’s block hit me for the past few months and no matter how hard I tried to finish this blog on my timeline, it was just not happening.  I allowed life to life me so that I get over it. Along with not blogging I was unable to hike for over two months which is unheard of ever since I started hiking.

This experience of the past few months made me realise how I was able to think positively even when the situation did not allow. I am proud of myself and continue to learn about myself.

I am mentally, physically, ready for the mountains again. Looking forward to my next adventure in the next week.

“The moment in front of you is not bothering you; you are bothering yourself about the moment that’s in front of you-Michael Singer

Until next time Fabtastic people

Moira

Part 1

It’s been a minute my Fabtastic people. I have missed connecting with you. I am back, the nippy weather in Johannesburg is hectic, but we match on.

I cannot believe it’s been five months of not climbing the mountains.  A quote by Howard Thurman came to mind. “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and do that, because what the world needs is people who come alive.” Right now, Nature makes me come alive and it makes me happy. 

I decided to call on my spontaneous friend a few days before Saturday to go do a quick hike. She agreed so fast and she was happy that I am back to my normal self after my knee injury. Weirdly, I didn’t even get the knee injury from climbing mountains, lol. Anyway, I am healed and ready for adventure and shenanigans. 

I am so happy I put on my hiking boots again, life will sure throw curve balls your way. It is how you deal with those curve balls that will get you on the other side. It was great being outdoors, smelling fresh icy air, hearing birds chipping.

We went for a short hike, 5km, the weather was icy and cold, yet the sun was shining. We are in full swing of winter in Johannesburg, so it is expected. However, this is a hiker’s dream weather. Walter Sisulu is one of the most well-kept Botanical Garden in Gauteng. It is so immaculate and green. Beautiful sculptures and art all over the Garden, the best is their gorgeous waterfall.  I am always happy to pay my entrance fee because I can see where its going. Lol. There is a restaurant tucked in under trees and lots of plants, it is so refreshing to be around it. This garden is the bird watcher’s dream, I always find the bird watchers fascinating to watch. They have the biggest cameras and they look so expensive. 😀. I understand there is more that 200 bird species recorded onsite. This place is also great for picnicking, during summer off course.

Till next time Fabtastic People.

Moira