For our 15th Wedding Anniversary in December 2021, we decided to get away as a family to one of our favourite spots – The Drakensberg. We love the fresh air, mountains, rivers, wide open spaces and the awe of our creator who spoke all these things into being. We packed super light this time (so yes after 15 years of marriage you eventually manage to pack ONLY what you need) which set the tone for the 3 night get-away. Simple, Relaxed, Un-rushed.
We booked to stay at the amazing Orchard Manor, which has become a home away from home for us. On one of our recent previous stays here, we found a trail signposted to “Cleo’s Pool” and decided we would love to explore this trail on a future visit. So on the second night of our stay, the plan was made and the adventure to find Cleo’s Pool was set for the following morning.
We dressed in comfy clothes and pasted ourselves with sunblock as well as packing lots of snacks and some treats for the hike. We had no idea where we were going, but we knew where we had seen the sign and headed in that direction. For most of this path it is up-hill, with a few beautiful wide stretches which created space and enabled us to catch our breath. Eventually we made it to the sign and headed up some more into the complete unknown. A troop of baboons were passing the time at the crest of where we were headed, and we cautiously climbed this section, feeling relief as they moved on to allow us to inhabit this area. And a stunning area it was. There was a bench in a yellow-flowered wild garden with views for miles of the valley we had just mounted. We sat here, grateful for cool water, energy-giving sweets and moments of conversation, laughter and memory-making.
We then braced ourselves to head off and looked about for the signs to steer us on-course. We found the yellow footprint and climbed our way up to a tar road. The sign then instructed us to head left, and so we diverted back onto the mountain-side and found the path again. As we were comfortably getting into a rhythm of walking along a flatter path, we noticed longer grass, and a very poorly trodden path, but decided to continue walking and continue walking. Eventually after following our noses a bit, we met up with the top-end of the tar road again, and were very pleased to find another yellow foot-print marker to get us back on track again. Yes we had taken a detour by mistake, but what a great misktake it would prove to be.
As we enjoyed the plain we had come to, and some more wider walking trails, we came to a fork in the path and a large stone sign post. We were so excited to read “Cleos Pool” as an option and were busy discussing which fork tine to venture along, as the sign didn’t quite clearly indicate where to go from that point. We decided that we would probably need to head towards the river, and so made up our minds to head along the left fork tine trail. We were refreshing ourselves with some water when an elderly gentleman appeared walking along the path we had just completed and approached us. South Africans are always friendly, and so we enthusiastically greeted him and asked where he was headed. He responded and asked the same. And we are so grateful he did. Obviously a regular walker in the area, he informed us that we would need to head along the RIGHT fork tine heading further along the plain, and proceeded to give us a few more tips and insight into our journey ahead. WHAT A MOMENT. As he left and headed left, and we started off heading right, we just realised that if we hadn’t taken the detour, we would never have met up with him, and would have ventured down the wrong way to a destination we were not wanting to reach. We took a moment to acknowledge and thank the Lord for his provision in directing our paths, just when we needed him to.
The rest of the walk was amazing. Along some open paths, some covered trails, some steep climbs and drops and finally down a tire-ladder to get to the cool, un-developed, natural beauty of Cleo’s Pool. We got our swiming attire on, and dipped into the fresh, take-your-breath-away water. It was FREEZING!! A quick snack and water break followed, before we started the walk back.
This was enjoyable in a different sense. It was now mostly down hill which is so must less strenuous, but your legs, knees and feet feel the pressure. It was also so wonderful to take in the views of all the ground we had climbed on the way up and take in the majesty and wonder of it all. As Psalm 19:1 puts it, “The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the works of his hand.” and Psalm 148 says, “Praise the Lord from the earth,……..you mountains and all hills, ……Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendour is above the earth and the heavens.” We snacked on the rest of the snacks we had packed, including chips, super c’s and some biltong, and as we approached our accommodation, after 10kms out in the open, we decided to quickly grab some more towels and drive straight to the pool. Best decision ever!
xxx
On reflection of this day, I was reminded that even when we don’t know where we’re going (as we were when we veered on to the detour), we just need to be encouraged to continue taking the next right step. We musn’t panic, we mustn’t lose heart. We must look up. To the one who created it all, and also to His creation, and take it all in as we walk.
Also, the Lord will provide for and direct our paths when we continue to surrender to him, trust him, and rely on him. He brought the elderly man along our path at the exact moment we needed it, and we didn’t even know we needed it. God wants us to trust him with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5) and he promises to never leave nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)
Lastly, always pack snacks. The ones you need and definitely the ones you want!
hope of heart 