Going Big, and Getting High

Late last night I returned from a trip filled with perils and delights. It seemed, the closer I got to home, the more the gods conspired against me. The rain intensified, lightning blitzed, roads went under construction (for 20 minutes at a time, and on at least 3 occasions), and in a bid to avoid paying a toll, I took an old road and got stuck behind a huge truck that used up more than half the road, so I was forced to slipstream behind it.

The trip to Lesotho was an incredible test both of the vehicle's resilience, and mine. It was also a test of wits, because on paper I had drawn a challenging route (that no one, not even the border people had any knowledge of, not even how long it might take to do), and there was plenty of uncertainty:

- would the roads be under water
- would I have enough petrol
- would I find my way without getting lost?
- would I - driving alone - be safe?
- was it possible to enter and exit Lesotho at opposite sides in one day?

I tempted fate, and came out the other side invigorated and happy. I only wish I couyld have shared the experience - the real live one I mean, with someone.
On the other hand, I'm not sure how many people would have enjoyed the risk and reward going on. It was quite a brutal journey, over very rough terrain. Towards the end of it I was getting dizzy, not from the heights but from exhaustion. It's a painful business, driving across mountains all day. It's like riding a bucking broncoe.
At the end of the day I came face to face with closed gate. I didn't feel dismay or elation. I thought it was a gate so somwhere off limits - I didn't think they'd close off the main road. I followed another road right into the parking area - shrouded in cloud - of some lodge. It turned out to be a wonderful place - with roaring hearth, a busy bar, smiling, chatting people and warm food.

That night I had bad dreams about Sani. After all, I was attempting it in a 4x2, and my best weapon for the steep decent would be the handbrake. The next morning was bright and new, like the First Day. To be continued...