We got up extremely early today to begin our adventure to the Thukela Falls. It is located in the Amphitheatre and is the second tallest waterfall in the WORLD!
The hike was absolutely stunning. Everything is so rich, green and fresh here. The only problem was the fog. At times we could barely see our hands in front of our faces. I didn’t mind it too much after a while though. It’s actually really peaceful in the clouds. And quiet too. It’s like being in a cave – its eerie silent, so all your scenes are dramatically heightened.
To get up the waterfall, we had to climb straight up this very rocky cliff. Before we began, our guide told us that many people had died climbing it, and he almost did last year as well. He was climbing up, and the person in front of him accidentally kicked a boulder out of place, sending it flying down the mountain. Luckily, he dunked just in time to miss it hitting his head. So that story made me slightly terrified.
We made it to the falls, but it was still too foggy to see all the way down. It’s probably best I couldn’t though – it’s a 1000 meter drop, straight down.
The climb down was very difficult. A few yards away from the waterfall, we ran into a cliff, and the only way to descend was to climb these ratchety old ladders hanging from the side. The first one was about 65 feet and the next was over 100 feet. A couple people were too scared to do it, so they had to be harnessed and lowered down. The only problems I encountered going down was the rocks jetting out, making it impossible to get good footing, and the wind moving the ladder.
It was a really fun trip overall – but I’m happy to be back in my cozy dorm room again. Classes start tomorrow, and I’m really anxious to get on some sort of a schedule again.
The hike was absolutely stunning. Everything is so rich, green and fresh here. The only problem was the fog. At times we could barely see our hands in front of our faces. I didn’t mind it too much after a while though. It’s actually really peaceful in the clouds. And quiet too. It’s like being in a cave – its eerie silent, so all your scenes are dramatically heightened.
To get up the waterfall, we had to climb straight up this very rocky cliff. Before we began, our guide told us that many people had died climbing it, and he almost did last year as well. He was climbing up, and the person in front of him accidentally kicked a boulder out of place, sending it flying down the mountain. Luckily, he dunked just in time to miss it hitting his head. So that story made me slightly terrified.
We made it to the falls, but it was still too foggy to see all the way down. It’s probably best I couldn’t though – it’s a 1000 meter drop, straight down.
The climb down was very difficult. A few yards away from the waterfall, we ran into a cliff, and the only way to descend was to climb these ratchety old ladders hanging from the side. The first one was about 65 feet and the next was over 100 feet. A couple people were too scared to do it, so they had to be harnessed and lowered down. The only problems I encountered going down was the rocks jetting out, making it impossible to get good footing, and the wind moving the ladder.
It was a really fun trip overall – but I’m happy to be back in my cozy dorm room again. Classes start tomorrow, and I’m really anxious to get on some sort of a schedule again.
SISTER!!!! I finally got this thing to work! I Loooove your journal. It sounds like you're seeing so many cool places. I wish I could be there with you. I miss you so much!
ReplyDeleteLove, Katie
Dear Kerry,
ReplyDeleteHAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! We send hugs and kisses your way!
Love,
Mom and Dad, Katie and Chloe