Day 13
Ladysmith to Mooi River- 100 km
With another big walking day ahead of us we were sure to start out early. Already by 7am the temperatures were reaching 28 degrees, and warmer temperatures were expected by the end of the afternoon. The girls, having stayed with hosts Pier and Glennis from the Rotary Club of Ladysmith, met up with the guys at the Ladysmith Police Station, and it was from there that we were once again escorted out of town. The day was hot and humid, but the mountains and hills of KwaZulu Natal served as beautiful inspiration to keep on going. By early afternoon dark clouds started to form for what was promised to be a big storm. With only 15 km left to Mooi River the rain started to pour. As time passed with no end in sight, trying to wait out the storm became an impossibility. Left with no choice we braved the storm, and while we were all soaked to the bone, it was probably one of the most enjoyable hiking days thus far. The rain was warm and refreshing, and for a moment all the hikers were reduced to little children playing in the rain. Despite being a bit wet we all arrived safely into Mooi River to meet up with one of the local Rotarians.
Our accommodation for the next couple of days was also the site of our project, Khazimula Children’s Home. Khazimula is a farm in Ligetton, that houses 29 children, most of which were street children and/or were left orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Mooi River Rotary sponsors the home, and Rotarian John Tangay has put his heart and soul into Khazimula, often spending his days playing with the children and assisting in the operation of the site. Only having been in existence for a year, Khazimula has been able to accomplish quite a lot, creating a family and a sense of belonging for these children. Tired and wet the hikers showered before sharing supper with the children and staff. In this very remote area of KwaZulu Natal where there is little to no cell phone reception and no cities close by, the hike team stayed inside as the rain continued to fall sharing good conversation and laughs with the children.
Ladysmith to Mooi River- 100 km
With another big walking day ahead of us we were sure to start out early. Already by 7am the temperatures were reaching 28 degrees, and warmer temperatures were expected by the end of the afternoon. The girls, having stayed with hosts Pier and Glennis from the Rotary Club of Ladysmith, met up with the guys at the Ladysmith Police Station, and it was from there that we were once again escorted out of town. The day was hot and humid, but the mountains and hills of KwaZulu Natal served as beautiful inspiration to keep on going. By early afternoon dark clouds started to form for what was promised to be a big storm. With only 15 km left to Mooi River the rain started to pour. As time passed with no end in sight, trying to wait out the storm became an impossibility. Left with no choice we braved the storm, and while we were all soaked to the bone, it was probably one of the most enjoyable hiking days thus far. The rain was warm and refreshing, and for a moment all the hikers were reduced to little children playing in the rain. Despite being a bit wet we all arrived safely into Mooi River to meet up with one of the local Rotarians.
Our accommodation for the next couple of days was also the site of our project, Khazimula Children’s Home. Khazimula is a farm in Ligetton, that houses 29 children, most of which were street children and/or were left orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Mooi River Rotary sponsors the home, and Rotarian John Tangay has put his heart and soul into Khazimula, often spending his days playing with the children and assisting in the operation of the site. Only having been in existence for a year, Khazimula has been able to accomplish quite a lot, creating a family and a sense of belonging for these children. Tired and wet the hikers showered before sharing supper with the children and staff. In this very remote area of KwaZulu Natal where there is little to no cell phone reception and no cities close by, the hike team stayed inside as the rain continued to fall sharing good conversation and laughs with the children.
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