I’m a hiking addict – I simply cannot say no to an invitation to walk in the mountains. So when a friend offered to fly me to the Drakensberg to test walk the 17km Big Five Hike, which she’s persuaded a group of friends to do in order to raise funds for a rural pre-school,
The weather was drizzly and unsettled, but this did not upset the hardy British Ramblers and a few other keen souls. Highlights: The Crowned Eagle made its first ever appearance two years ago, and is very unusual at this altitude. But “our” eagles have been seen performing their duet high in the sky since then,
Hi All, We have recently spent 2 weeks at the Cavern visiting the Khanyisela Project schools to assess their needs for the year. Various items were bought in Johannesburg and issued. Still more needs to be done when we return in early April. Read more
Our grandmother, Ruth Carte, has always been held in quite high esteem by her grandchildren. She was a very determined woman but was also very private and at times quite reserved. She had a family to support and many folk who depended on her and since she was in hospitality she just had to make
The Cavern became our family home in 1941 when our grandparents moved from Richmond to the Drakensberg. They were to farm cattle for Judge Thrash but it soon became evident that the veld grasses were no good and that farming wasn’t really a viable option. My grandmother thought a Guest Farm was a better alternative
There’s no such thing as a dud birding weekend at the Cavern, and last weekend was no exception. Birding walks always start on the front lawn, under the Kiggelaria africana (that’s the Wild Peach tree), which is dripping with ripe fruit at the moment. The ripe fruit splits open to reveal a number of bright
With the new year in full swing and the end of January approaching fast it is certainly time to try and leave the festivities of the season behind and start living afresh. I am sure EXERCISE and HEALTHY LIVING are near the top of the list of each person’s new year’s resolutions… As the crowds
GRADE: ETIME: 2 hours round tripDISTANCE: 3 kmTERRAIN: Undulating, with easy stream crossings. The starting point is the car park behind the 70s block. There is an information board here with details of the trail, and many more information boards at points of particular interest along the way. Walk up the mowed slope, turning sharp
Dear Friends This year has ended on a high. We sat beneath the tall pines at the back of the school to commend all our gorgeous children, to mark special effort and excellence and to thank all those involved in keeping our school afloat. It was a special occasion, shared with the three important pillars
Dear Cavernites, As we lunge forward into the festive season we must quickly share our Activities Calendar for 2015, let you know that we have been marvellously busy despite the horrid R74 and that the summer rains have transformed our piece of mountainside into a crisp green lush valley once more! The good news is
