High Hill Hike

Busy day today - we had a morning visit with church people for tea in Bluehill. They have just returned from Cape Town where she had a back op, very successful. We left them at 12, and then drove around all over that part of the island looking for a picnic spot, as I had packed some rolls and chips and apples, in preparation for a whole day out. After much driving, we found ourselves at the foot of High Hill, where we ate and then played hide and seek for a while. That got boring, so Nick suggested that we climb High Hill. We were all wearing good shoes, just in case of something like this happening, so we tackled it. It’s quite an adventurous walk/climb, although only rated 2/10 for difficulty but there are many very steep bits, and the boys managed splendidly. Aaron held Nick’s hand almost all the way up and down but Caleb is like a little mountain goat. There were only a few places on the way down where Nick held his hand. I was quite scared in many parts, feeling like I couldn’t go any further, because I have no confidence when it comes to leaping about on sandy and pine-needly inclines, but Nick helped me in some places and the other bits I just took slowly. We got to the top eventually, and then came down again, with me shuffling down almost on my bottom. Thankfully the car was parked in the shade, so we sat in the car and recovered. It was hot and sweaty work! We were very glad of the weather though – sunny and warm, but with a nice breeze. We sat in the car for about half an hour, and then went to our second visit of the day. Their driveway was a surprise for us. Nick parked just outside the gate, and then we walked up. Had we known about her driveway, we might not have bothered getting the exercise from High Hill. It must have been easily 1 km long, and fairly steep! First there was a bit along the gravelly driveway, then we went through a barbed-wire gate through the cow field, then another gate led us into the actual house property, after which there was another very steep grassy bit. We couldn’t believe how long it took us to get there! They have to do that walk every time they go anywhere, because they park their van about half way up and walk the rest. Had quite a nice visit with them, despite the awkward silences. We left at about 4.30, but not before Harold warned us not to go near the cow, because she doesn’t like children. Unfortunately the cow happened to be standing right next to the path, so Harold accompanied us down half way, assuring the cow that we had no harmful intent. It was a little on the scary side, because this cow was huge and old with long sharp horns. We didn’t really want to be attacked. Thankfully got to the car without incident, and even more tired than before. Got home, then got busy cooking, as we had dinner guests. Very good evening with them. Nick is extremely satisfied to have accomplished three pastoral visits in one day!