The Honest Jonny | BLOG

So Jean the trek guide tells us it would be a hop, skip and a jump up to the viewpoint at the first plateau. What I saw of the group was more like a slog, slip and a slump. The scene is set in the 1800s when slaves escaped captivity and sought refuge up the mountain. When slavery was abolished, soldiers came up the mountain to inform the slaves of their freedom, but they thought they were going to be recaptured and jumped off the mountain to their deaths.This is why the mountain has such significance to the locals. Upon reaching the viewpoint, my body was identifying with some of the pain these slaves must have felt!!! Just as I was about to comment that the trip up the mountain was out of place with my thoughts of a lazy holiday lying on the beach, I was presented with the most magnificent views of coastline, reef and the Indian Ocean, with it's waves breaking way out to sea. Looking down at all the kite surfers blissfully surfing on the idealistic blue and calm bay below, I found it hard to understand what anguish the slaves must have experienced in this peaceful paradise..... and yet I could identify with them......could a jump off Sandton City end my years of slavery to my 9 to 5 Jozi Job back home.

As I walked down the mountain, I felt that I had justified spoiling myself on our return to the bar situated on the beach at Dinarobin. And the choices I was going to have to make .... Phoenix Beer, original, Premium or Draft?. How many to have, one, two or three while staring out to sea at the incredible sunset right in front of me. At this very moment home seems so far away and I realize this means I'm in for a very stress free stay.

Rodney Johnstone