Hello to all the readers out there! I hope you are well and that life has treated you wonderfully since the last time I wrote. A lot of things have happened since my last column: – The last episode of the Big Bang Theory (season 12) has been broadcast in America. Let’s hope it goes out with a bang! – Manchester City has won the English Premier League and FA Cup. – Arnold Schwarzenegger was attacked by some crazy fan at an event in Sandton. I smell a dare? A few things in our area also took place this past week: – The Oxpecker Trail Run took place this past weekend. It’s safe to assume I didn’t take part! – Dakar Rally winner Giniel de Villiers visited the central Drakensberg to take part in the SACCS Berg 400, a motor rally event. This proves my hypothesis that the Drakensberg could be a great place to make a Fast & Furious movie.
Recently, after spending a few days in the Free State for a story (see next week’s column) and just arriving home, I was notified of an event taking place the following day (Friday, May 17) at 2pm. It was at Easby B&B & Wedding Venue and a couple of hikers were coming. Apparently, some rugby players were part of the group. “They probably played for the Sharks U/21s and haven’t progressed to senior rugby,” I said to myself. After catching up with my work the next day, I clocked out early, borrowed my dad’s bakkie and one of his drivers, and went to see what was happening at Easby.
Also read: Biker games and fast bikes at Bucket Run in Winterton
It is on the Bergville-Ladysmith road, which I know from my high school days. When I arrived, staff were preparing for the arrivals. Boerewors was sizzling on the coals and drinks were placed on ice. I was able to relax a bit and reflect on my busy week. Easby has a great view of the veld and the mountains, and has such a relaxing atmosphere. I think it’s a great place to get away from everything. It wasn’t long before the first group of hikers arrived. They were a friendly bunch and answered all my questions. One of them was Dan Nicholls. You might know him from The Dan Nicholls Show on channel 201 (Wednesdays at 7pm). After 45 minutes, the rest of the hikers arrived. They were supposed to walk in groups of 20, but clearly they had so much camaraderie that they decided to be a crowd.
Then I met the rugby players and realised I was wrong. These guys were not mediocre players, but legends of the game. They were former Springbok wing Bryan Habana and former Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll. What nice guys! O’Driscoll and I had a nice chat about the Drakensberg, rugby and biltong. After I spoke to the organisers, I learned more about the hike. Every year, the Laureus Sport For Good Foundation raises funds to develop sport in developing countries. Last year, they raised 44 million US dollars.
This year, people from all over the world (Hong Kong, USA, UK, Venezuela, etc) joined the rugby players (who were Laureus Ambassadors) and some representatives of the media (Nicholls) on a four-day, 100-kilometre hike in the Drakensberg. They spent a few days climbing and exploring around Monks Cowl, Spioenkop, and the next day, they would spend in the Northern Drakensberg. All the hikers couldn’t stop talking about our area’s natural beauty and how fortunate we are to live here. I can’t wait to tell you what I did in the Free State in next week’s column. #MayTheLucko’TheIrishBeWithYou Slán (Irish greeting)
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