September 3rd: on the road again. Golden Gate is calling...

So I finally managed to take off. I was quite indecisive as to where I should head since Golden Gate mostly has scenic mountains and bucks to offer. Hardly a chance to see big cats. But I went eventually. Evan had recommended not to take the fast route but rather the one that's going along the border of Lesotho. Well, that was a very good advice!! What a great landscape once more! The problem is that it is especially difficult to actually conserve each overwhelming visual impression in a single picture. I guess I will have to make a couple of 360's tomorrow, maybe that helps creating some sort of a similar feeling. Besides that the people were really creative in giving the cities over here proper names. I just hope it weren't any weird missionaries. ;)

I only arrived at the park 3 hours ago so it was already pitchblack outside. Lets see what tomorrow brings and if I decide to either stay until friday or take off to have a look at the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve nearby JoBurg. Or maybe... :) Well, did anyone say there are no cats in the Golden Gate NP? Wrong according to the Lonely Planet's 'Watching Wildlife in Southern Africa'. It raises hackles (at least mine when I read it), but they have the guts to print the following as a watching tip: "At Golden Gate Highlands NP, the eastern loop road encompasses the home range of a female african wildcat." Oh my! I wonder whether she's happy with her unexpected celebrity status. If she even exists.

Well, decide for yourself and have a good nite!

Stefan

Pictures.