African storm

Trip Start Jan 21, 2007

Trip End Feb 21, 2007

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Where I stayed

Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Leisure Resort Underberg

Flag of South Africa Drakensburg, South Africa
Thursday, February 1, 2007

With an early start we left Durban and traveled to the Royal Natal National Park and the mighty Drakenburg escarpment. Our accommodation was in chalets at the Drakensville Berg Resort where we arrived at approximately 1:00, had lunch and then did the laundry. As we could hear thunder and the skies threatened rain, we decided not to try to go horseback riding. However, Lotta rounded almost everyone up for a mini-golf tournament before dinner.

As we sat in a semi-circle around our truck for dinner, I thought, "Wow, here we are in Africa, eating outdoors, watching the lightning flashes in the distance." Suddenly a few raindrops fell, soon followed by many of their friends. We quickly moved the folding chairs into the garage - just before the deluge! Water poured down, lightning flashed, thunder sounded. We gradually moved the chairs further and further into the garage as the rain seemed to come from all directions. Then the electricity at the lodge went out. We were experiencing a true South Africa storm. A memorable evening watching lightning flashes in Africa.

We eventually had to run back into the chalet, close the windows properly, and mop up some water as best we could. Kristal jumped a meter in the air when she came around a corner and saw me with my headlamp. Eventually we located a supply of candles.