Pilgrimage to Gold Country

Today we packed up and headed for the historic gold mining town Pilgrim's Rest, which is now a designated heritage site. Since it's only about an hour's drive from Dullstroom, we took a side trip to Blyde River Canyon by way of Long Tom Pass en route.

Long Tom Pass is named for one of the four long cannons used by the Dutch to fend off the British during the Second Boer War (around 1900 or thereabouts).  The "Long Tom" was last used at the location at the top of the pass just east of the town of Sabie where this replica now stands (the Boers melted down each cannon to prevent the British from getting hold of them).

We then headed to Blyde River Canyon, which ranks third behind the Grand Canyon and Copper Canyon, notably different because it's green and lush, rather than located in a desert.  The downside of that is the fact that fog often rolls in, like it did today, obliterating much of the view.

Along the road we saw lots of lilies growing wild.

As well as termite hills -

Decided not to bring one home as a souvenir.

John looked a little hungry...

There are buildings like these at most tourist stops, designed to provide an opportunity for local artisans to make a living.  We shopped at several.

As we left  Blyde River Canyon, we saw some of the blackest clouds ever up ahead - and we soon were engulfed in torrential rain that impressed these native Oregonians.  Soon the lightning flashed and thunder rolled, with one huge flash striking right ahead of us.  This area is known for thunderstorms, and we've seen them every day since we arrived, but this one really got our attention.

We're staying at the Royal Hotel in Pilgrims Rest. 

 This town reminds me a lot of a smaller version of Virginia City, Nevada - both Victorian era mining towns with somewhat preserved buildings housing gift shops, etc.  

The hotel rooms are cute, but the amenities are pretty basic.  There is wifi in the guest lounge, which surprised us.

Along with our room key, we got this notice to put on the dashboard of our car:

Alas, too late - the local "car washers" had already taken their dirty rags to our car, with the obvious expectation of payment.  Since the car was covered in mud after yesterday's off-pavement adventure, we just laughed and gave them 20 rand - a little less than $2.  The "boss," who hadn't done any of the work, wanted 60, but John let him know that that wouldn't be happening.