Family Adventures - Protea Black Mountain

This morning we were only going to depart at nine o' clock and then the faster two wheelers

The Start

were going to go off first so we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast in the dining room. 

The trail started through the reserve first and even though they ask that we not ride faster than 20 or 30 kph you always have those that must kick up the dust and chase off all the game in the area. We were still lucky enough to see a herd of Blesbuck and Springbok before we left the reserve. 

We took the technical trail but about half way up my quad

Richard Eating Some Dust Today

would not let fuel through on the very steep inclines so we decided to do the flatter route.

One section went through a forest with very narrow and winding paths which was really great. A few difficult places where the rocks were loose and Richard had to help me through.

Lunch was at a farm where we had rolls with cold meats and salads. A quick toilet stop and off again. 

We are really dusty and dirty because it is so very dry at the moment. You have to leave a fair gap between riders so as not to eat too much dust.

All safe back at the hotel again and clean after a long hot soaking bath and hair wash.

I must whinge a bit about the hotel. You can see that it is not in the condition it was when it was owned by the Southern Sun Group. They could not handle the electricity load when we all came back this afternoon and were bathi9ng, showering and blow drying hair. 

Protea Black Mountain Hotel

Small little details in the hotel also show, such as the aging carpets and the taps that drip. The shower is held back by a shoe lace. Small things which make you think - what is this place going to be like in another 5 years time.

It is not a hotel where holiday makers stay so I think they have to rely on occasions like this from "Family Adventures" to stay in business.

Sad because this place must have hummed in the days when it was the Thaba Nchu Sun and Casino.