11/08/2026
Anyone out here love a road trip? We love nothing better, especially when it comes to exploring the lesser known parts of our province, KZN. Though today we attempted the same round trip we did last year from Ixopo via Umzimkulu, Emaus Mission, Lourdes Mission and back to Ixopo via Creighton...we did not 100% succeed! Of course the other goal was to find some snow and to hopefully capture a few images of the colourful huts and homelands with a dusting of snow!
As we meandered our way around on muddy roads, ever so close to the snowy Swartberg hills, we heard a thud, and another and another! We'd lost a nut and bolt that held the suspension in place. And that was that...we were stuck in the cold middle of nowhere, with the snow in sight but a long way from home and a long way for a tow service to come!
What would we do?
We'd broken down next to a Shabeen. Who knew what we should expect!
Not much later, a police van stopped to check if we were ok then went on to find the owner of the shabeen to help us. We needed 2 x 10 ml bolts to fix the problem. Soon the policeman and a man with a long green trench coat walked towards us and our broken down vehicle. The policeman told us that this man will help us and continued on his way.
The shabeen owner asked us where we were going...I pointed to the hills, in the direction of Lourdes and the snow, and while evidently sounding quite disappointed, told him that we'd have to turn back now. He said, "But this is life - this happens. You must accept."
Rob and the man disappeared for a few minutes into the shabeen storeroom in search of nuts, bolts and a pair of pinchies (pliers)! He told Rob that there are many old cars on this road with many problems! Because of this, they keep everything, even the broken parts, in case there is a use for them one day.
They found an old broken starter motor with a perfectly sized bolt attached to it, stripped it down and emerged with it and with a pair of pinchies - our only hope of getting back home tonight!
I pondered this today, the metaphor of it all - it felt alot like life these days...of going in the right direction with a specific goal in mind...but with set backs and many life lessons along the way. The challenge is not to get stuck on them, not to dwell on them for too long. Accept them and move on.
The bolt fit and while it wasnt perfect, it would certainly get us home! We decided to turn back and come back another day.
Today we didnt quite reach our goal, but along the way, we met many kind and helpful people. The question is, I suppose, is how to see today? Did we not get to where we were going or was where we got to just right for now?
