Special Spaces - 5km

by Rob Wood
1 month ago
Near Witteboomen, ZA

13 views

Congratulations, the clues came together!

Welcome to my little backyard adventure touring some places that are really special to me.
But let's not get ahead of myself.

My challenge to you is to use nothing but these instructions of dubious quality to navigate the world, no phone unless lost, and no map unless really very rather lost.

1. Eagles Nest

Start the foray into the unknown from constantia nek parking lot.
Aim up.

Once you pass the boom you are on the right track.
Look ahead for a mini peak up and to the left.

That is your goal!

Keep going until the first path approaches from the left. Take it and keep left!
Run if you dare, no heroes are born on these sandy steep and slippery stairs. But many have been felled!
If you hit a clearing where cars could turn around, cross and keep left and aim for the very close peak.

You have made it to eagles nest.

This is a place of peace, splendor and possibility. Cherish the view.

2. The Stump

Return briefly on the way that you came to the clearing and jeep track.
Stick to the glorious gradient and glide your butt down the hill until you reach a crossroads.
The dogleg right is for later, the left is for now.

Go left and continue on the jeep track until you get to a hill of ankle breakers.
Look up without falling and you will see the stump.

A motley excuse for a mound, approach with care, as grief, glory and new beginnings always begin from here.
Climb the mound, find the stump, and you have crested the second challenge.

This is a sunrise spot, always quiet, filled with reflections of the world and of the self.

Sit quietly for a time.

3. The rollercoaster

The sobriety of reflection comes to a close, and with new energy, retrace your steps to the crossroads in your past.

Once there take the direction thus untouched.
Keep an eye to your left, as the next journey is hiding from you.
If you are beyond the trees you have gone too far.

Small unassuming and brief.

Once on the single track of the rollercoaster, spread your wings and fly.

That is all, and I will see you when you reach the jeep track again.

You have ridden the rollercoaster that highlighted many of my first runs, it is a special little track, and fills me with joy and love for running each time that I meet it.

4. Heartbreak Hill

As we have met the jeep track, turn right and shortly you will find a place of respite.
Pause a moment and soak in the sounds, the sights and the soft gurgle of the stream while Teddy takes a sip.

Keep along the tracks and steel yourself for what is ahead.
Once you meet a junction

The descent is for the damned, turn right and climb!

Burn your fire into the ground, rage into sky as your being comes out anew.
Sprint to the top.

5. Homebound

If you have made it this far, congratulations.
Home is around the corner, be gentle now and coast.

The hills the slopes are all behind you, recognition will soon return, and you will have conquered the first "Backyard Adventure"