We opted for Pine Tree Inn, which nestles cosily among trees of its namesake, at the foot of the dramatic Susurumba mountain, and is surrounded on all sides by spectacular scenery, with massive granite outcrops and whalebacks and domes that call: “Come, come, come! Climb me! And me! And me!” Yes, this is a hiker’s paradise, be assured!
With Two Oceans Marathon, Hifa and Bulawayo Music Festival all lined up between now and end of May, choristers called to participate in both festivals, (yes, those calls, I heed, those opportunities, I would not miss), Hifa preparations and hence, many labours on my part, now rolling out, one must seize the calm before the storm of frenetic non-stop activities and demands and — go chill and build strength!
Then again, one must also keep training.
And the Juliasdale area is around 1 000 feet higher than Harare. This makes the going tough. The heart and lungs and circulation feel the full challenge of that extra elevation, where the air’s thinner, so a training run in the Eastern Highlands is liable to take your breath away — and not just because of the stunning scenery.
In the manner for which we are notorious, we left Harare an hour and a half later than planned, arriving, of course, after dark. No matter, for we thoroughly enjoyed the changing scenery on the way, as we climbed upwards into the mountains, especially in that wonderful late afternoon light which turns everything golden.
Which is, of course, what we all take weekend breaks to experience — a couple of days at a gentler pace!
We were warmly greeted in the car park and escorted to the welcoming reception, whereupon we met Mine Host, former high school teacher of 20 years, and later, manager of Outward Bound in Chimanimani for 10, who is a sort of larger-than-life character who is pivotal to the whole fine experience at this establishment, taking it from being simply a good weekend away, to being a great and memorable one.
Guy Cary, who’s been managing the place for four months, was tremendous company, with his hilarious, biting wit, level of erudition, and superlative command of the English language — which he used to teach — that one rarely encounters these days.
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Humour abounded for the duration — our incessant laughter may have driven quieter guests to distraction, though they insisted, not! — and since it soon transpired that mutual acquaintances were in almost ridiculous numbers, there was just so much to talk about!
Enjoying the great outdoors at Pine Tree Inn
Personality is everything, really, when it comes to being successful in the hospitality trade, and a finer one to manage a small hotel in Juliasdale, could not be identified than this!
For the role is all about building relationships, finding common ground, understanding the patrons’ special interests and requirements, and so, adding to the quality of their experience.
I confess that despite the best of intentions, the mountain air and altogether relaxing environment led to a rather late start both mornings at Pine Tree!
However, Guy had taken to heart our expressed desire to train somewhere on dirt, hilly, and scenic, for our Two Oceans races in April, and despatched us to the altogether suitable dirt road which leads to Bonda Mission.
Our sensible running coach Dave had warned us, and reduced our runs to 20% shorter than would be prescribed back home; just as well!
At first, with a fair quota of downhill gradient, I was lulled into a false sense of security. As the run progressed, however, the magnificent mountain scenery and regularly spotted raptors in the air above, become less pleasantly distracting, and breath, as gradients became really steep and seemingly endless, rather hard to catch!
After 15 km, the last three of which were non-stop, steeply uphill, I was absolutely gasping – a rare experience for me, and humbling!
Sarah was similarly bushed by her prescribed 9 km, and after lunch back at the Inn, we retired for a nap – and did not stir for three hours!
On our second day, we just could not resist the allure of Susurumba mountain, which stands proudly before the Inn, dominating the scene and calling us to adventure – extra enticement being added by the presence up there of both a geocache, and some ancient dry stone walls.
We had the most marvellous three-hour climb, ascending close to the summit, circumnavigating the entire mountain near its top, but failing actually to reach the summit.
We got caught out by a sudden, powerful storm, sheltered under a small overhang a while, and emerged with the quick realisation, as we skidded about, that the rock faces were now like ski slopes, lightning filled the air, and trying for the top, was downright dangerous!
No matter at all, for “it is better to travel hopefully than to arrive hurt” and we had a jolly good adventure in the attempt!
More on Juliasdale next week.Feedback: [email protected].
