#Wednesday Walk: New Germany Nature Reserve - Exploring a New Trail.

This post is for the #wednesdaywalk challenge and the #makemesmile challenge collaboration. This collaboration initially took place once a month, but due to its popularity, @tattoodjay (of the #wednesdaywalk) and @elizacheng (of #makemesmile) decided to make it a weekly thing.

If you want to know more about the rules, visit this post by @tattoodjay where you will find all the rules at the bottom of his post after you've enjoyed his beautiful photos from his walk.

Last weekend was a weekend of exploring.

I have lower back problems due to sports injuries to my back and both my hips over the years. I still follow a regular workout routine to maintain my health and mobility. So far, by the grace of God, I have been able to avoid undergoing any surgery, although it has been mentioned to me that it will be necessary. I am quite far over the time limit that has been given to me before going for surgery and I don't plan on going there any time soon either...lol!

But last weekend, just for a moment, I was careless...and yes, I hurt my back again. This happened early on Saturday morning and I could hardly walk for the rest of the weekend.

I did find a nature reserve on Google Maps though. It is the New Germany Nature Reserve which is located in New Germany, Pinetown, west of Durban, South Africa.

I decided to at least take a drive out there on Sunday and just do some exploring to see what it would be like. I wanted to see whether there are any walking trails and if it would be safe enough to go for a walk in the near future.

So yes, I was moving at a snail's pace, but off we went...lol.

The first impressions were good as we arrived. We entered through the first gate and drove through a well-maintained area with various picnic spots along the road.

Then the road became more like a "lane" going through a more "bushy" area.

After a while, the road made 90 degrees bend to the right and we arrived at a parking space.

I could pick and choose a parking spot to my liking and then the process started for me to get out of our car...lol.

We were the only people there. The only other vehicles there were two vehicles belonging to the reserve.

Not far from where I parked, I saw this little bunny. He was quite comfortable with me coming relatively close to him. I was able to zoom in a bit as well and I got some nice shots of him.

I couldn't find any trail leaving directly from the parking area, but there was no shortage of colorful plants surrounding the area.

And of course...a nice, healthy Spekboom! I did a post last week about the Spekboom and how it contributes to a healthy environment and helps fight climate change.

I moved toward the reception office where I found this notice board.

Reading the board, it becomes clear that there are animals roaming the reserve as well... Awesome!

As I entered the reception area, I found these guys keeping a watchful eye over the room...

In one corner, they have this on display...

The reception area was deserted though, with no living soul in sight.

I walked through and found these steps, seemingly leading down to a trail.

Taking my time, I went down...one step at a time...until I found the starting point of the trail.

To my right, I saw this braai (barbeque) area which is ideal for groups or family events.

To my left was a nice little picnic area with an elevated little bench at the far end from where you can admire the scene below, looking out over the valley.

A closer look at the little bench, with a wooden bar to rest your feet on...

Standing behind the bench, having a glimpse at the view. Very peaceful.

Finding my way back to the reception area...

Capturing some color before entering the reception area.

I re-entered the reception area and this time I found a staff member inside. The poor guy started apologizing profusely for not being there when I came in the first time, explaining that he was busy with some work outside...

I assured him that all was in order and I was just exploring. I asked him if he could help me out with any relevant information about the reserve.

He said there is only one trail that will take you on a 40 to 45-minute walk (one way).

He gave me a little brochure as well from which I could see what to expect once inside the reserve, walking the trail.

Trees, flowers, and birds are too many to mention individually here in this post.

But animals that can be found in the reserve are Bushbuck, Impala, Grey Duiker, Leguaan, Vervet Monkey, Slender Mongoose, and Blue-headed lizard.

I think this will definitely be a trail to visit for a nice walk in the near future.

With that, we got back in the car and returned home again.

Thank you for reading my post! I do appreciate it!

[//]:# (!pinmapple -29.81134 lat 30.89288 long d3scr)