Russel's Happy Place

It is hard to believe that a year ago on this date, Russ and I were on our way to the berg for a long anticipated weekend away. Champagne Castle Hotel is a very special place to us as a family. Over twenty seven years ago, Russel and I spent our Honeymoon there.

I can recall that first visit as if it was yesterday. We had been unable to get accommodation at the hotel on the day of our marriage, so we had booked into the Holiday Inn in Harrismith for that one night. It was dark when we arrived and our booking only included breakfast. Fortunately Russel’s Mom had packed us “padkos” from the buffet table which had fed all our wedding guests. We thoroughly enjoyed a variety of tasty tidbits before collapsing into bed, utterly exhausted.

As luck would have it, I had woken up on the morning of our wedding feeling as if I was starting a cold. So I dosed up on everything I could lay my hands on to clear up my headache and sinuses and ease my sore throat. Unfortunately, I woke up on the first day of our honeymoon with a dreadful head cold and my chest so sore and tight I could barely breathe. Russ so kindly got up to make us coffee and he ran a hot steamy bath for me to soak in.

This did change our plans a little bit. Instead of heading straight to the berg from Harrismith, we had to make a detour via Ladysmith to find a pharmacy, so that I could get some meds. Once I had something to decongest my sinuses and open my lungs, I began to feel much better.

The drive was pleasant and both Russ and I were feeling happy and looking forward to our much needed relaxing time in the mountains. Russel always had a good sense of humour and he often delighted in teasing me. As we approached a steep incline on the road, Russ quite seriously said, “Hen, I think you should get out here and push the Alfa up the hill.” It became a standing joke between us and was mentioned every single time we were on that road.

Nothing could have prepared us for the first time we drove up the driveway and under the stone arch that welcomed us to Champagne Castle Hotel. Everything was so lush and green. The path lined with beautiful shrubs, thick with Azalea blooms in every colour. We pulled into the parking area, which was filled with magnificent, tall trees and Russ found a cool, shady spot for his Giulietta.

As we alighted from the vehicle we stretched and breathed in that clean, pure, mountain air. It was exhilarating! We made our way as quickly as we could to the reception area, to book into the hotel, and got our first glimpse of a mountain view that would forever take our breath away, each and every time we laid eyes on it.

Russel had booked us into a Honeymoon Suite, which was on the far side of the hotel, almost at the spot where all the Drakensberg walks began at that time. As we entered our room, the first thing I noticed was a lovely peach-coloured duvet cover on the bed, which just happens to be my favourite colour. Stunned, I asked Russ if he had specifically arranged it that way? True to form, Russel quickly claimed that romantic gesture, grinning at me like a Cheshire cat. I knew immediately that he was joking, but kept that thought to myself, and gazing out of the window at the magnificent mountain view, I simply reveled in the wonderment of the moment.

It turned out that Russel and I had arrived in time to have lunch. So we quickly made our way to the dining room, where we ate the first of many delightful meals that we would enjoy there over the years. At this first auspicious meal, I was given three instructions by my new husband. There would be no holding hands, kissing or sharing food in public, just in case somebody might guess that we were a couple on Honeymoon.

Quite a character my husband. Turned out that he quite quickly relented on these instructions, because of the food sharing rule no less. In those days, we ordered off the menu and Russ and I always chose different items. It became really amusing to me that every time Russel fancied what was on my plate more than what he had ordered. I offered to share, but only if he took all three of the ridiculous rules off the table. He finally relented and we could hold hands and share food in the dining room. In the end Russ cared more about enjoying our Honeymoon, instead of worrying about who was paying any attention to us.

Unfortunately for me, my head cold held a firm grip on me for the first few days. So every morning after we had breakfast together, Russel would join the organized hike for the day and I would retire to our room to rest and read. After we ate lunch, Russ would go for a run or explore the hotel grounds, while I had an afternoon nap. In the evenings, the hotel organized entertainment which we both enjoyed before turning in for an early night.

On the third day of our stay, I thought I felt well enough to join the hikers on the walk to Fern Forest. Russ was pleased that I was finally able to enjoy a mountain climb and kept checking on how I was feeling. He helped me navigate the tricky bits and seemed quite proud of me that I had made the effort in spite of my lingering head cold. On our way back to the hotel for lunch, the climb began to take a toll on me and when we were finally down, I turned to Russ and said, “Pooh, my legs are trembling”. This of course, became another family joke, touted on every occasion whenever we went hiking in those mountains.

Sadly, after five enchanting days, spent enjoying the majestic mountains, delicious meals and great hospitality, it was time to go home. It was difficult to leave this lovely place that symbolized the official start to our married life. Little did Russ and I know then, that it would become a favourite place for all our family to appreciate many delightful holidays in the years that would follow.

After twenty seven years of marriage, I have a mental store-house of wonderful memories, as well as a multitude of photographs, from all our visits to Champagne Castle Hotel. However, like the first time on our Honeymoon, this last trip will forever be emblazoned in my mind in every detail. From the tasty food, which Russ did his best to eat as much as he could manage, to the familiar mountain grandeur.

This time it was Russel who was sick and I had to walk slowly and check on him, as he bravely hiked on paths that his feet would never again tread in his earthly life. We took our time and absorbed the beauty of nature around us. I took photographs of every tiny flower and bubbling brook. The panoramic views from the mountainside were as splendid as always, but much more poignant, because we did not know if Russ would ever have the chance to see them again.

At first we only tackled the short walks along Mike’s Path and to Duiker Dam, then finally on the Sunday, we made the long trek, to Crystal Falls. Normally a two hour walk at a relaxed pace, it took us four hours to get there and back. I was so proud of Russ for the supreme effort he made in his condition. He was absolutely determined to do it, no matter how long it took. I admired his courage and perseverance.

Upon our return to the hotel, we were greeted with a most unexpected and incredibly charming surprise. Our amazing daughter had called reception to ask them to extend our stay by an extra night, for which she was going to pay. Such a kind and thoughtful gift. We were stunned. I know that Russel truly appreciated the gesture, because he could never stop talking about it. He had been dreading our departure on the Monday morning and we were given another whole day to revel in our beloved mountain resort.

My favourite photo of Russel, from his brain seizure until his last days, is the one I took upon our arrival at Champagne Castle on Friday, 16th January 2015. He had such a big, joyful smile on his face, as he once more gazed upon the glorious Drakensberg mountains that Russ had come to love so much. I call it his happy place and I feel so blessed that we were able to make the trip when we did. Russel kept wanting to go to the berg one last time. We talked about going again as soon as he felt well enough.

January 2015 was the last time Russ and I went to the berg together. It makes my heart sad to think that we will never again hike those Drakensberg trails with each other. But I am so very grateful that we did have one last time and it was very memorable and special. I will never forget those four precious days as long as I live.

Right now, I miss you so much Russ, but I pray that you are having an awesome time in heaven, hiking along the most incredible mountain trails, such as we have never seen before. I hope the views are spectacular and astounding beyond our wildest dreams. Be blessed Russ and remember every detail, so that you can tell me everything one day when I get there to spend eternity with you and all our loved ones in heaven.

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