The
story of Willie Chalmers, wanderer, pacifist, artist, painter, sculptor – has
many versions. I prefer the one as told
to us by our old and spirited lodge owner. We listened, huddled around a
blazing fire in a mist-enshrouded log cabin, nestled in mountains called The
Drakensberg.
The
mysticism of The Drakensberg is renowned the world over. It is one of my favorite destinations to
unwind, de-clutter, meditate and be in silence.
What I
love most about the many versions of Willie’s story though, is the common thread to all – the
story of his passionate energy. His
powerful connection to the open spaces, the long road, the desert and the
mountains. He said that he trekked in
order to find himself.
Having
wandered around most of Southern Africa - The 1950’s saw Willie Chalmers
entering the Natal National Parks region and falling in love with a wealthy
farmers daughter.
Old man
farmer wanted more for his only daughter than what a poor wandering artist
could offer. Didn’t old man farmer know
that if you have Love you have everything?
And so the love affair was forbidden.
The delicious and easy 4 hour trek to visit The Naked
Lady. Loving the en route view J
High up in the Drakensberg. She's just around that corner ...
From the moment we set foot on the mountain, James and I undertook a Vow
of Silence. Of all the conversations we
had – THAT one, in silence – conveyed the most.
Elsa’s story continues – that Willie and old farmer’s daughter stole up
the mountain and found an enclave for their trysts. There Willie produced a sculpture of his
love. Set in the mountain face – an
immovable declaration of his love. OHH!
To be loved like that #rocksolid #immovable #unchangeable.
Sitting at the feet of The Naked Lady, eating our black bread and cheese
and drinking our wine out of plastic cups – James and I were infused with much
of Willie and old farmer daughter’s passion.
We speak of them often because in many ways their story reflects a bit
of our own.
As Willie did through his many years of trekking – James and I found something valuable on that one. Alone and together.
Few people will ever get to see The Naked Lady. I’m so grateful that I trekked up The
Drakensberg Mountain to find her because I found a bit of myself.
