Smuts House Museum:Rain? What Rain?

I’ve always said that if I could harness all my negative energy for something useful, we’d be looking at world domination by lunchtime.

But alas, the only thing that magically transforms me into an aggressively upbeat person is hiking. Because apparently, the secret to inner peace is just walking uphill like an idiot for hours.

Despite the universe’s latest and most enthusiastic attempt to drown me (literally), I simply refused to take the hint.

Luckily, my unfortunate accomplice for the day—work colleague, Cinnamon—happens to be an absolute badass. She even dragged her equally fearless husband, Bark, along. Bark—who does not do this whole “hiking” thing (or bite, for the record)—brought their dog, Bailey for company while he waited for us to return.

Cinnamon and I were supposed to tackle the Phaladingwe Hiking Trail, but when I woke up Sunday morning to actual rain (no drizzle, but no lightning, so don’t come for me), I made the responsible (yes, really) decision to avoid death by mudslide, and pivot to Smuts House Museum instead—a hike I had already been forced to postpone the day before for reasons I refuse to relive.

I braced myself for Cinnamon to tell me to bugger off when I called her at 6 AM (bless her), but nope—turns out she’s just as insane as I am.

Driving there, windshield wipers going at full speed, I had my doubts. But by the time I met up with Cinnamon, Bark and Bailey? Poof! Rain turned to drizzle, and we were on.

At the gate, I was informed the trail was a whopping 2.5 km. Not gonna lie, I immediately questioned why it had even made it onto my list. But too late for second thoughts—we were committed.

The Oubaas Trail might not have had distance on its side, but you know what? It actually delivered.

The weather being brattish could have resulted in a hikeless day if we weren’t absolute lunatics. It was not steep, but steep enough that we felt that we had a mini hike

The views? Shockingly scenic.The towering trees? So obnoxiously majestic they practically deserve a formal apology for not visiting sooner. The peace and tranquility? Almost suspiciously good.The fact that I didn’t have a hikeless day? Truly priceless.

It drizzled on and off, but mostly off—which, given how the day started, felt like the universe reluctantly conceding that my positive energy was just too powerful to beat..

The museum itself is full of history and educational things for those who care. I, however, do not. I hike. I do not learn. That is the agreement.

But what I do care about? Coffee. And there’s a cozy little coffee shop where you can sip something warm and bond with the cute little monkeys.

AREA - Centurion

COST - R 20 (Can you believe?)

DIFFICULTY 

Easy, but not insultingly flat

LENGTH - 2.5 km

TIME - Who even cares?

ELEVATION -  Meh, nothing major

MARKERS 

You cannot get lost (trust me, I tried)

I wouldn’t have minded a bit of extra wandering, maybe a surprise detour for a longer route.

HIGHLIGHTS 

The trees. The serenity. The little signs scattered around like hidden Easter eggs of wisdom.

You know me—I’m an absolute sucker for anything quaint and charming.

Some signs gave history lessons, while others hit you with zen-like advice, practically begging you to take a deep breath, channel your inner yogi, and pretend you have your life together for just one moment.

And, of course, the weather played along—everything draped in that cool, misty aesthetic, like nature’s own moody Instagram filter.

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES 

Museum (if you must), coffee shop (far more important)

NOTE TO SELF

Turn into a relentlessly positive human....always!

ON A FINAL NOTE

You should totally give it a go—especially if it’s in your area. It’s got this special kinda something that I can’t quite explain… but trust me, it’s worth it.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

For me, NOSOLO—but if I ever reach a point where I’m 100% sure I won’t trip over my own feet, I’d definitely consider it, as I suspect it is far busier than on this day where we were obviously the only weirdos hiking,.