#GatesOfParadise

More than a hundred years ago, in 1905, Mervyn came to live in Malealea. He quickly developed a deep love for the land and an even greater passion for road-making. Back then, there were no trucks, no graders—just spades, picks, and wheelbarrows and the community. In order to get building supplies to Malealea, Mervyn had to forge a road from the top of the mountain pass, which he lovingly named “The Gates of Paradise,” all the way down to the village.

Each corner of that dusty road carried a story. One bend was affectionately known as “Tickey Draai”, another “Sixpenny Draai.” At the highest point, on the windswept neck of the pass, Mervyn placed a simple but powerful sign: “Wayfarer Pause, Behold The Gates of Paradise.” (A revamped version is still there ) It's a reminder—to stop, to breathe, to take in the vast beauty before descending into the valley below.