The objective was to climb Spitskop from the north. Spitskop nestles in the Swartberg Mountains and our base for the week-end was at the farm Wilgemond. Fourteen keen hikers scrambled into cars at 0700h to drive a little further into the mountains, to start the hike. The day started out cold, with a bit of a breeze and heavy mist clouding the route, but we were not deterred.
Bill and Di Turner started out earlier than the group, therefore they are not in the group photo.
The happy faces belong to Clive Louw, Greg Moore, Gillian Forbes, Ed Shuttleworth, Janet Moore, Karin van Niekerk, Dave Underwood (guest), Evie and Tony Bowen, Ian Cameron-Clarke, Greg Devine and Johan Huisamen.
The first stage of the walk is along a jeep track that steadily rises to the top of a hill, Karin decided to continue over the hill and along the track to check out the flowers etc. The rest of us left the jeep track and headed in a southerly direction to a saddle hiding in the mist. Ian decided to leave us at the saddle and headed back down to eventually hook up with Karin.
Usually, from the saddle one can get a view of where the route goes, but the mist was still thick with occasional pockets of sun shining through. We headed off to the next saddle and regrouped. At this stage everyone became
a leader and headed into the mist, some to the ridge, some took a lower line and Greg, Di, Bill and I took the
middle path. Bill and Di decided to turn back here and proceeded down, to botanise on the way.
Fortunately, we all found each other and after a few false starts reached the summit in time for lunch.
The clouds lifted a little so views from the top were seen and the descent to the cars was visible all the way. We were all safely back at the farm by 16h00 and then the very social aspect of the day began, with a braai, banter and BS continuing until bedtime.
The total distance covered was 14 kilometres and the height climbed 1086 meters.
Clive and Ian cycled on Sunday: of course, the weather was perfect, clear skies and sunshine.
Thanks to Ed for the photos.
Cheryl Devine – meet leader