Participants:
MCSA members –Gillian Forbes; Wolf Schneider; Ed & Mimi Shuttleworth; Analyn Knight; Dave & Margi Barnes; Dave & Gill Manley; Greg & Janet Moore.

Visitors – Suda Khatong and Pierre Krusse; Marianne and Peter Halbsgut.

Hike statistics:
Length: 15 km round trip with about 775m of actual uphill walking.
Time taken : 5 and 1/2 hours for round trip. A fast pace today – Rain imminent, with clouds and swirling mist around us on the Peak itself – so the rests were few and short.

Grade 1 along a section of jeep track, otherwise Grade 2M. Some rocky sections, and number of ups and downs during the hike.

Trail Condition: good.
Now that the vegetation is returning to previously burnt areas – the path on the steep section is easier to find. It remains well marked with cairns.

Access permits: Self issue permits are available at the Witfontein office/ outside George.

Trail head: This hike starts from a cluster of apple farms in the Waboomskraal area. Parking is along a gravel access road- and remains limited. Access to this road/ a faded “Imbezza farm” turnoff sign. The Cape Nature sign is long gone!

Start time:8.45am
Trail completion: 14.15

Hike description: A lovely day out. With cloud cover- a cooler day – thus the uphill sections were completed in no time at all! After passing through the Apple Orchards we climbed up to the top of the Ridge. From here 2 of our party opted for the shorter route (to the Peak and back), while the rest undertook the hike in a clockwise direction, starting down the jeep track section, passing the pool- no takers for swimming so early. Then on to the rockier terrain with numerous small loose stones – along an uphill section to eventually gain the peak. Easy going for everyone.

At the peak – loads of swirling mist – so much indecision about when and where to have our lunch. Is it really going to rain ? A few spots of drizzle. On and off with our macs/are they of any use? Is it the correct time for lunch or
not? – such difficult decisions we hikers are required to make! A little chilly so YES – we continued – to a lower ridgeline. Here clouds receded, and we were able to agree that the time was right- to enjoy some snacks/lunch with views towards the Herold Area.

Always a great skyline to admire – numerous Peaks stick out, and the Waboomskraal farms, form a pretty patchwork. Good to notice that the vegetation is returning with strength and variety – plenty of new small Protea saplings – moving in an upward direction.

The front man – was mostly Greg – who agreed to act as an extra leader- thanks – while Evie “dillied and dallied” in amongst the crowd.

We all had a great social outing as well as a good hiking day in the as always, wonderful Outeniqua mountains.

Thank you to all who supported this meet.

Evie Bowen – meet leader