It was a cold and chilly start for the first meet of the year. The swim was supposedly going to be a warm, leisurely meander down the Kaaimans, from Strawberry Hill to Wilderness. Very rarely do things go according to plan.
Eight hardy souls arrived on the day to tackle the river, all but two arrived in wet suits. The very keen adventurers were Clive Louw, Peter and Susan Pyke, Charles and Lindsay Smith, Joan Louwrens, Greg and Cheryl Devine (meet leader).
The track from the farm down to the river remains in excellent condition. After a pleasant, shady twenty-minute walk, we had our first sighting of the river. The conditions were not ideal for a nice float and walk, stop and gossip on the way trip. The level of the river was high and the flowing fast. Undeterred, we wet suited up, except for the water warriors Susan and Peter and jumped into the river and were very quickly swept up and on our way.
Clive led the group and managed to find the most suitable crossing points for us to use. The going was challenging at times, having to cling on to anchor points to prevent being washed away. Thanks to an excellent team effort we managed to arrive at our destination with skin intact and no bones broken, much to my relief. However, it was not all hard work, we had a lunch spot and managed to find a little sunshine and a rest spot out of the wind.
I think by the time we reached the bridge to exit the river, we were all feeling the cold and more than ready to don dry clothes and return to the farm for a warm drink and a welcome braai fire.
While we were tackling the river, Di was leading her group on the Fern Trail. The group consisted of Sandy Louw, Dave and Faye Jones and two prospective new members. The river was flowing a little too fast to make safe crossing, so their walk was curtailed a little but was enjoyed by all.
The best was yet to come. A braai, catching up on all the comings and goings over the festive season and sharing a glass of wine or two…..
Many thanks to Di and Bill Turner for opening their home to us once again and allowing us access to the river over their farm.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day out even though I was totally wrecked the next day, feeling as if I had been through a washing machine the day before.
Thanks everyone for joining in the fun, I hope we can do it again next year.
Cheryl Devine – meet leader