The inconspicuous nature of this mountain from afar perhaps accounts for it being awarded the unflattering suffix of “kop”. Those members of the SC section who climbed the mountain over the weekend will be left with no illusion as to its true “berg” nature and the respect it deserves.
Distant skyline 0712 Sat 11th May 2019
Skyline close up 0712 Sat 11th May 2019
Looking back 1530 Sun 12th May 2019
Our group of eight from far and wide assembled at Khomeesdrif campsite, Riviersonderend late Friday evening and after a chilly night, Saturday dawned bright and sunny. After an impromptu “weigh-in”, packs were loaded and we made tracks to field No 26 ( the trailhead ).
Under starters order L-R : Tony Bowen, Derek Odendaal, Sonja
Wend ( Stellenbosch section ), Evie Bowen, Maretha Alant, Elna
van der Walt ( guest ), Greg Devine, Leader: Ed Kay-Shuttleworth
( out of frame taking picture ).
It was always, and will remain, a dilemma with this hike whether to “tortoise” or to “hare”. We opted for a night under the stars, flapping tents and slipping and sliding off the ground mat. The downside was the full pack and the relentless 6 hour climb of 920 metres in altitude / 5.6 kms distance ( = tortoise ). This hike has been done up and down in a full day ( 11 – 12 hours = hare ) but what chance to enjoy the hidden secrets the mountain has to reveal to those who care to explore ?
Water is a vital element in this decision and fortunately the Olifants river above which we camped was a good provider on this occasion.
An early start on Sunday saw five of our group breaking the trail before the sun was up and before 0930 we were atop the summit after a stiff 600 metre vertical ascent. Like an island rising out of the plain the summit affords views on all sides with the Langeberg and Hex stretching behind in the North to the East and West and the solitary Babylonstoren to the South.
Summit seat
Summit five ( photo credit Derek Odendaal )
Camp beneath the summit ( photo credit Derek Odendaal )
Window onto the Riviersonderend range to the West
Our descent was surprisingly quick and a breeze in comparison to the previous day’s ascent. The camp was packed up on our way down and by 12.30 we were heading for the bottom fully laden.
So what of the elusive “Scarlet Pimpernel” ( Gladiolus stokoei ) that is rumoured to frequent the slopes ? Well – we sought him here, we sought him there but he did what he does best – and he’ll keep us guessing ! We did enjoy some other secrets the mountain had to offer and a small selection are here below.
Painted Lady ( Vanessa cardui )
An unusual Erica ( Erica fascicularis )
Red Lipstick ( Endonema retzioides )
There had been vague talk at the top of the mountain about staying over another night at the campsite if our descent was delayed but this was not deemed necessary and most of us were home in good time.
Our sincere thanks are due to Stuart McLennan for kindly allowing us access across his property.
So lets just – “Feel the fear and do it anyway”.
Ed Kay-Shuttleworth – meet leader