The group consisted of 5 people – Stewart Stiles (leader), Christine Stiles, Phillipa Barnard, Gillian Forbes and Dennis Weaver (visitor from USA). The weather was not great with early morning rain following a night of rain.
The group set out just after 07h00 from Witfontein.
The rain fell lightly and the small stream after passing the Witfontein plantations that one normally crosses by hopping across a couple of boulders proved to be a significant obstacle. It was now considerably deeper and fast flowing. Dennis decided that as he was travelling internationally the following week, he did not want to risk any activity that might result in injury. He therefore elected not to cross the stream and did his own short hike in the area around the George mast keeping in touch with me throughout the morning until he returned to the cars.
An interesting feature just below the saddle was the small spring that often provides us with water. This was huge by comparison with its normally almost dry state.
We reached the saddle between George and Cradock Peaks just after 10h30 where we had a brief stop.
Needless to say, the ground was extremely muddy and slippery, so we exercised a lot of caution.
We summited Cradock Peak at about 11h50 where we had a quick lunch.
Due to the wet slippery conditions I decided that it was best not to try to do the George Peak section of the hike, so we did not need to rush the descent.
We were disappointed to note that some motor bike scramblers had been along the path below the railway line whilst we were on the hike. Their wheels had dug into the wet ground badly and had caused significant potential for erosion. I have sent pics of the tracks to Cape Nature.
We headed back down to the cars and the hike ended at approximately 16h10.
Thanks to all those who attended the hike.
Stewart Stiles – meet leader