Hikers: –
Ruth Powell, Gillian Forbes, Tanjje Strauss, Judy Dixon, Maretha Alant, Joan Louwrens, Terry Hime, Fran Hunziker, Mai Petersen, Greg Moore, Fred van Berkel, Greg and Cheryl Devine, Wolf Schneider, Eugene and Avril Fichardt, Dave and Gill Manley, Peter and Marianne Halbsgut, Charles and Lindsay Smith, Clive and Sandy Louw, Ed and Mimi Kay-Shuttleworth, Karin V Niekerk with guest Janet Meintjes, Dave Barnes (meet leader) with guests Pete and Ewa Richmond.
The hike had been postponed from the previous Saturday due to a winter storm with icy winds and rain. A week later conditions could not have been better. It was like a perfect early spring day.
Our club had permission to view the newly upgraded section of path along the dune section of the Goukamma trails, which will shortly be reopened to the public.
It was gratifying to see the recovery after the fires, and the section of cleared path made for easy walking.
Three of our number braved the high tide and low sea temperature and had a swim at the turning point. It was not possible to make the return along the beach due to the unfavourable tide, which resulted in an out and back hike. This meant more ups and downs, 900 metres of ascent and descent, enough to persuade most of us to visit the Lake Pleasant hotel afterwards for necessary rejuvenation of body and spirit.
The hike took just under 6 hours with stops. Distance was 15.9 km.
Thanks to Fred van Berkel for the pics.
Dave Barnes – Meet leader