Hikers who participated:
Cheryl & Greg Devine, Greg and Janet Moore, Wolf Schneider, Tony and Evie Bowen, Gillian Forbes, Tannje Strauss, Mike and Hillary Appelgryn, Sanet Meersbergen and visitor Erna, Barbara Raubenheimer and visitor Gerhard, Gonny Houtsma, Bruno and Ulrike Baldzuhn, Marianne and Peter Halbsgut, and visitor Sarahjane Tierney.
Hike duration: a “there and back hike” – we took a leisurely 5 hours including stops. The hike started at around 9.30 am and we finished by 13.30.
Hike distance and Grade: about 10 km – grade 2 for most of the trail, while some grade 2+ for the peak itself.
Trail Condition: the path from the “Hop farm” in Herold, leading up through Camferskloof and up to the neck is in good condition and an easy path to follow. The Peak section has a rudimentary path. It is easy enough to find one’s way to the top.
Climbing up to the peak, although it looks straight forward from here, does involve some exposed spots and a few scrambles over rocks.
Hike statistics: Our total assent for the day was about 450 m.
Trail Condition: Good, despite fires 8 months ago – easy to follow path. Currently there is no water in either of the 2 small streams crossed on the hike. This is a typical condition of the Outeniqua mountains in 2019 – during which time the rains have seemingly dried out – any cloud and rain formation heads straight out to sea. Luckily though the fynbos vegetation has shown some recovery from the fires of late Oct 2018, at least we were able to enjoy some pretty spring bulbs and flowers shining here and there.
Access and permits: Self issue permits are available at the Witfontein office.
Hike description: From our meeting place at the edge of George we drove to the Hop Farm “Burnsleigh” in Herold. Plenty of space for parking. This where the hike starts.
Along the way – time for a short break.
Some are drinking, the girls are possibly quoting limericks (as a result of our visitor Sarahjane, “visiting all the way from Limerick in Ireland”).
While perhaps the guys are engrossed in discussing Africa’s role in the 4th industrial revolution.
And conversations continue as we gain in the upward direction.
After reaching the saddle at the Camfers valley head, taking in the views back to George and the sea we start our rocky peak ascent.
From Peak Ten67 – two opposing views.
What’s in a name? Well, Peak Ten67 stands at 1 067 meters above sea level. A particularly rewarding peak – easy access and spectacular views in all directions of our very special southern Cape Outeniqua Mountains.
To end: An event not to be missed.
The best pizzas in the Outeniquas – only available in Waboomskraal and made for us with perfection and speed by Bobby and Ria. Large quantities of ginger beer were also consumed – an indication that today is Sunday here in the Southern Cape!
Many thanks to all the hikers who joined me on this wonderful Sunday’s outing in the Outeniquas. Also, thanks to both Sanet and Hillary who provided some extra photos for this report.
Evie Bowen – meet leader