When Greg announced that the Kammanassie traverse, which he had planned, was cancelled due to insufficient water en route, I unpacked my rucksack. No sooner had the trip been cancelled when a four-day camping and hiking trip in the Kammanassie was proposed as a substitute. The rapid re-pack resulted in my carrying several kilograms too much food, and not enough fuel.
Despite carrying an excessively heavy pack, this trip was one of the best I have ever done. There was just the right combination of easy access, distance from civilisation, perfect weather, unobtrusive leader, friendly company, two and a half doctors in case of heart-attack, stroke, broken bones etc, unspoiled wilderness – I did not see any litter during the entire trip, world-class scenery complete with fascinating geological formations, and potable water, albeit a mission to fetch water for the campsite each day. The South Cape Section is extremely privileged to have this pristine wilderness on their doorstep. I travelled from Cape Town to participate in this prestigious meet. Access is free, and we had the area to ourselves, except for a couple of vehicles that passed on the jeep-track during the walk-in. For those who go to the mountains to inhale fresh, clean air there were certainly enough diesel fumes to fill ones lungs to capacity, after which one had to dodge a herd of dangerous cattle trundling down the path, and avoid squelching in their excrement. The Kammanassie is an area of world-class beauty, with excellent hiking opportunities.
After trudging along for about 5 hours with an exceptionally heavy pack, it was a great relief to arrive in the camping area on top of a ridge, and divest oneself of the burden. Gill went down the hill to fetch a pail of water, and returned looking rather pale. Several people have added a bucket to their bucket-list of equipment. Having to descend and ascend the steep hill to collect water makes one value and appreciate water even more than one does in the city, with water restrictions.
Having improved our fitness by virtue of the lengthy hike to the camp-site and the collection of water, we tackled Perdeberg the next day. Greg split the party into a faster sub-group, a medium-paced sub-section, and the slower botanisers, however it would appear that some folk were out of earshot when this announcement was made, which made for some friction when the group re-assembled on the summit. I ascended and descended with the faster group which was ably led by Gillian. On reaching a river some folk immersed themselves. One hiker’s boot fell apart, to boot.
The next day Greg and Cheryl beat a hasty retreat. I have always wanted to beat a hasty retreat, but they are always too fast for me.
Most of the remaining group set off to ascend Kammanassie Peak. Some singularly challenging route-finding brought us to beginning of the traverse, which appeared to be rather daunting, since we were confronted by a seemingly impassable vertical wall of rock. Some members of the party decided that they had had enough partying, and retraced their steps. Undeterred by the apparently impossible terrain, Gillian scrambled up as though gravity did not exist. Nothing was going to stop her from doing the traverse, and in record time nogal. James and I followed as fast as we could. Gillian holds the world record for the fastest Kammanassie traverse. She did not hesitate even for one second when confronted by a death-defying ledge. Admittedly I am exaggerating slightly – the outwardly sloping mantel-shelf, with sheer thousand-foot drop below, was not the worst adrenaline-pumping situation I have encountered in the mountains. So nonchalantly did Gillian stroll across this infamous ledge, that I realised instantly that this was the only way to do it – get it over as quickly as possible, lest ones legs turn to jelly. The longer one dithers, the more one terrifies oneself at the possibility of feinting, rolling over the edge, and plummeting ignominiously to an untimely demise. The idea is to stay alive as long as possible before eventually succumbing to the inevitable end that awaits us all. And now, on that cheerful note let me continue………
James’ water-supply was running low, so he flew down from the peak at top speed, and now holds the world-record for the fastest descent of Kammanassie Peak. Hours later Gillian and I caught up with him at the river, where various bodies were partaking of the waters.
During the night 9 drops of rain fell; I fell asleep waiting for the 10th drop. During my peaceful sleep I was attacked by a ferocious arachnid. What did I ever do to it? What did I ever do to deserve such a fate? Maybe I was a bad boy in a previous life. I shudder to think what my next life holds in store for me…….
Our venture into the Kammanassie last September was unforgettable, which is probably why I still remember it. Another Kammanassie trip is on the cards for September 4 – 8 this year, to be convened by the inestimable Gillian Forbes.
The meet leader was Greg Devine. The meet report was written by Dennis Lange