To officially mark the relaxing of restrictions in the Covid era we decided to undertake a short, easy but none the less enjoyable hike in the Goukamma Nature Reserve. With temperatures forecast into the 30’s by midday courtesy of Berg wind conditions we elected for an early start. When the gatekeepers arrived to open the entrance boom it was difficult for them to stop the assembled team from surging in and heading for the trailhead. But protocols had to be applied and after temperatures were recorded we were allowed to head for the start.
We all navigated the Goukamma river without managing to fall from the pontoon into the drink and we were soon on our way to the beach which we reached not before we had to navigate a substantial puddle in our track and a minor sand cliff.
Obstacle 1 – the river Obstacle 2 – the puddle Obstacle 3 – the cliff
Once on the beach it was plain sailing albeit somewhat misty – the sun only started to reveal itself when we turned inland at the halfway point and started to ascend the dunes.
Footprints in the mist
L-R : Henrik Petersen, Gary Cundill, Mai Petersen ( guest ), Mimi Kay-Shuttleworth
Maretha Alant, Ruth Powell, Ed Kay-Shuttleworth ( Leader ).
Debris from the recent fires was littered everywhere but the track had been pretty much cleared and after a short stop at the fallen Trig beacon and weather station we started our descent back to the river and our cars.
Soaking up the sunshine and the view
Starting the descent of the dunes
The Goukamma River stretching from mountain to sea
In the distance the mouth of the river can be seen blocked by the sand bar. The trail winds along the dunes on the way back and makes a pleasant change after the coastal stretch on the way out.
So a pleasant morning by the seven participants and an enjoyable welcome back to our traditional activities – covering about 7.5 kms we were back at our cars after 4 hours where two of the team then set off for some paddling on the river whilst others headed for a coffee and a beer.
Ed Kay-Shuttleworth (meet leader)