So, after 17 years of Garden Route living yesterday’s leader had decided it was finally time to tackle the famed Cape Dune Mole Rat. Feeling confident after recent exploits along the Swartberg, (c)-D-(m) Day had arrived!
Last minute additions and subtractions complete seven contenders eventually united at the Trail head and set off shortly after 9.15am
Ready for the (mole)rat!
L-R: Analyn Knight, Evie Bowen, Ulrike and Bruno Baldzuhn, Tony Bowen, Ed and Mimi Kay-
Shuttleworth.
We faced four distinct challenges during this undertaking.
First (and foremost) – was not getting lost.
Second– was to avoid severe injury caused by the excavations along the route by the trails name’s sake.
Third – was navigating the broken and twisted boardwalk
Fourth – was to avoid wading through knee-high water.
Navigating the Congo-esque jungle
Surveying the “Lake District”
Conquering the summit
I am pleased to report back that the group managed itself with utmost distinction and we were partially
successful on all four counts.
Jewels along the route
Views over the vlei
One of our challenges
Cloud protection from above
Mole Rat minefield
The weather was in our favour, and despite recent rain and wind which earlier in the week had threatened the cancellation of the expedition, we managed to complete the circuit in a leisurely and respectable 4 hours.
Not much persuasion was required from one of the participants to encourage the group to retire to the
nearest bar at the nearby Sedgefield golf course where we reflected on the days adventure over pizza and cold refreshments.
Meet Leader ~ Ed Kay-Shuttleworth