A forecast of rain didn’t deter the group of eleven hikers (leader behind the camera) that assembled at the Beervlei office in a light drizzle that morning.
In attendance were Jude Cobern, Janet Sambrook (guest), Janet Moore, Cheryl Devine, Brian Cobern, Maretha Alant, Sandy Cundill, Greg Devine, Jeremy Lister-James and our Chairman (ex-officio that day) Ed Kay-Shuttleworth.
The usual quick warm-up along the road soon gave way to a very lush and green forest. It was immediately clear that there’s been no change to the maintenance standards adopted on this route, as trees that blocked the path last February were still safely in place, and had now been supplemented by a new crop of fallen giants and pygmies. Some sawing, pulling, snipping and snapping was done, but several detours were necessary. Two members of the party grew understandably a little weary of contorting their limbs into odd positions for limbo dancing required and headed back before tea time.
The rest of us continued on, enjoying the lush greenery, towering trees, fabulous fungi and various other botanical specimens, even when it wasn’t always easy to spot each other through the undergrowth.
Emerging onto the jeep track we enjoyed a tea stop, before continuing down the slopes towards the stream at its base.
Rain had continued to fall from time to time, and when we emerged from the forest into the grey light from the overcast sky we walked along the old forestry road for a while. A brief discussion resulted in no takers for a swim that day, so we skipped heading down the decline to the river, instead plunging back into the greenery to head back. It was good to see how quickly the burned area is recovering, with some wattle appearing but plenty of keurboom trees too.
Lunchtime saw us settled on the jeep track not far from our tea stop, but an increase in precipitation saw no-one inclined to linger. Along the ridge we went, past the enormous fallen yellow-wood (now cut into chunks but not yet removed). The chill breeze of the last stretch, walked in steady rain, made us grateful for the shelter the forest had provided us, and we arrived safely back at the (closed) office after a very pleasant 15 ½ km outing.
Thanks to all for the excellent company!
Meet leader ~ Gary Cundill