Today’s meet if described in culinary terms might be best described as a Smorgasbord – there was something for everyone- one, two, three courses or even an “eat all you can” option.
The weather, at this time of year, influences the offerings and decisions are often made on the spur of the moment. After considerable rainfall earlier in the week there was a chance, if predictions held true, that we would be blessed with sunshine and cooler temperatures. As it turned out predictions were spot on and 18 of us were rewarded with sublime conditions.
Our “Groot” group with the river behind:
(L-R): Stuart Neil, Ben Brunner (guest), Alex Neil (guest), Emma Neil (guest), Nelia Parma, Jonathan Neil (guest), Clive Louw, Hattie Sprittles (guest), Sandy Louw, Maretha Alant, El-Doree Grobler (guest), Anika De Witt (guest), Frans Slabber, Tim and Kim Gaskell, Chantelle and Johan Olivier.
Leader: Ed Kay-Shuttleworth (behind the camera!
Our first two objectives required crossing the Groot River. For some months the mouth has been closed so this hasn’t presented any obstacle. Our first surprise this morning as we crested the sand dunes was an open river mouth. This immediately tuned up the excitement amongst the participants a notch or two and left the leader relieved that he had taken a photo of the NSRI emergency numbers. There was quite a current of water after the recent downpours and from the side it looked a bit like a grade 2 Himalayan rapid. Whilst quite strong, the water mercifully was no more than knee high so no one’s pride was damaged during the crossing, either on the way out or back.
Just in case……
….. across the “rapids”!
The first objective, “Pig’s Head” was quickly attained but with 18 on top one had to take care with the sharp drops on all sides. After a short stay here, we descended to ground zero and headed over to the start of the “Point” trail which takes you up the headland on the Eastern extreme of the beach. This short climb is actually the last day of the Otter trail, and we encountered an “Otter” team as we started the climb who must have had an early start that morning, which would have been dictated by the low tide at 09h30 when they would have crossed the Bloukrans River.
All aboard the Pig’s Head
At “The Point” make no mistake!
Looking West from “The Point”
We might have wished to wander slightly further along the trail, but a sign posted in the path made it clear that this would be frowned upon. From our recently gained vantage point we now had a very clear view of where to cross the river with the least chance of getting overly wet. We followed this line on the return and were soon back at our parked cars before 11am. At this point 5 members decided their appetites were satisfied and they headed for home leaving 13 of us to drive over to the start of the Salt River trail.
We tackled this trail in an anti-clockwise direction, for no other reason than variety. Upon arriving at the Salt River we found some shade and everyone took to the water. We enjoyed a relaxing 45 minutes here before deciding that with the incoming tide we better make a move if we were to complete the circuit and return via the rocky sea front. We left 7 of the group on the riverbank as they preferred to chill there for the afternoon but the group of 6 didn’t get far. We encountered some strangers who had come along the shore and who advised us that the tide was by now so high as to guarantee us a good dunking. So we all decided that we could do with out that after a very relaxed day and we retreated back the way we had come reaching the cars by about 2pm.
Thanks to all who joined and sampled today’s smorgasbord!
Meet Leader ~ Ed Kay-Shuttleworth