The group consisted of 15 people. MCSA Members Greg and Cheryl Devine, Clive and Sandy Louw, Gary and Sandy Cundill, Maretha Alant, Janet Moore, Tim and Kim Gaskill and Brian and Jude Cobern. We were joined by guests Ann and Guy Dormehl.
After signing in at the SANParks Goudveld boom/kiosk we left some cars parked under the trees and all piled into two vehicles which transported us to the end of the Bibbyshoek road where parking is very limited.
Just after crossing the Lawn wood river, Maretha explaining the future of the land at the end of the Bibbyshoek Road that has now been harvested by Forestry and is undergoing a change of ownership.
Reaching the top of the Homtini cycle route long haul upwards.
A quick tea break saw us take a left turn down what is marked quite clearly Lawnwood escape route. Hopefully no one that is in need of a rapid escape takes this as it would be best just heading back down the jeep track or head on to Krisjan se Nek.
Fortunately we had plenty of time and followed the ‘escape route’ single track through the most beautiful thoroughly drenched forest. Magnificent trees of all shapes and sizes. The past rains had left their mark and the path was wet, but as the track very seldom sees hiking boots, it was not nearly as slippery as we had anticipated.
A magnificent forest elder.
The Bracken which in places was pretty high and dense enough to hide our path and some of our hikers!
After crossing the Lawnwood River for the second time we stopped for lunch.
It was lovely hiking a lesser known trail in the Knysna forest. We ended up back in the Bibbieshoek road and walked the extra 400m to find our cars back at the gate.
On the way home stopping off at the Old School Rheenendal on the Highway West Road, we were spoiled by Janet Meintjes’ coffee and the most divine cakes. Highly recommended.
The total distance turned out to be a bit shorter than anticipated as Clive’s Wikiloc track measurement below. indicates.
A beautiful day out and a trail that would be perfect on a hot summer’s day!
Meet Leader ~ Fran Hunziker