Over the last ten years or so, the SC Section has enjoyed several ascents of Spitskop and its neighbouring peaks of Tierkop and Bloupunt. On these occasions we stayed at a grand old farmhouse called Wilgemond. Sadly this is no longer possible, so a new place had to be found for this Spitskop outing. We discovered a small gem near Prince Albert called Bushman Valley, and what a super place it is! It has camping on green grass, nicely appointed bungalows, a boma and hot showers. What more could the hardened MCSA climber need? A few extra trails is what, and what charming trails they are.
Before I get too carried away, it must be said that it is now a longer drive to the base of Spitskop, but luckily mostly on tar and good gravel.
The party consisted of Werner Frei, Gary and Sandy Cundill, Maretha Alant, Karin van Niekerk, Janet Moore, Tony and Evie Bowen, Fran Hunziker, Joan Louwrens, Andre Brink and Cheryl and Greg Devine (Leaders).
We arrived on Friday and set up camp, while five of us occupied chalets. This was followed by a braai and relatively early to bed for an early start in the morning. Janet and Karin elected to stay back and do a short walk, while the others piled into three cars for the trip to our objective. We parked the cars well off the road and were met at the start by Andre who had driven over from George much earlier.
We started out as a party of eleven, but it had been decided by each person how far they wanted to go, depending on their own energy levels. A few folk constructed pre-excuses (my damn knee is killing me……..) so that they could turn around later with honour intact. Six of us reached the summit while others stopped and turned around when they wanted to. The summit was about 1100 vertical metres over about 6 km distance one way.
The weather was cool and not too sunny, but it was cloudy and misty with no views from the summit. However, views from the high ridge were good.
Cheryl and I were very slow coming down and I would like to say it was because we were the sweep, but it was just too difficult to descend quickly through the bush and rocks. Thanks to Tony, Fran and Werner for waiting for us at the jeep track. Once we were on the track we sent them on ahead and finally ended up at our car after 10 hours of effort, with the last of the light beginning to fade.
Andre left two cold beers on our car as he left for home. They went down singing hymns and never has a beer tasted so good. We got to the camp in time to braai and trundle off to bed.
Janet and Karin had decided to do the Yellow route at Bushman Valley, a route that was supposed to take 4 or maybe 5 hours. Whether they went wrong or the trail was badly measured, we will never know, but it took them very much longer.
On Sunday morning a party of layabouts decided not to walk, but to go to the ‘Lazy Lizard’ in Prince Albert for breakfast. The rest of us did the purple route, which was very nice, a bit rocky underfoot, but easy and scenic. After that, we all went our own ways back home.
Other leaders should take note of Bushman Valley, because it can be used as a base for more climbs in the Swartberg, as well as rock-climbing.
Meet Leader ~ Greg Devine