This farm is a delightful base camp for several peaks. For this weekend meet, two were selected as goals – Stormberg and Hoёberg.

On Friday evening 12 campers set up tents at the picturesque campsite and lapa, nestled between two farm dams and overlooking apple and pear orchards. The afternoon fog soon cleared, and it became a beautiful starlit evening, ideal for fellowship around the campfire.

Some do it in style

Mastering the art of marshmallows

The options for the hikes and Saturday and Sunday were discussed around the campfire, and departure times set.

The first group set off at 7 a.m. on Saturday as the rising sun caught the peaks. Destination: Stormberg,
with a possibility of extending to Langberg. The second group had their eye on the nek below Stormberg,
with a possibility of some continuing to Stormberg.

Google Earth image showing the route from the campsite to Stormberg, with a detour to Meulrivierberg. The route follows (in reverse) the original Outeniqua Hiking Trail. The path is still visible, with some overgrown patches.

At the nek, on the way to the Knife Edge Ridge and Stormberg

Having summitted Stormberg at 11.15 a.m. we contemplated the prospect of continuing along the ridge to Langberg, and thereafter returning the same way. This would constitute a 22 km round trip, and inevitably lead to us returning to camp after dark. Someone remarked “why ruin a perfectly good hike?”, so we opted to return to camp and bag Meulrivierberg on the way back.

The knife edge ridge appeared less formidable going back down, and we were soon on Meulrivierberg.
Langberg.

From Meulrivierberg the apple farm and campsite looked idyllic, while Spitzkop in the distance beckoned us to pay a visit soon.

Meanwhile, the second party enjoyed a more leisurely hike in perfect weather, taking in the splendid views and fynbos.

Another delightful campfire followed

Sunday morning dawned and promised another day of perfect hiking weather. Two of the party needed to return home, while the rest set off at 7.30 a.m. to walk up the nek leading to Hoёberg.

Four of the party elected to fossick at the nek, while the remaining six set off to find the remains of the old trail. This proved elusive.

The fynbos was dense and there were many escaped pine saplings all the way to the peak.

Two of the party chose to return to the camp, while the others pressed on.

Testing out the bedding in an unexpected hotel

I was there yesterday!


Onwards, ever upwards

For the the final ascent we chose to move right and up the bushy slope to the mini-nek. From there it is a zig-zag scramble through cliff bands to the summit.


By now a gusty northwester had sprung up, indicating a weather change. We gazed southwards across a gully towards Witbakensberg and decided that visiting this peak from Hoёberg would await another day.

The return hike was uneventful other than inflicting numerous more scratches. Upon arriving back at the nek, we were welcomed by our two returning hikers, who had driven up the jeep track in their 4x4s and transported us back to camp.


This says it all

~ Thanks to all my fellow hikers who joined this meet, and provided fellowship, laughter, food, wine, photos, and great company. And a special thanks to Martha and Gert Joubert for access to the farm and campsite.

Meet Leader ~ Tony Bowen