It was about 2 years ago that Johan van Vuuren and I summited Formosa Peak. We then started talking about this peak. And then it happened…
Before we embarked on this journey, we were a group of 7 but lost 2 due to flu and a fracture.
The weather similarly had it’s knife in for us; forecasting rain, mist and lightning from Friday to Sunday – with differing levels of intensity and times.
So, after consulting yet another 5 weather websites, on Thursday evening I suggested we start our hike early Friday (07h00); as there was a break in the weather with an option to summit Friday.
L to R: Johan van Vuuren, Johan & Christelle Olivier, Andre du Plessis and Gillian Forbes
We started our hike at the dams (630m) with all in a joyful spirit. We hiked strong and soon reached the end of the jeep track. The fynbos was a delight to behold. The sky was clear. Johan van Vuuren, recovering from a severe recent illness, was taking strain. We took some of his load to ease the progress. Andre entertained us with numerous tales (short.. and tall) of many adventures and happenings. He even told a few jokes. Gillian was the cairn spotter, sometimes assisted by the rest of us. Christelle just smiled and waved. I trotted along. We ate our lunch in the veld and pressed on.
We passed a gurgling stream as we headed up and up and up. After a very long climb we reached the cave at 14h00. The water was dripping profusely into the clattering pots – of course it lasted all night as well (see foot note). Johan van Vuuren was dog tired. He decided to remain at the cave.
The rest of us used the 4 hours of bright sky to go for the summit We changed for small packs with water, warm tops, snacks, torch and went… up, and up, and up. The first gulley was gnarly, but we managed well. After a long rock scramble, we reached some vertical and survived (thank goodness without heavy packs). We took some photos and videos, but mostly went up, and up, and up.
Summit!!
We actually reached the highest point in the Western Cape(2325m) just after 15h15! The views were spectacular.
At the top we found a rock tablet, left behind by previous hikers, a century ago (see picture below).
After a brief stay, we descended. Surprisingly, it was easier and less scary! Maybe I am getting used to vertical, however probably just confused by the lack of oxygen as I am now scared just looking at the pics.
A very pleasant night was passed in the dripping cave with dinner, biscuits, drinks (someone’s Whiskey, Whiskey and whiskey) and chatter.
After breakfast we headed down back to the world and its complexities. The mist and rain came, and we were overjoyed with our plan to summit on Friday.
To summit on Saturday would be no small feat. We went down carefully, not to slide, slip or fall.
We reached the cars at the dams. After a proper skinny dip to freshen up (just joking), we departed for home.
It still feels unreal. We really did it!! Wow! Happy.
My sincere thanks to Gillian, Christelle, Andre and Johan for a fantastic hike!
Meet Leader ~ Johan Olivier
Foot note
To relive the cave experience, place a metal pot on a stand in the shower. Open the tap to a proper drip and go to sleep next to it, on the hard floor.