The Junction Peak ‘obstacle course’ did not disappoint and we all emerged feeling well exercised! Thankfully the rocks were dry after the overnight rain. The undergrowth however was saturated from the rain and wet boots were the order of the day.
After ‘entering’ the rock-band via a cave and climbing up we had to negotiate a short passage that necessitated the removal of packs and an exposed step-over. After scaling an awkward boulder followed by a gully, one had to do battle with a tree blocking the way at the head of the gully – much to the amusement of the onlookers at the top!
Then followed a traverse across the summit plateau to reach the main peak where we were rewarded with 360 degree views. It was too early for lunch so we lingered on top for about 20 minutes soaking up the views in wind free conditions.
Our descent took us past the enormous Junction cave and we were soon on the path to the aqueduct where we encountered more Red Disa (we had a fine viewing early on during the day as we entered upper Disa Stream).
Lunch was arranged just off Smuts track where some rogue pines provided a challenge to those who had already eaten their lunch on Junction Peak! We returned to the cars at 2pm – some choosing to descend via Skeleton Gorge (our ascent route) and the main party descending Nursery Ravine.
photos by Don Jepson
