Seven of us set out from Cecilia carpark at 08h05 in calm, cool and overcast conditions. The ridge was enshrouded in mist so we couldn’t see our planned ascent route on the way up to the start. As an experienced team, the initial sandy section of the route and the pitches up to our morning break were easily handled. Rested and refreshed with some stimulating discussion topics we completed the last pitch to the top. After a short stop to take in the views, we set out up the road towards De Villiers dam. As it was full, no short cut was taken en route to the Caveman’s traverse. Three of the party posed on Debbie’s Throne carefully avoiding the pond in the middle. After visiting Hole in the Wall, we contorted our way to the overhang. Luckily the mist had cleared and the rain held off which allowed us to savour good framed views. Most of us took the tunnel route to the lunch stop, a much better show than last week when none out of 15 did it. With a cool north westerly blowing, we opted to sit in the alcove which was much calmer thanks to the cushioning effect. After lunch we lingered through some slivers of the Enchanted Forest taking time to enjoy this botanical and geologic spectacle. We did the Middle Earth loop which is always fun and most of the party preferred the hole under the top rock when descending the chimney. We also cleared some egg shells and a plastic bag tag recently left by a thoughtless visitor to this relatively pristine spot.
We had an easy descent via Cecilia Ridge and Rooikat Ravine reaching the cars at 16h40. Four of us enjoyably extended the hike with refreshments and potato skins at Constantia Nek.
