We had no rain – but we also had no sun! The low cloud remained for the duration of our hike. Our reward was the mystical scenery around us especially on Ark Ridge where the interesting rock formations were silhouetted by the cloud.
Half way up Porcupine Ravine we branched off onto the ridge which we followed until we rejoined the ravine path higher up. The rock pitch at the end of the ravine was found to be challenging by some of the participants, but helping hands provided support. Soon we were negotiating the marshy vlakte above where the wild flowers were like spotlights in the mist.
We stopped for tea in amongst some large cavernous rock formations on Ark Ridge that provided some shelter from the slight wind, hoping that the sun would eventually make an appearance.
After tea we were all feeling somewhat chilled from the lack of sun and the general consensus was that we should change the route plan and head for warmer regions! So we retraced our steps along the ridge, with the mist still enshrouding the interesting rock formations and enhancing the appearance of the wild flowers.
We then set our course for Isolation Valley and Valley of the Red Gods and eventually reached the top of Kasteels Poort which was our intended descent route. We regained a glimpse of civilisation half way down KP after travelling about 5hrs in the mist!
photos by Don Jepson
