Eleven of us set out from Cecilia carpark just before 08h00 in calm and temperate conditions. The clear air let us see the ridge clearly from below and speculate as to the route up.
The ridge was new to some of the group and everyone managed the pitches comfortably with varying degrees of elegance, to our morning beverage break. Suitably refueled we completed the last pitch and set off up the concrete road.
The De Villiers dam was unexpectedly full which allowed us to enjoy an extra leisurely lakeside loop en route to Caveman’s traverse. Two of the younger members eagerly posed on the Throne carefully avoiding the pond in the middle. The clear prevailing conditions rewarded us with brilliant views on the traverse which were particularly spectacular at the mandatory framed ‘overhang’.
We all took the tunnel route which was a little damp in places, to our lunch venue which allowed both sun and shade spots.
After lunch we languidly lingered in some slivers of the Enchanted Forest taking time to enjoy all the botanical treats. Thanks to the amateur botanists who so willingly shared their knowledge. 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.
For expediency it was decided not to descend via Cecilia Ridge and after felling another pine and clearing some graffiti, we reached the cars at 16h53.
