It was a perfect day for hiking and swimming …and baboons! We had been prepared as to actions to take if approached by them. And it happened earlier than expected. A massive male came to stand right in front of the leader on the path. With banging of hiking poles and rocks, the troop responded well and moved off, but it had been rather unnerving. In fact, on our return in the afternoon they were still in the same area. One of our members decided to go ahead for a quick pitstop, not realising a large male was behind the large rock ahead. He reported that the sight of the baboon so close caused his urge to suddenly leave him! Fortunately, other than in that area, the rest of the day passed without hassle from them so we could eat in peace and not have to rescue our backpacks (which had happened to another group that came after us).
The path has been well signposted after the flood damage last year. The beach on the river bank near the bridge no longer exists. There is just a huge pile of rocks instead! Near ‘Deep Pool’ the new path crosses to the left of the river in a very awkward way, with plenty of rock-hopping over huge rocks, but gives good access to the pool from that side as well as shade for those sitting out.
We swam in a total of four very different pools. At ‘Family Pool’ one of the swimmers encountered an eel in the water. That was rather a surprise to say the least! Unsure of what exactly was in the water with her she exited rather promptly! One of the members took a beautiful video, but that means we have no photo to show you. Several of us stepped closer to watch the eel and were of the opinion that it is being fed by hikers because it seemed so tame. About 80cm long, deep blue-black with little fins near its head it wove in and out between small rocks near the shore.
An entertaining and enriching day indeed!
