Google Maps describes it as “Kasteelsport – Starting Point”. It is also the point where the South Easter, having been funneled into and then propelled down Porcupine Ravine, smacks into suburbia on its way to the coast. And so, it was on Thursday 18 November when eleven of us met to commence our hike. After a quick introduction where we had to shout to be heard, we set off into the teeth of the gale. Within about fifteen minutes three participants had abandoned the hike for different reasons. The initial zig zag section of the climb above the Pipe Track was burnt out during the recent fire, however once you turn off below the Blind Gully route the vegetation is in good shape. It was a slow three hour climb to the top, battling the wind on the way up with fierce gusts that sometimes blew us off our feet. There is a stretch of wetland on the direct route between the summit and the Apostles path with no obvious path most of the time and this presumably sensitive area is being trampled by hikers which surely has negative ecological consequences. A boardwalk to the side might be a solution to this. We stopped for lunch behind a large rock where we were sheltered from the wind and watched the mist racing overhead toward the sea. The route down was via Kasteelpoort. At the top we met a young German woman who was hiking alone but was well equipped and knew where she was going. She was followed by a Dutch couple who had no idea where they were going and were dressed for a stroll down the promenade on a sunny day. These were yet more examples of how some hikers, quite frequently visitors, underestimate or are willing to risk possible rapid changes in weather conditions and criminal activity. The hike down Kasteelpoort was uneventful and we were back at the cars six hours after we set off. As much as we all enjoy hiking in great weather, we all agreed that it is also rewarding to experience the mountain’s various moods as was the case on this outing.
LEADER: TREVOR STACEY
PHOTOS: JULIE AND TREVOR
