The last time we did this route, it was mid-winter with the waterfall thundering down, and we had to negotiate slippery, slanting rocks just before the chain traverse. Now, at the beginning of summer, the waterfall was a thin ribbon (photo), and the chain section was absolutely dry, making it less dicey. The plan was to possibly swim this time, whilst still being able to enjoy the coolth of that intimate kloof. Two brave members, Stephen and Mickey, had a dunk, while Sandra went in thigh-deep! (Photos). The rest of us just enjoyed having our tea break in the shade, sitting on the cool rocks beside the stream. (Photo) Roelof discovered the stream is named Volstruiskloof.
The area that had been burnt is recovering well, with pseudoselago’s dotting the veld. Stephen identified pretty Codonorhiza corymbosa (photo), which also dotted the slope. Leucodendron rubrum (photo), which is not found in the Peninsula, made a good show.
The other small changes on this day were that we took a more interesting descent route from the forest near the hut, and detoured to the area simply called ‘Lily Pond’ at the end of the route. The day was warm, and this shady, grassy area beside the pond covered in water lilies (photo) was a cool and restful end to the meet before a shortish walk back to the cars.
In all other aspects, the route was exactly the same as the one reported in the August newsletter. The main difference was the different faces on this da,y as the photos will show.
