Decisions, decisions! To spend half the day in and out of the water while the wind howls? Or do something else? Our group of 11 enthusiastic hikers opted to trust that the drizzle would stop and that the strong wind would not howl down along the river because we were determined to find the hole-in-the-roof waterfall this time. It turned out to be a good call for the outbound section, but oh, coming back through the pools in wind of more than 25kph on our wet backs was COLD!
Usually, the Rockhopper route, when begun from Tweede Tol, requires a compulsory swim through a long, deep pool. Given the weather, we opted to stay dry as long as possible, so we crossed the river at a very narrow, shallow point and continued on the opposite side of the river until we were past that pool. We continued thus, mainly on the right hand bank, avoiding any sections that went deeper than our knees.
At one point we were faced with a high rockface that seemed doable. Stephen was asked to test it for viability for descent at the end we could not see. All clear, and off we went. It added a bit of excitement other than rockhopping. (Photos)
Another fun moment was when we stopped at a car wreck – model unknown. We had a bit of fun – the females and males taking turns to pose, as in car advertisements! (Photos)
Our goal for the day was the hole-in-the-roof waterfall which we had not found last time due to our time constraints. Since Vivien had found it during an informal recce with friends a few weeks earlier, she now led us confidently up that side kloof. Fortunately it was dry and calm in that sheltered kloof where we did indeed enjoy more than one highlight. We were still all absolutely dry at this point after 2 hours, but when we saw this waterfall gushing into a little pool under the rock roof we, each one, disrobed down to our swimwear and went to stand under it!! The water was not very cold either. It was a perfect place for lunch. (Photos)
The other highlight was when Vivien suggested we all pose along the nearby cliff edge. It meant that the designated photographer, Dirk, had to pick his way along the opposite bank to take the photo. There was some delay on his part. He called across that there was some drama there. He was watching a cross-marked grass snake (Psammophis crucifer) eating a southern rock agama (Agama atra). (Video)
Having rejoined the Witte River after descending the side kloof we began our return to Tweede Tol. There were all these tempting pools, but some of the party were really reluctant to get wet due to that strong, cold wind on our wet shirts when we left the water. That wind rather spoiled the fun of the pools. In fact what we wanted most was to lie on the hot, flat rocks we were crossing! So at a water stop near one of those a few did some ‘lizarding’ (Photo)
At that final pool we all did brave the swim with its icy exit in the wind because we were near the cars to change into dry clothes. Usually when one arrives back at the cars we open all the windows and doors to let in fresh, cool air. Not today – we welcomed the cars’ heat!
It had been a worthwhile day – we all had the satisfaction of having found and experienced the ‘elusive’ hole-in-the-roof waterfall this time.
