The goal with this meet was to introduce members to our property there and the site of our new Sybas Hut above the Waaihoeksberg River with towering peaks close by, just for the day without heavy overnight packs.
Naturally, it meant an early rise for the eleven hikers to start the hike by 8:00, especially since the day was due to be rather warm. The timing to the hut given on the website is 1.5 – 3 hours. It took us just under 3 hours at a relaxed pace through the lush fynbos. Fortunately there was no need to carry more than a litre of water at any one time because we could refill at strategic spots in the stream and river.
Whereas during the previous week’s Rockhopper route in Bain’s Kloof we had sought large warm rocks to lizard on in the cold wind, this time we were grateful for large cold rocks to rest against in the shade! A good tea spot in the little available shade on this route on a hot day was found at the first river crossing, on the opposite bank, with a tempting little pool for enthusiasts. The photos show some of the pools along the way.
The route does require concentration – the cairns are very helpful during the sections of rock-hopping to and fro over the river.
At last the hut came into view about 200m ahead! We descended from the hut on the path to the river for swims and lunch. There is a cool, restful forest on the opposite bank and 2 good (cold) pools about 10 minutes further upstream. Having spent an hour relaxing there we began our return.
The plan was to make our contribution to our property that day by cutting back some of the scratchy undergrowth hanging over the path on the way down, and we had identified a particularly dense section on the way up. We had all brought secateurs for the job (photo!) and the group reported that it was rather satisfying to open up a section of the path for future hikers.
The final highlight of the day was a pleasantly cool swim in the pool not too far from the cars. It was like a pool party and there was no rush to leave!
Nature note: the critter on the one photo shows the skin of a dragonfly nymph – they live in the water for up to several years. When it’s time to become an adult dragonfly, they climb out of the water, the skin splits open at the back and the mature dragonfly winds out. The insect unfolds it’s wings and when ready flies off. The empty nymphal skin is so sturdy that it can remain anchored to the rock for weeks. When you look closely, it shows some dragonfly features like the large eyes, or the wing sheaths.
Photos: Dirk Lang, Trevor Rennison, Stephen Richardson
