Members : Phil/Julie/Gudrun/Helen/Tony/Geoff B/James/Margie.
Visitors : Dave Robbins, Richard/Anne Henkel, Mark/Colleen Dellbridge, Gerard/Jill Clark.
15 of us set off in great spirits to do the mighty Krom River shortly after gathering at the end of the Huguenot Tunnel. We had looked forward to this hike for months, our side of the world and I have been yabbling on about it since doing it with Mervyn +/- 15 years ago to James! It was very pleasing to note we had no less than 7 visitors, Phil (our hike leader) telling us he liked to bring along a few friends as well. Although cloudy it was quite muggy and still, more so as we began walking parallel to the river in the kloof. We enjoyed a welcome tea break and first swim of the day after a couple of hours. I am not sure if we were soaking wet from the perspiration or from getting out of the river! This yet again is one of the beautiful parts of our special Western Cape Province, with high craggy mountains and the river winding its way around and back again hence the name 'Krom'
(literally translated meaning "not straight"). The boulder hopping didn't agree with either myself nor Geoffrey (too-ing and froo-ing) as we both slipped and fell, nearly loosing Geoffrey down the embankment! My 'prize' was a badly bruised left arm with a bump about the size of a hen's egg and a slightly twisted right ankle and Geoffrey had numerous cuts and abrasions although I have to confess, he was so much braver than the writer by laughing it off despite all the "Florence Nightingales" who attended to him with plasters, cream, loving care, etc. (He did appreciate all the attention from the fairest sex of course!). So we reached our destination aroundnoon, as predicted by our able hike leader, Phil, with a worthy reward at the far end with not only a magnificent pool to swim and dive into, but an equally magnificent waterfall to view. Some of the more intrepid hikers amongst us (not including the Humphris's!) scaled up over the rock precipice with a single chain to the very high waterfall above, which you can for view yourselves, dear readers as per attachment/s. We were pleasantly surprised with the amount of youths out walking on this lovely trail - high hopes for the future indeed. When in such a beautiful environment, conversation flows easily and what a pleasure it was to exchange experiences.
So sadly we had to leave our particular piece of paradise and begin walking back ... we stopped off for another 2/3 swims (5 river crossings in all) and James told me the water was cold but so refreshing! I have to confess I was happy to sight the cars, Julie and I taking turns at TEC en route to the parking lot. How nice to see a car guard as well, we hope he made a lot of money as there were a lot of cars and many visitors just swimming and enjoying the river near the start of our marvelous day not availing themselves of the permit amount as well.
Thank you Phil for your patience and thank you to our fellow hikers, how nice to catch up with the social buzz of the Club and friends once more!
Margie and James Humphris.
FYNBOS TRAIL - Nov 2014 - Click to download report
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INDIA VENSTER 13 APRIL 2014 - Click to download report
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Perlemoen Trail (21-23 Mar 2014) written by Margarethe Schaefer
Hike Leaders/ Organisers: Phil Williams and Larry Jenkins
Fellow Hikers: the Williams's with the de Swardt’s, the Coopers, the Tinkers, Mervyn Henderson, Tony Burton, GesinePasche, ThordisSixt, Arabel Stuart-Norrish, Carol Coetzee, Julie Ward, Marjolein Gamble, Ethnee Hepburnand Margarethe Schaefer.
I am told that he uncensored and liveversion of the below article was premiered at the AGM. Trust Trails Club to make the movie before the book is written!
Our base was the Gansbaai Backpackers, and the arrangement was that we would try and all be there by 18h00, in time for our briefing with Karen, the co-ordinatorof the Perlemoen Trail.At the briefing, we were advised that the order of the hikes had changedas there were 4 groups in total that weekend, what to expect, start time and who our guides would be over the next three days.
All had arrived safely, had settled in, and the way the accommodationwas appointed,no-one was onto of one another. There was plenty space to cook, eat, chat, read, play games (petanque with the compliments of Phil), rest, braai, etc.
On Friday morning, we were met by Barry and his wife and trainee guide for our cave walk which runs along the rocky coastline from Gansbaai to Die Plaat.We went to the Drupkelder, Gideon' Cave, Duiwelsgat and Klipgat, an internationally acclaimed heritage site. The views were unsurpassed, and the tide perfect in order to enter some of the caves.
On Saturday, we were again met by Barry and his wife, and the walk followed the rocky coast and white beaches from Franskraal to Kleinbaai. We visited the small Strandfeld museum, and were given a bit of history on the area and its people, amongst others the tragic story of the Birkenhead, which had been wrecked just off the coast there.
On Sunday morning we were met by Jason Stonehewer, to take us on our guided walk from De Dam to Buffelsjag. Again a coastal walk all along the beach, with one little bit through fynbos. Many of us would probably agree that this was the best day in that Jason was exceedingly knowledgeable about our coast, its plants, creatures and ecology.
This was really a wonderful weekend away, and thanks to Phil and Larry for organising this outing. The weather was perfect throughout the weekend and a good time was had by all.Gansbaai is not too far to travel from Cape Town, and the drive is gorgeous, irrespective of which route you choose.
We, Ethnee, Marjolein and myself, travelled there via the Hemel en Aarde Valley, and returned via Napier. Of course, we had no idea of the extensive roadworks in the area, and more than once Ethnee wanted to know whether I was sure we would not be greeted by the "Welkom to Bloemfontein" sign sometime. The colour returned to her cheeks once we drove into Napier! Apart from that, it is scenically very beautiful and well worth the trip.
Thank you to all for your company. As always, it isa joy to spend time with people who share a common interest, and what could be more rewarding than to enjoy the great outdoors in this gorgeous country of ours.
Click to see photos on our FaceBook page
CAPE POINT : 22 & 23 OCT 2013
On Saturday morning we met at Cape Point main gate and 10 of us setoff hiking the 20km Atlantic side with the north westerly wind at ourbacks - a good decision. The route was long but not too strenuous witha large variety of flora to enjoy (identification with the help ofSandy) - fields of restio alternating with white everlastings, lookinglike snow at a distance, plus some curious but shy Bontebok. PastSirkelsvlei we found a pretty, sheltered spot for tea. On and off withthe rain gear along the coastline past Gifkommetie - a few ostrich andBontebok then the rain cleared as we continued on level terrain. Alunch break on the rocks then an easy and interesting walk while wecould enjoy the birds, buck etc. without tripping over our feet! AtPegram's Point, some chose the "short cut" for the huts while otherscontinued on to the point, surviving strong winds above Cape of GoodHope along the boardwalk, but worth the effort. A beer at therestaurant a welcome respite before ascending Da Gama peak to theRestio hut to join the others. Hot showers very welcome , theaccommodation was clean and comfortable and we had an enjoyable braaiand pink sunset. Alan and Julie eventually joined us, having startedlater, preferring to run the trail. Sunday dawned overcast and coolbut cleared later with a slight wind. A shorter 13km hike on the FalseBay side but more ups and downs. The sea at Buffels Bay was abeautiful turquoise with similar patches along the whole route. Thebaboons passed us on their way to join the picnickers, and after someenjoyable rock hopping, we had our tea at Kanonkop. Occasionallystopping along the way to enjoy the beautiful views, we skirted thebase of Paulsberg (a relief for some!!) to lunch on the edge of DeBoer peak, then, sadly, back to the main gate - taking in morewonderful views of Smitswinkel and the bay. Many thanks to our leaderBrian and Sue, we all went home weary but replete. [Brian, Sue, Phil,Janine, Sandy, Barbara, Arabel, Thordis, Steffi, Alan, Julie and Gail]
Regards,Gail
HELDERBERG HIKE (SUNDAY 14 APRIL 2013)
The plan was to hike from the Helderberg parking, up a laborious 5 km of steep jeep track (not pleasant) then on to the saddle between the West Peak and the Dome. From the saddle, we would then hike around and up the Dome. As the hike schedule specified VERY FIT, only our hike leader Geoffrey, co-leader Tony, Brian and Sue, Eddie and Gail, and I, set off.
Once we’d conquered the jeep track, we had a brief rest in the shady stream bed and Geoffrey then led us straight up and to the left – a path that, unfortunately, resulted in our party meandering right around West Peak and arriving at the top of the peak for an early lunch. The views on the way up, and the views from the top of West Peak, were spectacular; we were lucky to have such perfect weather for hiking. We could see the Dome in the distance, but it was looking rather unattainable - getting back down to the saddle and then tackling the Dome itself would have taken a good many hours more than we had.
So after lunch we set off back down on the Dome side of West Peak, reaching the saddle after a very steep, rocky descent. A few moments at the saddle and we continued down, mindful of the arduous jeep track waiting below. The number of trail-runners we encountered during the day astounded me – after all, 15 km of fairly difficult terrain is not for sissies. Good company and good fun, even if we didn’t reach our final destination.
- Ethnee Hepburn
/ TONY’S HIKING BOOK LAUNCH EVENING
Paths to Pubs: A Guide to Hikes and Pints in the Cape Peninsula
ABOUT THE BOOK
Offering the most detailed coverage yet of the many paths that crisscross the Cape Peninsula, this book describes 69 tracks that traverse Table Mountain, the rocky headlands of Cape Point, and the ridges, beaches, forests and coastal villages that make up Cape Town’s hiking paradise. Best of all, there’s a chapter presenting 33 of the Mother City’s most convivial watering holes – rated according to atmosphere, value, quality of food and views – where weary hikers can wet their whistles after having worked up a sweat.
Each trail entry features a concise route summary, contour map and GPS co-ordinates for the start and end points, as well as vital information outlining distance, duration, difficulty, exposure and gradient. Safety advice and tips on hiking gear and what to pack are also included. Colour photographs and fact panels on local flora, fauna, geology and history add lively interest.
Whether you are an aspiring klipspringer or an experienced mountain goat,Paths to Pubs: A Guide to Hikes and Pints in the Cape Peninsulais the perfect companion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A keen hiker and accomplished guide, Tony Burton has completed more than 1000 different hikes and 80trails. As hike leader for the Trails Club of South Africa he has led at least 250 excursions. He lives in Cape Town and considers Table Mountainhis backyard. /
Online ordersor Email Tony:
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