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Thirteen hikers – Keith, Margaret, Sylvan, Prema, William, Pene, Bianca, Ian, Campbell, Antonio, Deneys, Arlene, andamp; Aris ignored the rather unpleasant weather andamp; reported to the Highmoor Wilderness Office at 8-00am. According to Campbell’s ingenious Swiss knife/altimeter, the Office is situated at an altitude of approximately 1800m andamp; located as per map at 29 13 S, 29 43 E.
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After paying the entrance fees andamp; changing into weather resistant hiking gear, we set off by 08-30am. Soon thereafter we crossed the first stream andamp; listened to the musical roar of the nearby waterfall – one of a number we discovered during the day.
Good soaking rains had fallen as witnessed by the greenness of the land, the fullness of the dams andamp; the observance of small andamp; large waterfalls.
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The path continued on its gentle uphill climb andamp; suddenly Keith our leader turned left, off the comfortable path andamp; headed to the Caracal Cave. “There it is,” he said. The sandstone cave was our first rest-point andamp; we patronised it for a coffee/tea break.
From the Caracal Cave we went up in the direction of the old “Look-out”, normally a good landmark, but now invisible due to the low clouds, but Keith confident in his inner navigational ability led us on the climb up through long grass andamp; then burned (already green) veld to a now one room dilapidated structure – the old “Look-out Tower”.
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Dark clouds prevented us clearly observing the High Drakensberg including Giant’s Castle. Nevertheless the view was superb. The wind at this stage was blowing strongly.
Fortunately our leader found a good wind sheltered grassy spot andamp; in no time all of us were eating our lunch.
It was here that the majority of the party felt it was good to return back to the Highmoor Office by going a direct route (safely led by Campbell).
Keith then having celebrated the Ashton’s family 2000/2001 New Years Eve in the Aasvoelkransgrot (Vultures Cliff Cave), encouraged Margaret, Sylvan, Prema, Ian andamp; Aris to join him in another half hours walk to the Grot.
The descent to the lower of the two Vultures Caves was not easy but we managed andamp; were rewarded by the beauty of it. The cave has a wide open cooking area, a magnificent waterfall andamp; fresh un-chlorinated andamp; non-fluoridated potable water. The waterfall pool can easily serve as a natural venue for a swim.
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We made our way back to the office via the trout dam andamp; arrived there in good spirit.
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It had been a great day andamp; we were strengthened in our opinion that Highmoor is an excellent place for day hikers andamp; nature lovers.
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Our thanks go to Keith for leading our party in an able way. Also thanks to Sylvan, who gave me a lift that day.
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Aris Hofland