7/8
July 2001
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By 09:00 Warwick and Brenda Keating together with daughter Kerry, Joan Templeton, Campbell and Lorraine Downie, Morris and Noand#1105;l Harper and visitor Michelle Vogts had arrived at the Injasuti Office. The formalities completed and changes into appropriate dress for the hike done the walkers lead by Warwick set off down the road in the direction of the alternative upward path to start the hike to the cave. We were assured by Warwick that it was no longer and shortly we would be on more level ground. Leaders have a happy knack of keeping everyone’s spirits up with these assurances!
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The morning was overcast and pleasantly cool for
hiking but before long jackets were being shed as body temperatures rose with
the exertion. The path is undulating
and follows the Injasuti River which initially can be seen winding its way down
in the valley below. Several climbs
and descents brought us down to Poachers Stream where we
enjoyed a tea break.
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The
path passes Battle Cave Rock Art Museum which has been fenced off in order to
preserve the Bushmen paintings from being vandalised by less appreciative
members of our society. It is possible
to view these paintings but only with a guide/authority. We moved along the fence before descending
once more to the river for another crossing.
Following the river, crossing back and forth as necessary, we eventually
climbed to where we could view the river cutting through the sandstone gorge
below.
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From here the path once more descends to the river
where we had to cross a rather tricky side tributary and clamber up over
sloping rocks. Off to our left a
series of circular rock pools looked most inviting for a swim but being July we
decided to give that one a miss this time round. The path then leads up a short slope to the cave.
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The cave has a wide overhang facing north-east and is
sheltered by bush. There was ample
room for everyone to settle down in comfort, removing heavy packs and boots and
generally unwinding after the walk.
Before long all had secured a sleeping patch for the night, unrolled
sleeping bags and unpacked the stoves, eating utensils and, of course, the food
and drink. Each to his own poison we
relaxed with either a hot drink, whiskey or that old favourite of the mountains
OB (Old Brown Sherry) to warm the cockles of the heart. Supper over we sat around chatting
companionably clutching our night-caps and generally feeling at one with
nature. The night was quite balmy for
July, not as cold as had been expected.
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Morning brought a magnificent view from the cave of
the Injasuti Triplets bathed in brilliant sunlight. A slow mist started to rise bringing a different aspect to the
grandeur of the mountains. High up and
hidden in the valleys a light sprinkling of snow glistened in the
sunlight. The more energetic took a
walk up the ridge the better to view all this splendour.
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Housekeeping complete to leave the cave tidy for the
next occupants and gear once more stowed in backpacks, we set off on our way
back to the Camp and home. To Warwick
thank you for a really excellent hike and for your assistance to those of us
not so steady on legs when it comes to boulder hopping across rivers.
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