ALBERT
FALLS DAM HIKE
27 January 2002
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Despite some confusion as to where this hike
should commence, all walkers finally arrived at the main gate to Msinsi
Reserves, Albert Falls Dam. Having
completed the formalities the vehicles trundled down to a shady spot alongside
the water suitable for parking and braaing.
It should be drawn to the attention of our members that should they
qualify for Pensioner rates, please take your pensioner card with you when
going to this reserve, it will save some argument at the gate. Pensioners receive a 50% discount on the
entrance fee.
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Socks and boots on, vehicles locked and all set,
Warwick and Brenda, Keith and Margaret, Morris and Noel, Des and Jenny lead by
Graham and Grethe set off along the road for approximately 500 metres before
turning right through the bush on to the Nyoni Trail. The initial part of the trail is extremely overgrown and a panga
would have been a useful implement to assist in beating our way through the
undergrowth.
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Hikers were treated to sightings of herds of
Impala and Wildebeest and once out on the grasslands an even bigger treat was
in company of a herd of Impala the sighting of a Springbok which gave a display
of pronking much to the delight of all.
Over on the side of a hill under the shade of trees stood a Blesbok and
several Inyala.
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A short water break was taken at the Hide but the
game obviously found the grass elsewhere sweeter while the birds were kipping
through the heat of the day, because not too much activity was seen from
there. It was nonetheless a pleasant
break.
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Having traversed the grassland the route back to
the vehicles was mainly along the road due to the thick undergrowth on the
final stretch.
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Once back boots removed, chairs out and everyone
settled with a welcome cold drink, Graham and Keith busied themselves setting
up the braais. The weather although
overcast was warm and humid and lunching under the shade of the trees was
ideal. On the water rookie skiers and
tube riders caused the bank audience much amusement with their antics, while in
the reeds along the water’s edge the Red Bishops flashed their beautiful
colours.
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Graham and Grethe ended the day with a cycle ride
of approximately 17 km from the Main Gate to the end of the road and back
during which they saw a herd of ten Giraffe.
What a treat!
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Thank you Graham for a most enjoyable day’s
outing.
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