2 June 2002
andnbsp;
On a bitterly cold Sunday morning six intrepid hikers,
namely Keith, Margaret, Mike, Noand#1105;l, Morris and Merle, set out to brave
the elements after meeting at the Highmoor Wilderness Office at 08:00.andnbsp;
Through breaks in the low clouds we were able to see that the mountains were
covered in snow, and there had been a light fallandnbsp;during the night where we
were hiking.
Our
first stop for mid-morning tea was at Caracal Cave, by which time we had warmed
up.andnbsp; During the summer months
there is a waterfall next to the cave, but this had been reduced to a few
falling drops of water.andnbsp; andnbsp;It didn't take longandnbsp;for us
toandnbsp;start feeling the coldandnbsp;again, and we set off on a steady uphill
climb towards the old Look-out Tower.andnbsp;
By the time we reached it light snow had started to fall and the wind
had picked up. andnbsp; Unfortunately all the window panes in the tower
haveandnbsp;been broken and offered no shelter at all, but we did change into
waterproof clothing.
We then continued on our merry way towards
Aasvoelkransgrot (Vultures Cliff Cave) and were lucky enough to see 17 Mountain
Reedbuck on a hill in front of us.andnbsp; There was a lone stag on another hill
and after they had noticed us they set off to join him.andnbsp; We also saw a
family of baboons in the distance, which showed no interest in us at all.
On reaching the higher of the two Vultures Cliff Caves
Keith led us to a pool in theandnbsp;river which would be an ideal swimming spot
- but only in warmer weather.andnbsp; He tthen led us to the lower of the two
caves which has a magnificent waterfall and a beautiful view over the
valley.andnbsp; Here we stopped for lunch.andnbsp;
After lunch we headed back to the office via a
different route, skirtingandnbsp;along the side of the hill below the old lookout
but above a mountain stream. After crossing
the stream just above a lovely waterfall we hiked gently uphill for a while
before descendingandnbsp;and crossing in front of the firstandnbsp;dam on our way
back to our starting point.
Although
the weather was not the best, the day was still thoroughly enjoyed by all who
participated and thanks go to Keith for his excellent leadership - we never
lost our way once.
andnbsp;
Merle Brett
andnbsp;