Photos and comments courtesy: Chris Simpson
Report by: Christie Exall
Team Photo - 439
The weekend 5-7th November was spent at SWEETWATERS COTTAGE with fellow hikers Keith (Leader), Margaret, Max, Chris, Brigitta, Christine, Rose and myself.
It turned out to be one of the most enjoyable weekends for a long time. The weather was glorious. We set off on Saturday morning (with our one-legged leader) in misty and cloudy conditions and these conditions persisted all day. Wonderful for hiking!
We headed off towards FUN CAVE. Our aim was JOHN’S CAVE. The location is a guarded secret. We reached this beautifully situated cave way before lunch. We had time to spare so after having an early lunch we explored this lovely area. Our way back was also a matter of exploring and we descended steeply down an unknown mountain side towards the Umzimkulu River, passing Margaret’s VENUS POOL.
On Sunday we set off towards the THREE POOLS VALLEY (this time with a legless leader!....after the previous night’s over indulgence) and on towards two caves with very good rock paintings. On our way back the four ladies decided to swim in the raw where we found a natural Jacuzzi. The men were sent packing! After much screaming and laughing we followed our legless leader and Chris back to the cottage. As tradition will have it, we tucked into Margaret’s delicious waffles and syrup. Something not to be missed.
Reluctantly we all headed home apart from Keith, Margaret and Max who were due to hike to WILSON”S CAVE on Monday.
The mind’s eye goes back to the beautiful green mountains, flowers in abundance, such as Phygelius aequilis, Cyrtanthus epiphyticus, Hermannia cristata and Hermannia woodii, Erica cerithoides, Rhodohypoxis baurrii, Pentanisia prunelloides, Hypoxis species, Berkheya species, Ledebouria species and Eulophia ovalis and I for one cannot wait to go back again.
Wild flower input by courtesy of Rose Dix.
Once more “THANK YOU” our legless leader for taking us on the weekend’s wonderful hikes.
Christie Exall
About to Skinny Dip - 403
Rock Art Site - 404
Flowers and Wet Cobwebs - 405
Taking a Break - 406
Completely Legless after Saturday Night - 407
What Goes Up Must Come Down - 409
Must Take a Closer Look - 410
Wow, That's Interesting - 411
I Carry These Mainly To Point - 412
Half Legless After Friday Night - 413
What Interesting Rocks - 414
John's Cave 1 - 415
John's Cave 2 - 416
Up We Go - 417
Peace - 418
Valley View - 419
High Mist - 420
Yet Another Beautiful Flower - 421
Yet Another Butterfly - 422
River Erosion - 424
Spot The Lizard - 423
You Walk, I Work - 425
Crocodile Rock -426
Kermit in Disguise - 427