Report by: Christie Exall.
Photos by: Dave Sclanders [Click on photos to enlarge]
Our leader, John Fourie brought all the hikers back safely to Mount Park Resort, we thank him for that.
The Boston area had a cloud burst the previous day and as usual on the next day, Sunday, the weather turned out to be perfect for hiking.
We set off as planned, at 08h30, from Mount Park Resort.
The start of the hike takes one past an old graveyard and according to our leader (with tongue in cheek) the graves were of some unfortunate hikers, struck by lightning on the mountain. Needless to say there were looks of disbelief on the faces of the new hikers. We crested the first ridge easily, only slightly out of breath. We followed the fence along the mountain crest, ever upwards, all the way to the beacon. We reached the beacon before 12h00 and had our lunch at this most spectacular high point, looking down at the beautiful Dargle area.
Neville sighted a baby Berg Adder and teased it to come out of hiding in order for us to see it and to take photographs. No wonder everyone were perching on the rocks to enjoy their lunch and to have a good rest. Dave and John entertained us with good, witty banter.
The three “blondes” Cathy, Sas and Anne turned out to be good, happy hikers and we enjoyed their company tremendously.
Last but not least, Linda gets my vote for “hiker of the day” and I am sure I speak for everyone else.
We returned the way we ascended, which turned out to be an easy, relaxing hike back to Mount Park Resort. After the hike we indulged in beer, tea, coffee and cream scones on the lawn of the Everglades Hotel.
The wild flowers which we observed along the hike were, Wahlenbergia specie, Lobelia specie, Watsonia confusa, Sopubia cana, Satyrium specie and to my great delight Zaluzianskya pulvinata.
Again I must stress “well done” Linda and “thanks” to John, the two Daves, Cathy, Sas, Anne and Neville for your wonderful company which made this hike a most enjoyable success.
Christie Exall.
