Report and photos by Keith Ashton
[CLICK ON PHOTOS TO VIEW FULLSIZE - or view pics in accompanying SIMPLEVIEWER Presentation]
As this is always a popular hike we had 24 participants including Cecil who is Manager of Production at Everdon Estates and the rest of our group included, Margie, Sue, Peter Comrie, Neville, Chris, Carolee, Sharyn, Linda, Eric, Julia, Cheryl, Rhona, Astrid, Daryll, Amy, Christa, Fanie, Vladimir, Heather, Sean, Peter Wedge, Margaret and Keith.
The hike started from the dam uphill along a farm track before more climbing up a lovely grass slope where we soon saw loads of warthogs. We had a large happy group and the weather was perfect (but a bit hazy) for our easy pace without too much early heavy breathing which allowed the participants to chat and get to know each other. After more climbing, bodies were warming up quickly and it was time to strip off during a break and to admire the beautiful scenery all around us. Cecil knows virtually every nook and cranny of this very large avocado plantation and cattle grazing area and it was easy for him to point out all the hills, mountains and places of interest surrounding this lovely venue.
After about 8 km we had a break for drinks and snacks at a lovely rock on the escarpment looking down into the Karkloof River Valley far below with magnificent but hazy views of Karkloof Falls in the distance as well as a panoramic view towards Albert Falls Dam.
After the break was a serious uphill with plenty of heavy breathing and not much chatter, but then it was steeply down with good views of Karkloof Spa - this is a marvellous reserve with luxury accommodation and all you would expect (and more) including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Jacuzzis, wet rooms with sprays from every angle and dry rooms with sauna - game drives are included and several Thai Masseuses are there to pamper and rejuvenate you - Pity is, very few can afford this luxury.
En-route we saw many warthogs and had several "near misses" as they dashed out of their holes - Some advice when walking near a warthog burrow, walk behind it and not in front - if the warthog is frightened as you pass, it could dash out and easily accidentally severely cut or break your legs.
Then it was downhill again and through some lovely indigenous bush which included bush tunnels, a bit like an obstacle course. We eventually reached the promontory looking down to where the Karkloof River joins the Umgeni River as it makes its way towards Albert Falls Dam. Next we made our way to Cecil's lovely rustic but comfortable home made "Shack" where we enjoyed a relaxed lunch in beautiful surroundings - Karkloof Falls could just be seen through the haze from the shack veranda.
After a good break and lunch we continued on our way back to the start of the hike at the dam, passing a herd of cattle and several zebra. For information we did 14 km and climbed over 430 metres.
Many thanks to Cecil for giving up his precious time to lead this outstanding hike and to all our participants for your company and friendship.
Keith
1. Our large group taking a break after our first hill
2. Our second rest point to relax and enjoy the lovely scenery
3. Another part of our group resting and chatting under a tree
4. Sections of timber allowing to air-dry to reduce oven drying time
5. Peaceful scene in the distance - top of the hill our destination later
6. Its getting hotter as we descend towards our snack spot
7. Arriving at our scenic snack and rest spot
8. Cecil, Julia and Margaret getting ready for snacks
9. Still enjoying the lovely views down below
10. More of our group spread out enjoying snacks
11. A close-up of Margie, Astrid,Chris and Peter W - with Neville, Peter C, Heather and Sue in background
12. After snacks its a steep climb and a fence to negotiate
13. Still a queue to get under the fence as Vladimir rises to the occasion
14. Still more coming
15. Some are more elegant than others
16. Once the steep hill is climbed its down the other side
17. Making good progress down the hill
18 . Linda still looking very happy
19. Margaret emerges from the bush obstacle course
20. Strung out but on our way again
21. Cecil's famous secluded Shack
22. A closer view of Cecil's Shack - please don't ask what goes on there
23. Getting closer to the Shack for lunch time
24. Amy and Neville getting through our last fence with Cecil's assistance
25. What a view from the veranda of Cecil's Shack - Karkloof Falls in the distance
26. Chris and Carolee enjoying lunch
27. Heather looking very happy after a good lunch
28. On our way again after a good lunch stop
29. Albert Falls Dam in the hazy distance
30. Another rest stop with Vladimir training for his next hard hike
31. Sharyn not to be outdone also gets some serious training in
32. On our way back to our vehicles
33. A peaceful dam near the start and finish of our hike.
34. Back at our vehicles after a great hike