06 December 2008    to      07 December 2008

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Even though we have done this hike now five times, it is never the same. We expected some sun, but there was little of that. Instead large sections of the trail were covered in dense fog. This made for some very slippery hiking, but at the same time we got some very interesting scenery. As happens most of the time, we had the entire trail to ourselves and moved into the old barn at the base-camp for a relaxing evening.

The usual braai for dinner.

The big rock behind the base-camp was aleady taking on a strange hue in the late afternoon.

Next morning we were off nice and early. Everything was wet from the dew.

The trails starts off with a stiff climb up towards the big rock and then contours it for awhile.

Soon the mist started really moving in.

At this stop we had a few minutes of sun, but it did not last.

Silvia negotiating some very slippery rocks at "Poachers Cave". The trail is very overgrown in places with no more trail markers visible, and so we lost our way a couple of times.

Another stiff climb.

The mist lent the place an interesting aura.

Eventually we got to the flat spot that leads to the wattles forrest.

Here we stocked up on some wood as there is nothing at the overnight cave. It certainly made the backpack even heavier!

The last stretch on the first day takes one up a hill and through a lot of Protea bushes.

My favorite spot for a bath on the first day. In winter this little pool is dry but now it had about 10cm of water in it. If the sun is out it's the perfect spot for a bath with a great view thrown in as well.

Cave Sweet Cave

After dinner around the fire at the cave. There is no rubbish bin here, so you need to carry all your rubbish out again.

The second day is much shorter and easier than the first. We had to cross a number of flooded streams due to all the rain and mist that the place had.

The trails runs much lower down on the second day, giving one a great view of the magnificent cliffs and rocks in the distance.