Making progress but a long way still to go, above Swellendam.
Weather looking ominous and two little people face these monsters, not an even playing 'mountain'.
The plan seemed a good one. On Monday, we were going to attempt this hike but were warned off by a
ranger who said it was too wet and therefore, slippery and dangerous. We are thinking of buying burkas because
when rangers look into our faces, apparently they see too many wrinkles and so treat us with skepticism. Anyway,
the plan was to wait for two days and allow the ground to dry, returning later, after completing the Boesmanskloof
hike, a wonder in itself. One small problem was that it rained for two days and so the trail was worse than before.
We missed that point somewhere in our optimism.
On Monday, we reached about 1,800 feet elevation gain and then stopped at a fast flowing stream. We were unsure of
the path and Jenni’s health was suspect so we turned back. That’s not something we do much of but at times, we have
been known to get it right. For the record, quite seldom. When we arrived at the park today, a different ranger said,
‘We are not going to charge you because of poor weather’. We also decided not to mention our intended hike. You see,
we have not purchased the burkas yet.
Big walls, one step at a time until finally above them.
A view of Swellendam district from near the top; 4,300 feet elevation gain or 4,700 feet above sea level.
Taking the gap. On our return from McGregor, we were fascinated by this sight in the distance and
a day later, we made our way to it, reaching the summit.
We did not point out today’s blog is unedited. The editor, in a rare bad mood, threatened to remove yours truly
from the world. Yes, it’s hard to believe such a gentle person could develop that amount of anger. Unfortunately,
we did give her grief, unintentionally, of course. Should she read this, we hope and trust she will accept a further
apology. More later.
The climb to the peak is strenuous, intimidating, steep, long, high and arguable one of the best experiences we
have ever had. The condition of the trail complicated matters as it was, in places, very muddy. The streams decided
that it would be more convenient for them to share the hiking trail rather than remain focused on their natural paths.
When we looked up at the cloud-covered peaks, they seemed insurmountable. Nevertheless, they are most attractive and
of course, very challenging. To reach the peak we climbed some 4,300 feet. Funnily enough, the return journey was more
difficult because of the extremely steep gradient and of course, the muddy bits. We're happy Jenni wasn't with us
when it was mentioned that two hikers had to be recued by helicopter recently. She has an aversion to helicopter flights.
Returning from the peak, a formidable experience although we hurt our editor, unfortunately.
A hidden view, from the summit, looking towards the northern side of the district, completely different
from the Swellendam side.
Jenni crests one of four false peaks.
One of us has been criticized often enough for use of superlatives when describing certain mountains, hikes
and experiences. We stand ready to face a barrage of criticism and comments after pronouncing this was indeed
a magnificent experience. However, it put us through our paces. Not surprisingly, we had the trail to ourselves
for the full six hours which included time spent registering and talking to an English visitor at the office
afterwards. When climbing those steep paths, scrambling up and over rocks, standing on the precipices, looking
out far and wide from high vantage points, one acquires what we suppose pilots feel—freedom. Although
we don’t fly, strangely enough, one does get the feeling of soaring and hence, that freedom. The world does
look different from height.
Unstable weather at the peaks provides more than enough excitement.
Editor catches us in an awkward position, obviously legs not long enough. The rock scrambling took place
after first false peak and provided much excitement.
The mountains of the Langeberg Range, within Swellendam, are named for positions on the clock. Our climb was 12 O’clock.
Apparently, the sun hits each peak on the hour from ten to one, a nice naming formula, we think. Of course, it
could never have occurred naturally. We think that many years ago, when people were much tougher than modern man,
the settlers moved the mountains to achieve the exact settings, fine-tuning so to speak. Well, it's an idea.
'Our retirement village', viewed from top with 45-times magnification. On arriving at ground
level, retirement was looking very attractive but we had no energy to get there.
Okay, so you want me to step in the brown stuff?
We suppose we should let you know the reason for the editor’s anger although we are somewhat embarrassed.
We reached a very tricky section below the peak where we had to scale boulders to proceed. We suggested the editor
wait until we had tested the terrain. Thereafter, we agreed she would wait as we headed for the peak or thereabout.
We said we would not be 'long'. Unfortunately, it took us 55 minutes to reach the top, take a few hurried pictures
and return down to join her. We felt terrible but apparently not as terrible as the editor. There were a number
of false peaks in front and so as we got to one we thought, “Let’s push up a little further; at the next, we’re
almost there” until we could not quit. When you’re committed it’s difficult to turn back although this could be
considered selfish. We don’t like to use that word but we think the editor might be thinking along those lines.
After a very quiet night, we think we are seeing a thawing...however, we shouldn't talk too soon.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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