Twenty minutes into the climb and the editor is already checking time. Only another 5 hours to go.
2 hours later, the editor makes a final push as she sees the peak.
Traveling through the suburbs of Hermanus really stoked our interest in the town. Having found the nature reserve, we focused on which hike to undertake rather than city life below. As we knew little of the reserve, we spoke to a helpful, young fellow who gave us a quick rundown of what we should expect. We did inquire about the highest peak in the park, Aasvoelkop (Vulture Head), something we had researched previously. He could tell us of all hikes bar the one that really interested us. It appeared the rangers tended not to visit Aasvoel Peak or at least, the current staff had never hiked it. After we completed the testing walk and climb, some 2,900 feet of cumulative gain, we realized why. In fact, not in his case, but in a few other reserves, we found the rangers gathered in the office warming themselves around a heater. What do we know about the function of a ranger? We're two dumb hikers trying to monitor the movement of our feet as they move one step forward at a time except when on scree, in which case, we move both up and down, almost at the same moments.
We think the photographs attest to the magnificence of the reserve although they probably miss the hiking opportunities. Take our word for those, they are terrific. On the way up, we passed a group of foreigners, their local friend and guide. They did extensive hiking but sought not to reach the high places in the park. It was one of the few opportunities we've had in conversing with fellow walkers as the trails have been quiet. On our way down, the editor mentioned she had noticed a 'service track' that would cut off some distance for the return. She tends to study the map over brunch. We always like some variation so off we went. The service track was not much of a path but it showed indentations where someone or maybe two people may have walked sometime in the last century. A while later we noticed the stalks of long grass exceeded our height. We motioned to each other to be on the lookout for certain reptiles that slither. I do not mention the particular species as my brother, Mark, a normally brave young man, has an irrational fear of these critters. Within a minute, we came across a puff adder, quite a thick, long and intimidating fellow. Fortunately, the editor was close at hand and I was able to jump into her protective arms while being comforted by her soothing words. Perhaps Mark is quite rational, after all.
Over the years, we have faced various hazards, many self-induced including coming across snakes. It's interesting that on many of the occasions, we anticipated the presence of the reptile. Perhaps the nature of the thick vegetation or some other sense prepares a person for these unplanned 'meetings'. We hope it continues in this manner because surprises suffered in the past are not that good for the heart or the rest of the body. What's that rattle we hear?
The next part of the downward journey was on a particularly narrow ledge which was enjoyable but kept us alert. Finally, the third part was fairly straightforward but quite long, bringing us back to the commencement point. It truly was a memorable experience in a beautiful environment. The trails and parks we have visited over the past month attest to superb selection of prime land supported by good design and trail maintenance. Cape Nature (the authority over land management) does itself proud.
Was there any doubt she'd make the cumulative gain on the day of 2,900 feet? Hermanus, on the coastline, brought out a certain desire for future retirement living.
We found the plant life more attractive outside Cape Town...perhaps, different weather zones is the cause.
Joined Jenni at the peak but needed to put the feet up and rest.
A typical (telephoto) view of Hermanus that was anything but ordinary.
And also, typical of mountainous regions, the weather turns around frequently.
I arrive at the peak and the shepherd decides to leave. Give a woman a big stick and...
Particularly liked this position. Ronnie Diamond, formerly of Cape Town and not related to Jackie and David,
identified the position and earns a book. Nevertheless, all three are gems.
A carpet on the plateau.
The lake (3 Dams) and the bay, take your pick.
Just magnificent...wish you were there. Actually, you are there...should read wish you were 'here'.
A varied sight, including one of us, rather low down on the trail.
Low in altitude but quite an interesting position.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
No comments:
Post a Comment