2010.02 Tsitsikamma: Our 30-60 Celebration Hike

Our daughter, Renate, organised a hike for us in the Tsitsikamma Forest. Here she is with her fiance, Brett just before we leave on our celebration hike - Moo (60) - Renate (30).

Before the hike we stayed in Nature's Valley - here Mrad and I are toasting "Life!" on the beach.

On the first day of our hike, we hiked a pleasant 10km from Blaaukrantz Forest Station to Blaaukrantz Hut. During our briefing, MTO warned us of possible evacuation due to a forest fire.

On the second day, we had breakfast next to the stream below the hut and set off over the hills and through the dales.

 It was hot and muggy. In the distance we could see smoke.

Witelsgat water hole provided welcome respite: a good place for lunch and a refreshing swim.

Just when we had completed the worst section of the day's walk (+-7km), we were told to return to Blaaukrantzberg Hut! MTO told us that the wind's directions had changed and we would be in danger at Keurbos Hut where we were heading - we turned back, but the less said the better as re-hiking a section never is easy.

"Come on, MOO! You can do it!"

The view that night convinced us that MTO had been right to evacuate us. Just look at the fire on the mountain! After an second night at Blaaukrantz Hut we were taken back to our cars.

We visited Stormsriver Mouth and returned to Nature's Valley to recover from the disappointment by enjoying the beauty of the area.

Hopefully MTO will let us do it again next year ...

Baie dankie, Renate, vir die "great idea" en al die reelings - en dankie aan die res van die groep wat dit als so lekkergemaak het.