Sunday, 11th April 2010
4.5 miles and 3.25 miles
Good paths led from the hotel, gradually at first then more steeply, to the slopes of Baboon Rock. A couple of scrambles added to the interest en-route then a contour path, sometimes with a sharp drop to the right, took us up the side of the hill to the ridge. Along the ridge we found an ideal spot for lunch, with views in all directions. After lunch it was decided not to continue on to the Dragon as originally planned but a possible visit to Lake William was suggested. Just before reaching the golf course 4 of use decided to take the Lake William option while the rest of the group returned directly to the hotel - hence the extra mileage given above.
Climbing up from the hotel, and the tops are in cloud today
The path zig-zags up the flanks of Baboon Rock . . .
but from this direction . . .
it doesn't look like a baboon's head
Continuing upwards . . .
we eventually reach the ridge behind the head . . .
a good spot to pose for photos
A lizard pops out . . .
to enjoy the sun . . .
but only stops briefly before returning to the shade
Time for lunch . . .
and the mist provides atmosphere . . .
around Cathedral Peak . . .
and the sun highlights the ridges . . .
as the low cloud disappears
Returning down the flanks of Baboon Rock . . .
the path seems to disappear
This lizard is well camouflaged against the rock
The hotel helicopter takes a trip around Cathedral Peak . . .
and the quad bikes follow the track to Lake William . . .
which was more impressive seen from above
Time for a snack . . .
on the golf course
The swing bridge . . .
takes us over . . .
the River uMlambonja