Friday, 16th April 2010
7.5 miles, 2,300 feet
With tougher walking and a difficult scramble proposed, only 11 members of the party joined George and Stanley. An early mist began to clear as we climbed up through the Fern Forest to Rustlers’ Gap, where razor wire is used to deter rustlers – and to slow down Ramblers. Soon we could see the Ace of Clubs seen earlier in the week, and where we would have to tackle Scilla Gully which had a difficult rocky scramble and a steep ascent along a rocky and overgrown path. After a short rest on a rocky outcrop we continued the climb, again steep and with one very narrow section. Once at the top it was an easy walk to the summit of Hlolela. A steepish descent was followed by a more gradual climb onto Battleship. It was decided that, as we were behind time, we would not go to the Metsi-Matsho dam, but head straight across to the rocky area above Sugar Loaf Gap. This proved to be a wise decision when thunder started as we descended Battleship. Rain followed as we headed across to Sugar Loaf Gap but, fortunately, stopped as we descended. Stanley then took us on a detour to Thonsela Cave where we ate lunch. After visiting another cave which had some San Rock paintings we followed the path back to the hotel.
A very small gap and razor wire to deter rustlers - which are still active in places
Looking back from just above Rustlers' Gap . . .
and across the valley to Sugar Loaf
Time for a short break
One section of the Ace of Spades seen earlier in the week . . .
and the other two sections
Scilla gap lies between the rocky outcrops . . .
and is a steep climb . . .
narrow in places
A couple of tree ferns, spotted while climbing the Gap
A well-earned rest after the steep climb
A cape buzzard - a bit hazy due to the difficulty zooming in on the bird
Another ascent brings us to the top of the escarpment . . .
and from there we walk on the the summit of Hlolela
Anyone for a piggy-back?
The rocky outcrop is at the top of Scilla Gap where we took a break, then continued the climb to the left
Looking back to Hlolela as we climb Battleship, with our route up from the top of Scilla Gap
Discussions on Battleship as we are advised that it would be wise to cut out part of the walk . . .
and the thunder starts as we descend Battleships over rough ground
and make our way . . .
down Sugar Loaf Gap in the rain
Thonsela Cave provides a good spot for lunch . . .
and the trees . . .
follow the line of the rock face
A detour to a second cave . . .
with more San Rock paintings