Thursday, 8th April 2010
6.5 miles
From the hotel we made our way up the uMlambonja Valley towards Neptune’s Pools. After nearly an hour we reached the first river crossing, over the Tseketseke River. As the water was higher than expected this was no easy matter. However, with a couple of men to lend a helping hand we all made it safely across. On the next section of the walk we heard the call of baboons and were lucky enough to spot them on the hillside. Many photos later it was time to move on and tackle the next river crossing. It had been expected that this would be a boulder hopping affair, but again the high level of the water necessitated changing into sandals and a couple of willing helpers. By this time Plan A had to be abandoned. The intention had been for some to walk to Neptune’s Pools then back the same way whilst the rest of the group headed up to the contour path and round to One Tree Hill before descending into the valley and another river crossing. As it was, the first group were unable to reach Neptune’s Pools because of a landslide and the second group climbed to the contour path to eat lunch, then descended the same way. With everyone reunited we made our way back, through the elephant grass, across the rivers and followed the jogging path back to the hotel.
A rather deeper than expected river crossing . . .
and safely across we all put our boots back on
The path can be hard to follow in the long grass . . .
but eagle eyes spot this aposematoc red-and-black grasshopper
Looking back down the valley . . .
and the group follow the path ahead
Another river crossing . . .
and more helping hands
The calls of baboons alert us to their presence . . .
but you have to be quick to get a photo
More calls to the group . . .
before settling down in the grass . . .
to survey the surroundings . . .
before being joined by a friend . . .
who provides a little grooming
Two more come to join the others
Low cloud above the head of the valley
A small group climb to the contouring path to eat lunch . . .
then we make the return journey . . .
with the river crossings . . .
before heading back down the valley . . .
enjoying the great scenery
Passing the trout hatchery a couple of birds dry their wings
More eagle eyes, and another grassopper
An late afternoon view of Cathedral Peak, The Bell and the Inner and Outer Horns