HIKE: EYE VIEW
DATE: 24 – 26 JUNE 2011
TYPE: BASE CAMP
AREA: RUSTENBURG / KOSTER
I have specifically been trying to book more base camps for the hikers hoping that this would encourage more members to participate, and we seem to have been ever so slightly successful in getting a few more hikers going, we were 9 in total.
The bad news here was the freezing cold front that decided to pass through on the very weekend that we decided to venture outdoors. The directions, maps etc were very clear, only Roza decided that she didn’t fancy the large silver gate and went looking for something else as the entrance.
The huts are “Wendy” style huts, only problem being that they are very cold – I got the giggles lying all wrapped up – we resembled a lot of Egyptian mummies lying on the beds, which by the way were pretty good. The kitchen area was slightly small, and the fridges froze everything! There was also no hot water for washing the dishes, which in the summer months would be no problem, but the water was just short of icicles as it came out the tap.
The ablutions made up for absolutely everything – even if you only visit this hike for these it will be worth it! Attention has been paid to everything one would need, quaint curtains, mirrors, stool and hooks as well as rails. Ladies please take note!!
The braai area is a huge boma, with this massive area for the most impressive bon fire. The paper work mentioned that wood was available to purchase – which was fine with us, usually some wood is provided, and should you need extra you can then buy some. Bearing in mind it was extremely cold, and the bon fire was already stacked and we were then informed that it would be an extra R200 for the bon fire – from where we could take coals to braai with. It would have been much better had we known of this beforehand, it needs to be mentioned in the documents that go out to the hikers. Not everyone brings cash with them on a hike. And it then turned out to be R200 per night for the bon fire – a little bit steep we felt.
The trail was well marked and meandered all over the farm. We saw quite a lot of game, from Zebras, Kudu’s, Blesbuck, and Rooibok to Warthogs. On the second day as one takes the last loop to the camp there was no trail to speak of, the markings were there but one had to hunt in the long grass for them and do a fair bit of bundu bashing. Quite a lot of the markings have been done on fairly small loose stones and these have been moved by the animals or even knocked over, maybe using droppers or even the trees would be a better idea.
An enjoyable weekend was had by all, and one doesn’t have to travel all that far to enjoy this hike.