| DATE: | 19 – 21 SEPTEMBER 2008 |
| TYPE: | Back Packing |
| AREA: | Phuthaditjaba (Witsieshoek) 50 km south west of Harrismith |
| DISTANCE: | Day One is 9 km and Day two is 10 km |
This hike was booked at the last minute as the Black Wildebeest was cancelled. Turned out for the better as “ WE HAD SNOW “!!! We met Kagisho at the shell garage in Phuthaditjaba and followed him through the town for what seemed like ages. We eventually arrived at the hut. By now it was cold and dark . The hut is new, clean and in excellent condition . Peter and Tony braaied and we chatted until well after midnight . I got up just before 6 – nature calling and put on kettle for coffee etc. We left the hut at about 8.30. This is the first hike that I have done where we all wore our warm clothes all day. We had small hail stones, sleet and finally “kapok” before arriving at the next hut. Boy it was cold. We did not stay up too late and woke on Sunday to find we were surrounded by snow. We were like children – especially me as I have never seen snow before. We all took lots of photos and thoroughly enjoyed the beauty. The only small downer was that 4 guys came to meet us just short of the end saying they were there to help us. We are seasoned hikers and do not need help. They kept on about how they had washed our cars and could help us carry our backpacks. We felt obliged to give them something for the car wash. The matter has been taken up with the necessary parties . We have been assured that the matter has been dealt with.In summaryOne of the most scenic hikes we have been on in a long time .Plan to revisit next year .