Florida Hiking and Adventure Club

HIKE:              LESOBA

DATE:      21 – 23 MAY 2010

TYPE:              BASE CAMP

AREA:      FOURIESBURG / CLARENS

We had a nice turn out for this base camp. It is reasonably luxurious and also a very well maintained camp. As the chalets for the trout fishing were not booked, the owner very kindly upgraded us to these, and we were all very grateful for this. All the hikes in the Free State are gorgeous, and this one is no exception. The farm road is well maintained, and presents no problem.

We had our usual Friday evening braai, and due to the winter chills as well as the not too great distance needed to walk the next day, we decided not to leave too early on Saturday morning. The owner runs through the trail the evening before, and we had no problem finding our way, scrambling up the gorge to the top of the mountain, all along the ridge to have a look at the hole in the wall, and finally back down getting back to camp with plenty of time for hot showers and getting the braai fire going.

Sunday saw a few of the hikers doing their own thing and so the party setting off was a fair bit depleted. We started off losing the trail pretty early, but found it again after all doing some serious looking, and later on once we were scrambling up the steep mountain side we totally lost the trail once again, and no amount of searching could produce the lost footprints!! We then decided to have a leisurely rest right on top of the mountain, and just retraced our steps back to a certain point and headed straight back to the camp. Checking with the owner we had ventured too much to the left and should have walked quite a bit more along the ridge before we started the steep climb up.

In conclusion, a thoroughly enjoyable hike, well worth doing.

DATE:      9 11 JULY 2010

 TYPE:              BASE CAMP

 AREA:      BRITS

 We were pre-warned about the farm road not being in the greatest of condition, and were advised that we could leave our vehicles at the farm house and the farmer would then transport us and baggage to the camp. And knowing us we decided that we have done enough farm roads to manage anything, but this one was probably the worst we have come across. Poor Estelle did most of the 4 kms alone in her Honda CRV as we climbed out and walked nearly the whole way!

I was under the impression that this was a new camp / hike, that had the Green Flag accreditation, and yet the communal tent was not is a good state, the beds were all rickety and were on brick and rocks. The sleeping tent as well as the kitchen tent were on quite a slope. Some sort of a platform to level these 2 tents would be a good idea. I am just wondering on what criteria the hikes are given the green Flag.

The trail was well marked; the donkey warmed the water, but was too far from the showers and we had to wait at least 10 minutes before the water got hot, the toilets flushed, and there was plenty of wood for us to have a decent fire each evening. A large variety of the trees are name plated and there certainly are many gorgeous trees on this hike.

And then I of course brought Bela home with me (the Jack Russell puppy looking for a home). She is doing well, has fitted in nicely with the rest of my menagerie.

In conclusion, not the greatest hike we have been on – we were very disappointed with the state of the camp.

DATE:      20 – 22 MARCH 2010

 TYPE:              BACK PACKING

 AREA:      GRASKOP – BOURKE’S LUCK POTHOLES

 Oh and were we looking forward to this hike!! It had been closed for quite a while, and supposedly upgrading was also to be addressed. Ok upgrading where??? Phew what a disaster we had. Firstly the hike was over booked, there were beds for 30 hikers (my opinion – far too many), and 42 hikers participated. And then not all the hikers from all of the various groups had even arrived!!

Day one – you have to leave your cars at the end at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and catch a taxi to the start, but Pauline very kindly played taxi for us, while the non drivers waited at “Paradise” camp. While we were waiting at this derelict house a guy arrived and typical of us we started chatting to him and lo and behold, this used to be his home. The place had been so trashed that I was glad this was not my home I was coming back to look at. The walk to the first hut was short, easy and relatively scenic. And then all turned into a nightmare…….there were 30 beds and we all together totalled 42 hikers – the crowd that had got there before us were not all the friendliest of people, and we had to cause quite a commotion to try and get a place for each of us to sleep, and mattresses for the group of hikers that were still behind us. They all eventually bunked down around the fire, and many of us shared mattresses.

The ablution facilities could have been used in a movie where they needed places that were derelict and abandoned. Loo’s not working, basins with no pipes, buckets to flush with, water leaking everywhere – to name but some of the problems we encountered. Hats off to Florida hiking group… you guys are awesome, thanks for keeping your cool and just getting down to the business of hiking.

The trail was reasonable, the grass very long in places, but we found our way with relative ease. The scenery was not as spectacular as I had expected, but the part of the trail after Bourke’s Luck Potholes (which unfortunately is still closed) where the canyon in more predominant – is more spectacular.

Our disastrous sleeping arrangements were obviously duplicated the second night, but by now we all took it in our stride. Not too much improvement on the ablutions, but here they were set slightly apart so the leaking water was not such a problem – we were at least able to put our back packs down on the floor.

And then the braai facilities are just not sufficient for 30 people, and the wood supplied was not near enough as well, we had to go and find extra wood.

I have sent in a formal complaint to both the agency we booked through, Mpumalanga Parks Board as well as HOSA. I have received a response from the agency as well as HOSA but to date nothing from the Mpumalanga Park Board. We are hoping for some action and not just a response – let’s see what transpires – so WATCH THIS SPACE!!!!

In conclusion, a rather disappointing weekend hike, and I would most definitely not recommend this trail to anyone.

HIKE:              SALPETERKRANS

DATE:      24 – 26 SEPTEMBER 2009

TYPE:              BACK PACKING

AREA:      STEELPOORT

What a lovely weekend was had by all, even though I sent us off over the wrong mountain in totally the wrong direction as a start.

The owners Chris and Wilna come out to greet you and make you feel extremely welcome. The facilities are spotless; and there is everything at the base camp that one could possibly need – so this would also do very well as a base camp hike. We had a wonderfully restful time listening to the frogs down at the dam at the base camp, and the birds on the roof at the overnight hut.

As a result of the disastrous start we reached camp just before darkness set in, and although we found wood for the braai, we were not able to find any for the donkey. The trail itself is in very good condition, well marked, but we felt that where there were splits and you have markers going off in two different directions, boards need to be put up with some info. This time of the year is still very dry and this hike would be quite spectacular later into the rainy season.

The directions on how to get there are spot on as well and in conclusion a highly recommended hike.

DATE:       17 – 19 JULY 2009

TYPE:                 BACK PACKING

AREA:       CLARENS – FREE STATE

We somehow seem to be suckers for punishment by doing the hikes in the Free State in the freezing winter months. But this area has a beauty of its own during these cold dry months, and as there is not too much in the line of shade, we feel it would not be prudent to do these hikes in the very hot summer time.

This hike was formerly called St Fort, and although a few changes have been made, those of us who had done this before found it fairly familiar. A barn/storage area has been converted into the base camp, and I honestly don’t think any of us have ever been so cold on any local hike. The temperature recorded in the cars the next morning was -8.5, we managed to photograph it at -7, and cold has nothing on this. But oh so typical of our beautiful country, no sooner had the sun shown its face, and the temperature climbed relatively quickly. The wind kept on reminding us that we were well and truly in wintertime though.

Lovely views, gorgeous rock formations, and then the rock paintings in the overnight cave (which by the way is huge – you could fit more than an army in there with ease) are still well preserved. Having had such a cold night on the Friday we thought we would all not survive the night, but it was very much warmer, even though we were basically out in the open – maybe it has something to do with the cave being much higher up. There was quite a bit of the trail that still needs a fair bit of attention.

In conclusion – any hike done in the Clarens area is always very beautiful, the maintenance of the trails and of the accommodation just needs to be monitored, but then this applies to all the hikes.

MAY 22 – 24 : BERMONDSEY TRAIL, MACHADODORP – BASE CAMP, COST R200 MEMBERS, R220 NON-MEMBERS

This is a wonderland of water streams. The Komati River runs through Bermondsey. The hiker’s base camp consists of a Red Railway Bus and Log Cabin. There are 3 trails to choose from, these trails are all clearly marked, a quick lunch can be had at the train carriage restaurant before leaving for home.

HIKE:              SCHOONGEZICHT

DATE:      20 – 22 MARCH 2009

TYPE:              BASE CAMP – 12KM / 6KM

AREA:      PAST RUSTENBURG

I finally managed to get more than our usual small amount of hikers to go on this hike (we were 11 in total). We ended up sleeping in the owner’s art studio, together with a bat and an adorable Jack Russell puppy, as she had double booked the venue. Most of the hikers were ok with this, luckily we are a bunch that are not too fazed when all these curved balls get thrown at us. We seem to attract our fair share of that. Due to a lot of rain having fallen, the dam in the vicinity was over flowing and as a result the bridge we had to cross was under water. Arrangements were made for us to make a detour. We were advised early Friday morning about this. The actual trail was a bit of a disappointment, not much variety. On the Sunday I totally misread the map given to us by the farmer, and sent us all off in the complete wrong direction. So in conclusion probably not our most successful and enjoyable hike.

HIKE:              CYCAD TRAIL

DATE: 20 – 22 FEBRUARY 2009

TYPE:              BACK PACKING – 12KM / 8KM

AREA: MIDDELBURG

We all felt that we were suffering withdrawal symptoms as we set out for this weekend hike, and were looking forward to our usual bit of skulduggery. This is an old hiking trail that has been revamped due to part of the land being sold. Although we originally planned to walk the Cycad trail, once the trails were explained to us we opted for the slightly longer, and hopefully more picturesque route. On day one the actual distance walked was much shorter than was noted and was not too much of a problem for us .With all the rain the veld was looking lovely .There was a bit of a uphill slog to the camp. We had maybe misjudged the effect the heat would have on us all. Many of us gave Peter a run for the hurler’s award as we battled our way up to the camp. A lovely camp, gorgeous views, and we all thoroughly enjoyed our braai. Unfortunately on the second day it felt as if we had just got going when we realised we were already back at the start.

This is certainly a trail that is well worth the visit, the days are not long and it is well worth taking ones time. This was by no means a difficult hike .

We all thought this was going to be a walk in the park – and totally under estimated just how difficult it was all going to be. I use the word difficult maybe a bit too easily, but it was most definitely no walk in the park. We ended up with a total of 13 booked for this experience.

Ten of us ended up staying over at a lovely inexpensive B&B just south of Queenstown, called Imvani Lodge, run by a young couple on their farm, and they took extremely good care of us (good place to stay!!). The second day was an easy drive into Port Alfred, and we were very lucky that a huge storm that was brewing didn’t fully materialise . We managed to get our tents up at Green Fountain Caravan Park just as the rain started. The Caravan Park was very clean and well run and would most definitely recommend it. For supper we took over a local pub, the Highland Inn.

The next morning after much repacking, we finally set off from the quay in Port Alfred Harbour in our 2 man canoes (leaving a huge pile of stuff for portage) and tackled the row up the Kowie River – one of the longest tidal rivers. The rowing was completely ruled by the tide – up the river with high tide coming in, and then down as the tide was going out. Some rowed a lot more than others due to zig zagging all over the place (amid much laughter), some tried submarine and preferred to be below the waters (also with much laughter, and some scowls thrown in!!), arriving in dribs and drabs at the hut which needed a good dose of maintenance. The hike the following day was an easy amble – with a few stiff up hills thrown in, and some lovely views.

After an early start back down the river which we now tackled like a bunch of pros. We fell on the hotel at the quay for lunch as if we hadn’t seen food in days. So typical of us. Set off for the Pick and Pay to replenish stocks. The hikers came out of that store with enough food to feed all of the starving in the world! Needless to say total over catering for that evening. What can we expect from the eating, drinking club with a hiking problem!!

Next morning we got off to a relatively early start to the hike. From the onset realised that this was going to be an awesome hike. The trail was well marked and maintained, the walk through the forest quite breathtaking. And then we hit the beach, and what can one say – luckily it was low tide so the surface underfoot was firm, and the Mach 3 gale that was blowing was from behind.We were truly sandblasted and this was a bit of a downer as we couldn’t sit and fully enjoy the lovely beach and surrounds. Came to the end of the beach and had this almost vertical climb up the sandy cliff with some help from logs and a rope. Trust me no mean feat getting up there. I need to get hold of Nick’s video camera and do some editing there!! We were in fynbos almost immediately, and had quite a long trudge before finally reaching the hut. No shower there so we all did the bucket shower, and found sand in crevices we didn’t know we had.

And the last day dawned with a bit of apprehension as we knew we had to do about 3kms over sand dunes before the last bit of forest walk. This was totally awesome, difficult by no means, but also giving us some great photo opportunities. Then the one big downer of the whole trip, one of our young hikers decided to head back to camp, on his own, without letting anyone know, and only when we reached the camp and he was there did we know that he was safe.

Spent the last night back at the starting hut, finishing whatever we could find in the line of food and drink – I mean who needs to take anything but memories and photo’s back home!!

The Alexandria trail is truly very well maintained, facilities are excellent and this is a trail well worth re-visiting.