Keeping
close to the mountain stream where several swimming
spots are, the trail snakes its way through taller grass.
Mountain reedbuck are frequently seen. The 4-way crossing
on the saddle, is almost halfway. Do have a rest next
to the fast flowing mountain stream.
The trail reaches the top of the farm after a stiff
climb and winding through the indigenous bush in deep
shade. Where one looks into the Wasbank valley, Anglo-Boer
war sentry spots are found. It is also the location
where the Long Tom cannon was positioned to ambush the
English troops on their retreat from the Battle of Talana
to Elandslaagte. In this protected basin is “Uil
se gat”, an interesting geological cavity. Dayhikers
will return by following yellow foot prints.
Easy hiking, wonderful vistas on top of the plateau
through short open grassland, veldflowers and clusters
of mainly kiepersol are enjoyed before the trail descends
the hillside, along contours, through several indigenous
forests, past the waterfall. to end the day with a final
climb. Day two offers very little climbing. The first
3 kilometers keep to the upper levels passing several
species of Aloes and Euphorbia. It enters the next valley
to pass an old stonehouse ruin, the “Piano house”.
The next 3 km follows the flow of the mountain stream
and several swimming spots in the gorge. After the 4
way crossing and a small valley, one reaches the top
of the ridge where spectacular views into both valleys,
towards Job’s Kop, Wasbank Valley and the Drakensberg
range will be enjoyed. The last 3 km meanders down the
mountain through grassy plains, shady acacia trees,
past abandoned mine shafts, the “jungle gym”
to the river for a swim before reaching the basecamp.
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