Day: May 12, 2019

After a breakfast of porridge and coffee, we set off at 7:45am in drizzle. Along the cliffs to Skilderkrans, a viewpoint on the rocks.

Then came the first of eleven river crossings through the Kleinbos River. On sandals through knee-deep water. We continued past Blue Bay (beautiful sandy beach cove) and up a steep 156m climb. We reached Scott Hut at 14:55, which is located directly at the mouth of the Geelhoutbos River. In the meantime the sun was shining again. We were with the feet in the Indian Ocean and went then nevertheless rather immediately (cold) shower. Afterwards we enjoyed the last sunbeams on our balcony. At each hut there is a fireplace with grate, where you can also grill. Reiner collected firewood and we made a campfire today. We were able to heat our pot of water for soup on it.

This was accompanied by a warming grog. At dusk, an otter ran along the riverbank in front of our cabin. He swam out to sea. There was also a civit scurrying around our cabin.

Silke

At 10:00 am we checked out at the camp. Then watched the 20 min DVD of the Otter Trail and not much wiser signed the papers. There was a small booklet with map and tide times along the way. We would have liked more information beforehand and there was no outdoor gear like sleeping bags or waterproof plastic survival bags to buy or rent at the camp. Good thing we had researched that on the internet beforehand. In the “otter room” we weighed our backpacks (Reiner 22 Kg and I 16 Kg) and registered in the trail list. Maybe a bit too much? But we don’t want to freeze or starve either.

In a good mood with beautiful weather we started the Otter Trail, which is marked with yellow paws and arrows. At the Guano Cave we had the 1st rest with butter bread. There we saw seals and dolphins swimming in the water. Then we went on to the waterfall, where we could also go swimming. But the water was not so inviting, because a bit brownish, with floating particles.

We continued climbing over rocks to Ngubu Hut. We are only 5 hikers in total. The other three are Sim with son and son-in-law. There can always only a maximum of 12 hikers daily start, because there are also only 2 huts each with 6 beds at the overnight stays. The trail is usually booked up months in advance! But we have a 6-bed hut for us alone, (for the entire trail) because there were several cancellations. With two triple bunk beds per cabin luxury! We can really spread out. The Ngubu Hut offers views directly to the sea and an outdoor shower in the forest. In the toilet at night were two mouse-sized black spiders with red eyes. Fortunately not in the hut! In the evening it started to rain and thunderstorm. We prepared mashed potatoes and tea on our gas stove.

Silke