Day: May 13, 2019

We slept a little longer and then first checked out. Afterwards we went to the laundry. While the washing machine was running we could watch the waves and the beach.A whale swam by about 100 m from shore. Dassies played in the rocks.

Huge fountains of spray splashed over the rocks. Beautiful sunshine made our laundry dry quickly. A seagull swooped by as we ate our cheese crispbread. Then we continued again along the N2 (Garden Route) to Knysna, where we stayed in a nice apartment (Footprints of Knysna). Although today is Mother’s Day and Sunday, many stores are open and we could still shop for dinner. We’re having broccoli-cauliflower-carrot vegetables in cheese sauce with oven bread!

Silke

We started walking at a little after 8:00 and walked over rocks “dry” feet across the Klip River. Then it was a steep climb up to the cliff edge to warm up! But then most of today’s hike was along the plateau via a dirt road. Beautiful views and gorgeous flowers.

I definitely needed my sun hat today too! Beautiful sunshine. Then came the view of Nature ‘s Valley and the steep descent.

The beach is really beautiful. We walked through the sand for a bit and then ducked back into the forest. We continued shaded for another 4 km. We had to cross another small river and this time the difficulty was not to give the curious monkeys an opportunity to snatch socks or cameras or similar things. A deer crossed our path and we saw several more parrots high in the trees. At the end of the trail at De Vasselot Restcamp, which we reached at 3:11 pm, we proudly and happily each received a certificate.

An acquaintance of the ranger drove us for 550 Rand back to the Storms River Mouth Camp, where we rented a Forest Hut again for today. Since we did not have so much cash with us, we made a detour to the ATM 6 km away. In the camp we weighed our backpacks again. In the end we brought back 2.5 kg of food. And we could have saved one kilo of clothes each. Snorkel equipment and shaving gear were also superfluous. But afterwards one is always smarter. In any case, the Otter Trail is a very special experience and for us a highlight on our world trip.

Silke

Mega exhausting! From 7:00 am with time pressure on my neck climbed over rock walls and everything hurt! At km 6 I wanted to turn around. (There are Escape Routes, but there you have to walk 3-4 km through the bush to have internet connection or phone). So grit your teeth and get through! Time pressure because you have to cross the Bloukrans River at Km 10 1/2 h after low tide. (today 13:57 o’clock) There the water is “only” waist high. Otherwise it is very dangerous because the surf can wash you up against the sharp cliffs! Sim and his young men were waiting for us there, because the hikers are supposed to help each other if necessary. The guys kindly carried my backpack across. (Reiner would have walked twice otherwise).

On the other side we went steeply up the rock walls and 3.8 km further to André ‘s Hut!

The last few steps I used my walking sticks like crutches!!! (-; We didn’t feel like having a campfire today and used the gas stove to boil water for noodle soup. The little Jägermeister (with hot water and sugar) revived us a bit. The open-air shower here is especially nice, with a great view of the beach and sunset.

In the cottage, we only just noticed the candle holders on the walls, as there was still a candle in them. Better than tea lights! Of course, the hiking trail was also beautiful. Fabulous viewpoints and especially many unusual flowers. And “our” low tide was really good too. Some hikers have to start at 4 or 5 to be at Bloukrans River for low tide! And the weather was also just right!

Silke

Today we started at 7:30am in the sunshine. There were a total of 3 river crossings with 2 times “changing tires”.

Again the trail offered us up and down forest trails, cliff paths, rocks and stairs. Every now and then, idyllic jungle backdrops and gorgeous ocean views.

Cormorants sitting on the rocks, huge colorful grasshoppers in the middle of the path.

Many beautiful flowers are blooming, although winter is actually starting here.

Arriving at Oakhurst Hut Camp (2:28pm), we first had another refreshing shower. A sunset campfire, mashed potatoes, coffee and marshmallows.

Oh yes, also another fat spider on the toilet!

Silke