NEWSLETTER NUMBER 234
30 September 2015
AMBER WALKERS
Michael House Conservancy
Kwa Zulu Midlands
01 September 2015
S.A. Hikers
On parking the cars, back packs were sorted, and we dropped down a slight slope to the Lapa for a final toilet stop, before heading out into the grasslands for the day. Open grassland does not offer much privacy for mid day breaks.
Ouhout Bushes (Leucosidae sericea) were in full flower on the forest edge
The walk starts with the crossing of a fence, then a sharp steep drop through a lovely natural forest down to a small stream at the end of the drop. As the path is still new, it is a bit tricky in parts as bits if cut roots and small tree stumps stick up here and there. The time in the forest was very pleasant with the bird chirps of numerous birds filling the air. A short walk along the stream brought us out onto the grassland are where we walk through for the rest of the day.
The area had greened up u tad since my last visit here, the day was warm with a cool breeze that kept a very comfortable walking atmosphere. Past the dams, and the Michaelhouse school and on to the top of the ridge for a tea break. From the ridge, the school became more visible.
Continuing the walk we noticed a number of Tree Ferns (Cyathea dregei) growing in a number of stream beds, so there should be an underground source of water flowing below the ground surface as these trees do like a wet root zone. They can withstand fire , snow, freezing and heat. A remarkable tree .
v Crossing an electric grazing fence we were met by a group of Zebu type cattle, they were quite un-phased by us as they had already received the daily winter lick allocation. Hemmed in by the boundary fence, the electric fence and us, a group of Blesbok ran hither and thither to try to go somewhere – typical Blesbok behavior.
As a few stomachs were starting to grumble a lunch spot was sought, and around the corner, alongside a stream a small clump of trees was sought out, and a restful, shady lunch repose was gladly taken.
On the way back to the cars a clear footprint of some large 4 footed animal was seen in a patch of soft sand. Much speculation was conjured up as to what might have made this print in the middle of a Conservation area.
With the start of the very hot summer days, and the expected heavy and sudden thunder showers , hikers should be very aware of the consequences of these sudden downpours. Rivers and streams can flood very easily and quickly. Only a foolish person will try to cross a flooding river or stream. Wait a short while and it will go down.
For any questions on berg hiking, feel free to contact me. See my website at www.bergfree.co.za
