Mt Lebanon – Highmoor
Highmoor, Mt Lebanon – Aasvoelkrans loop, 27.08.2023
Hike leader Dusty Shaw
Photos Dusty, Ian
Weather: clear blue sky
Hikers: 20
Total Accent: 323m
Length: 10.3km
Severity: 2+
Route: Loop
An early morning start with forecasted temperatures ranging from 0’ to 15’C meant we were in for a stunning day with blue sky with a slight chill in the air as all of us met at the start. After going through all the do’s and don’ts we got started and looked for the perfect group photo just beyond the dams with the Giant presiding over us in the background.
Just after crossing the Kamloops dam we broke away from the traditional route to Aasvoelkrans and started to follow an old trail that no longer was maintained heading towards Mt Lebanon. The clue to staying on track was the log water barriers preventing erosion, some hardly distinguishable because of fire and only the steel loops was visible and a game trail.
We were now in wide open grassland on either side of us with six skittish grey rhebuck just staying outside of our camera range. Due to time we were not able to go up Mt Lebanon but skirted around and headed down to towards the eZangoma valley ridge where a fire belt had been prepared which made walking a little bit easier. On arriving at the ridge we followed a stream lined with Ouhout down to a hidden cave just before it flows over the edge into eZangoma valley.
We then left the cave making our way up the steep bank on hands and knees with much laughter and encouragement.(pic 5) On top we got the full view of the valley as we had a quick snack break.
Once everyone was satisfied we started to walk along the ridge admiring the vastness of the beautiful scenery when a shadow crossed over the group and we looked up to see a rare sighting, a Bearded vulture (lammergeyer) circling us +- 50m away from us, Ian was quick enough to get the shot further in the distance we could make out other vultures, most likely the Cape vulture but couldn’t get a clear view.
We continued along the ridge heading towards the valley in which Aasvoelkrans caves lay, another group photo on the point of the valley was taken. A little further around the corner we came face to face with the caves one above the other and some doubtful looks on how we going to get there.
Skirting along the edge towards the cave we had to cross another two small valleys and then cross the stream which flows over the edge of the lower cave (pic 10) which led us into the upper cave (pic 11).
We continued through to the lower cave where half the group opted to have lunch on top of the mountain and the other half continued down as it was a steep decent on loose rock into the lower cave for lunch (pic 12) Barry couldn’t resist the temptation to test the water and quickly stripped down and dived in and just as fast jumped out (pic 13) feeling totally invigorated and ready to take on the world.
After lunch we made our way up a steep incline (pic 14) out of the lower cave to join the rest of the group at the top. A quick break to catch our breath and we were on our way again but this time on a well maintained trail and the usual chitter, chatter of happy hikers filling the air. Soon we were crossing the catchment of the source of the water fall (pic 15).
Just before we arrived at our vehicles we did one last turn that was to look at the beautiful valley that is hidden from hiker’s right at the start which has three waterfalls and a spur of the mountain placing you in the middle for those who dared to venture onto it. To get to the bottom of this valley and walk up to the three waterfalls would be an adventure on its own and challenge that could be considered for a future date.
Thank you all for a lovely well spent day and an opportunity to share a rare sighting of a Bearded vulture.
I leave you with a thought to ponder on, a reflection of life
"Many a calm river begins as a turbulent waterfall,
yet none hurtles and foams
all the way to the sea.”
Mikhail Lermontov
