Umgeni Valley Hike, 21 August, 2022
Hike distance 14km option 1, 20 kms full hike.
Participants: – David Langstone, Libby Deysel, Margret Kirsten, Ali Engelbrecht, Christine Harris, Sandy Yorke-Mitchell, Elsie Lombard, Debbie Giles, Sue Van Malsen, Andy & Marlise Pepperell. Dawn Norton, Sharon Lennon, Edsel Hohls, Karin Allan, Margaret & Keith Ashton.
Eighteen members met at the Wessa office at 8.15 on Sunday, 21st August to commence the hike into Umgeni Valley. Keith led us down to what used to be a team building camp and then on to the bottom of Shelter Falls.
A few members of the group opted to wait on the path as there was a bit of boulder hopping involved. We then reassembled and walked to the bottom of the cascade falls. This is an area which has recently been cleared and a good bridge has been built over the stream.
We then climbed up out of the valley to have a short break before tackling the Black Eagle Trail. Beautiful views from the trail and we stopped at one of the chalets for our lunch break.
It was very encouraging to note that all the windowpanes, which had previously been smashed, have been replaced. It is hoped that Wessa will be able once again to let the chalets.
After lunch, the group split as some members were reluctant to do the Dwarfs Dawdle. Margaret kindly escorted those members back to the Wessa office.
The path on the Dwarfs Dawdle was well maintained as were the bridges over the stream and the ladder to the top. Ali, who had her dog with her, met us when we emerged at the top of the ladder – Willow would not have been able to climb the ladder.
After a short break, we set off on the trail back to the office – some members opting for the road, while others took the mown path.
Â
We had to give way on the paths a few times as the KZN trail runners were running 75km, 50km or 22km. We stopped at one of the refreshment tables at the top of the Dwarfs Dawdle and the man on duty allowed us to help ourselves to a few refreshments. Poor man had been there since early morning and was still waiting for eight runners.
Â
Â
Â
