If you’re just joining the journey then I’d advise you to jump back 1 post on my feed and read about Day 1 of this incredible hike. The multi day hiking bug has bitten and now I’m looking at other hikes I can join in the next few months in South Africa.
Day 2 - AM
Our morning started at 6.30am at Millwood Hut, which is actually more of a house that was once used by the foresters of the Knysna Forest area. Today it’s the first night stop of 4-night hike in this beautiful region.
We dressed, packed, had a quick breakfast of oats and tea and then gathered for our daily group photograph. The mornings worked out best because we tended to spread out as the day went on and arrived at our evening destination in a staggered formation. This isn’t advised on all hiking routes but the paths of the Outeniqua are quite well marked and not incredibly difficult, although quite long.
The cold was was biting. Us Saffers aren’t used to extremely cold weather but luckily we had been warned and had packed everything we needed to survive the cold and sometimes wet mornings.
We set off only to stop within 100 meters when Maggie’s spotted leopard prints in the sand. We couldn’t believe it! We had now seen Elephant, Kudu and Bushpig prints but no actual animals. I guess our noise and chatter frightened them all off long before we arrived.
The contour began with a short ascent and then a fast walk around the mountain peak alongside us.
My toes started burning quite soon on the contour but I stupidly ignored them and pushed, on chatting to the boys about hive and my blog and how it all works. A bit of a distraction from the pain.
As we rounded the back of the peak we walked into the shade and taller trees and soon found the single track oath off to our left leading to Rondebossie Hut. Putting the name at this point was a little misleading as we had only done about 4 kilometres of the 17.5 kms that we still had to go.
We gathered and regrouped as those behind caught up. Val pulled out her phone and quickly took beautiful portraits of each of us as we waited.
We followed the sign onto the single track and we’re greeted with lots and lots of fungi. This was a constant theme every time we entered the deep dark forests.
If any #fungilovers out there know what these are then pop me a message!!!
There’s nothing like sliding slowly down a very steep hill on your bottom. The next muddy descent was tricky and slow and was really making my baby toes ache. And just as we all got to the bottom we realised we had a difficult river crossing ahead.
We ended up forming a chain and passing all the backpacks across to the boys and then making our way across the rocks a little lighter and a lot more balanced.
After that little adrenaline rush we parked on the rocks on the other side and had lunch. The map said that the next 2 kilometres were going to be very difficult and on rainy days could take up to 2 hours. Luckily we had perfect sunshine.
They didn’t lie….The next 3 kilometres were HECTIC!!!
First we had a steep incline followed by ladders, a scary very narrow bridge with a massive drop off and then just to keep things daring it was all followed with a “no harness” abseil down a slope with a heavy pack on our backs.
Then the uphill climb began. Not just a walk / hike type climb. But a steep, hold onto the trees type of climb.
It was EXHAUSTING. But the path did eventually flatten out to a gentle climb. And the trees just got bigger and bigger.
The last 5.5 kilometres always seem endless no matter which day. And funnily (umm that’s sarcastic) every single day ended in a climb to the hut.
Today the last 5.5 kilometres was a loooooong jeep track in a straight line. As we walked we listened to the sound of the gentle breeze sweep through the trees and calls of the Knysna Loeries.
By now my feet were aching from the weight of the backpack and the hours on my feet. And then just when I thought my feet couldn’t do anymore we pooped out into a clearing and laid eyes on Rondebossie Hut and it’s water tower.
I parked myself at the kitchen table, which I use extremely loosely as the only contents were a fireplace, one table and a counter. I set up my cooker and made tea… and then some more tea…. While the other ladies did yoga on the grass outside. I was in no condition to move.
Next up was some “toe surgery” to sort out one very large blister on the bottom of my toe. I know most of time you’re told not to pop them - blisters I mean. But this one was seriously hindering me so I poked a little hole in it to drain the excess fluid and immediately felt the relief of it being reduced.
After dinner I got my first experience of Lie Dice!!! Unfortunately it showed that I’m capable of lying to someone’s face. It was so much fun and as I figured the game out it got easier and easier.
That night we kept the fire going to keep warm and snuggled as deep into our sleeping bags as we could possibly get.
The evenings and time walking with friends are what this whole adventure is about. The connections built will last and I would absolutely in an instant jump into another hike with this group again.
Stay tuned for day 3 coming real soon.