View on ascent of Rushes Past of the Tsitsikamma mountain range
Link to detailed route page and map click on route title [route-snippet id=”255″ featured=”image”]Keurbos Hut to Heuningbos Hut.
The trail started with a lovely gradual descent through chest high fynbos down to the Lottering River. Under normal conditions this could be a difficult crossing, both here in the foothills and at the coast where it discharges into the sea. However, as it has been so dry both crossings were very easy.
Mike by Lottering River
The main highlight after the crossing was the ascent of Rushes Pass. Outstanding views of Mt Formosa and the Tsitsikamma mountain range. We took lots of photos and took our time to enjoy the views. Had a stop just below the summit of the col on a large outcrop of rocks enjoying the day.
The descent down from the col was rocky, hot with the sun blazing down (thankful we were doing this in winter), and one of the few occasions when I felt he need for sun tan lotion! We both needed to concentrate so as not to twist an ankle and I was happy to reach the relic forest in the Elandsbos river valley. Still took time to feast my eyes on the new mountain panorama that opened up before us on the descent.
Found I had lost my mosquito repellant wrist bracelet – not that it was needed. Loved the walk along the banks of the Elbadsbos River. It was a wider more open river gorge with many pools, cliffs on the far bank, and riverine vegatation. Thankfully the rangers had repaired the crossing bridge so we did not have to try and manoeuvre ourselves across using the ‘old’ Pully system. Looked lethal. Moved on to have lunch in the woods as the river bank was too hot in direct sun. There was us worrying about being cold!
The trail kept getting better, we had an outstanding hike up through the Heuningbos indigenous forest, wonderful large old trees and ferns. Stopped by a small streem to wash my face and cool down just before we exited the forest into an old plantation area. There was a lot of wind damage here and the way down the trail to the Kleinbos River and hut was rally hard going. Several large trees had fallen across the path which we had to find our way round through the undergrowth.
Relieved to see the hut. Some beautiful pools just below it, much like infinity swimming pools set in the river.
This hut was really special, lovely location, looking out onto the last hill we had descended. Milky Way way stunning, had our favourite meal of beef stir fry and treat of treats a hot bucket shower, really clean new green shower mat to stand On. Just to think I nearly said no in favour of a bird bath!
