View across the Lottering River mouth to Oakhurst Huts
Link to detailed route page and map click on route title [route-snippet id=”555″ featured=”image”]Scott Hut to Oakhurst Hut
Rain was forecast for today, however we were still the last to leave the huts in the morning, but put a turn of speed on and arrived at the huts in under three and a half hours by midday, minimal stops once the rain started!
We crossed the Geelhout River mouth, on which the hut is sited, just before high tide. Thankfully as the river was so low we did not get our feet wet/ have to take our boots off even at high tide. The start of the hike was along the coast, very pretty rock pools and shoreline. We reached the Elandsbos river after a couple of km after climbing steeply up to some cliffs – providing good photo ops of the previous days hike – before dropping back down to the River mouth.
To me this was the best part of the day as although very blowy it was dry and we could admire the views of the cliffs, bays and breaking waves. Just after the river crossing and a welcome handful of nuts a strong rain squall blew in. Fortunately we were still in some trees and so sheltered as we got our waterproofs and rain covers on.
It remained showery for the rest of the hike and so I was glad quite a lot of time was spent through the woods where we were sheltered from the worst of the weather.
We came upon the view of the hut sooner than expected. Tide levels were low so we did not need to wait for low tide to cross the Lottering river. Thank goodness as we finished our hike a couple of hours before low tide and would not have wanted to hang around getting cold waiting to cross. The guide book says be prepared to swim across during high tide!
The rain had stopped for the day by the time we got to the hut so we had our lunch of tuna and provita crackers sitting on the stoop watching waves crash into cliffs either side of the River mouth.
Cuddle after lunch, must stay warm after all! Then we hiked back down to the sandy River mouth to collect driftwood for the evenings fire. Everyone gathered together in our hut for the afternoon, playing cards and chatting. Very sociable, plus warm. Strange day to have finished so early and have the rest of the day trying not to think about food or eating the following days supplies of treats! Glad for a big portion of chilli and rice for dinner.
Mike was the cribbage champion!
Press on play button to see slideshow of hike
