Looking down towards Natures Valley, what a wonderful few days we had on this round trip hike
Link to detailed route page click on route title [route-snippet id=”561″ featured=”image”]
Andre Hut to trail end at Natures Valley.
Very aware that this was the last day of our backpacking adventure. In no hurry to leave the hut especially as it dawned a beautiful warm (due to the Berg wind) sunny morning. Sat on the stoop eating porridge with the last of the syrup (lots of it) watching the sun light up the cliffs either side of the bay.
After a short steep climb up to the top of the cliffs we had an outstanding hike largely along the cliff line through chest high fynbos with extensive views of the coastline. Difficult to take photos due to the ‘mist’ from the surf which the sun had not burnt off resulting in a lot of haze. A day to enjoy with a couple of stops to admire the views and eat the last of our treats.
It felt slightly surreal standing on the cliffs looking down to Natures Valley where we had started our hike 11 days previously.
The sand bank across the lagoon had been opened by San Parks to stop the lagoon from getting too high. However we decided we would still cross by the beach rather than walk round the ‘official’ route and cross the Groot river. We arrived just before high tide and I had to scramble over the sand bank at the crossing point (just in time) to avoid getting a thorough drenching from the incoming tide. Glad that it was still half an hour before high tide!!
Drove back to Storms River to pick up our bag and indulged in a blow out brunch at the 50’s diner there. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage for me whilst Mike had a loaded burger with lots of tea. Bliss.
We then made our way to Mossel Bay. B&B we stayed in (Le Port Guesthouse) was a real delight, beautifully appointed, lovely freestanding bath to soak away all of the grime. Bird baths seemed a million miles away! Felt like we were in the lap of luxury. We walked down the hill to the Protea Hotel where we were lucky enough to be there for the sushi special, very good.
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