by Ralph Pina | May 7, 2016 | hiking, Swartberg Nature Reserve, trails
The Swartberge – the black mountains – are literally black now. A recent fire, the second in quick succession, has charred them. The other wildfire a few years ago destroyed the third hiking hut so that the trail has had to be adapted to use only two huts... by Ralph Pina | Jan 30, 2016 | conservation, De Hoop Nature Reserve, hiking, trails
Almost fourteen years after the first time, we elected to sample the slackpacking option for this trail. Slackpacking involves paying R520 per crate/coolbox for transport from hut to hut. It makes for very good meals, meals that can do the “huts” justice.... by Ralph Pina | Oct 27, 2015 | hiking, Limietberg Nature Reserve
This MCSA hike is led regularly by August Carstens since he participated in a mountain bike event along this route. I can’t get my head around the biking concept because there is no discernible path to speak of in the upper Stettynskloof while thick riverine... by Ralph Pina | Oct 14, 2015 | hiking, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
As Paul, the hike leader, had warned, the climb of the Cathedral (Second Ridge Peak) and Banghoek Peak would make for a “lang dag”. And so it proved to be. The MCSA party of fourteen covered 16.5 km and climbed a total of 1790 m over 10.5 hours. We... by Ralph Pina | Jun 7, 2015 | hiking, Limietberg Nature Reserve, trails
Many years ago I “introduced” my young daughters to overnight hiking on the old Limietberg Trail from Hawequas to the old trail hut near Bainskloof village (day 2 of the trail continued to Tweede Tol). A hot February day and a long trail conspired to turn... by Ralph Pina | Nov 24, 2014 | Boosmansbos Wilderness Area, Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, hiking, Marloth Nature Reserve, trails, wilderness trail
“A mountain journey of no ordinary experience” goes the Rim of Africa tagline. It suggests an other-worldly, spiritual journey, or maybe a quest that will test you deeply. If I expected profound epiphanies as I wrestled with career frustration and anger, I...
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