PETER GIDDY.: MAITLANDS FOREST WALK -- MAITLANDS RIVER MOUTH -- PORT ELIZABETH -- SEPTEMBER 2016

Peter Giddy is a qualified Tour Guide. Should you be interested in a guided tour around Port Elizabeth; Addo Elephant National Park; Wildlife reserves; Garden Route to Cape Town; R62 to Oudtshoorn and the Cango Caves; Tsitsikamma reserve. OR if you would like to hike or walk the trails of the City -- Coastal, Forest, Mountain -- Contact Peter at peter.giddy@gmail.com

MAITLANDS FOREST WALK -- MAITLANDS RIVER MOUTH -- PORT ELIZABETH

LOOKING DOWN TOWARDS THE MAITLANDS DUNES.
Wednesday Hiking Group -- Wednesday 21st September 2016

This walk is open to the public and available to everyone.
It is best done with an experienced guide or person who has been on this walk at least once or twice on previous occasions.

The hike begins on the Maitlands River Mouth road which leads from the Draaifontein road or the Three Sisters Road which starts at the Cows Corner intersection.
It can also be approached from Seaview and along the coast line.

This morning we are 27 walkers:
Dave X 3; Robin X2; Val X 2; Chandre with Elsa, Vanessa, Sheena and Di; Pat; Paul; Marjorie; John; Margaret; Keiko; Flo with Micaela & Charne; Brian; Debbie; Helena; Jenny and Julia; Peter.

Micaela and Charne are Students who are with us as a result of protest action at the University.
Vanessa Langner is an old friend of ours -- we were in a Christian Cell group together many years ago. She had been invited to the group by Chandre.

We start the walk at 8.30am. There is an immediate climb of a few hundred meters. When a walk starts with a climb it is best to take it slowly as you have not yet established a rhythm and your breathing may be laboured. Those who have jackets have to stop after just a few meters to take off layers.
We regroup at the top of the hill and here we turn left off the jeep track and into the forest where it is single track. Here we walk in single file for most of the rest of the hike.
Hikers love to talk. This morning I find Debbie, Paul, Brian, Dave and others are around my pace. I have had some issues with muscular pains in my legs. I took some anti inflammatory on the previous day so the pain is lessened. But I must tread carefully over the stepped trail.

Debbie is a botanist and Paul is particularly knowledgeable regarding the flora on the trail. We find some Buchu which I take and try to replant when I get home. I am actually not at all hopeful as I don't have green fingers.

I WILL HAVE TO TRY TO IDENTIFY THIS UNUSUAL LOOKING PLANT

SNACK BREAK. AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE HIKE -- GIVES EVERYONE AN OPPORTUNITY TO REGROUP AND RE ENERGISE.

A FUN GROUP OF PEOPLE ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS AND A BIT OF EXERCISE

So we proceed in an Easterly direction and at one stage look across the valley to the Lady's Slipper. We know that there is an abandoned Silver mine in this area but I have never been there and would need to be guided there.
Shortly thereafter we see the Maitlands Dunes below us. Here we spot a Bushbuck running along the river bed below.
There is a great deal of chat amoungst us regarding all the plant life we see on the pathway. Debbie picks up some bits and pieces to try to promulgate them at home. We realise that we have fallen behind the main group and I know that Robin likes to keep moving; particularly on a longer hike like this one as he must get back in time for his bridge appointment after lunch.

So we press on and are soon regrouping with the rest of the walkers for a snack break. Every one loves this short break -- a time to go to the toilet for some and a time to connect with friends for others. While on the trail you tend to chat to those around you and may never even greet someone who is either in the front or the back of the group.
Personally I tend to bring up the rear -- I wear something bright so that Robin can see me and knows when the last of the walkers has reached the main group.

EVERYONE LOVES A STOP TO ENJOY VIEWS.
After the snack break there is quite a bit of deep forest walking. Lots of overhead branches and many of the hikers bump their heads on overhanging trees. I find the walking over roots and steps to be a little tough today. But this is due to my knee and leg injuries. There is still quite a way to go even when we look down below to where our cars should be parked. I know that we are not nearly at the end of our hike.
After the snack break there is still a bit of ups and downs to work on. But eventually we reach the clearing which I know is now near to the end of our hike.

DEBBIE ENJOYS THE VIEWS ACROSS THE VALLEY

EVERLASTINGS IN FLOWER AT THIS TIME OF YEAR.

AS WE APPROACH THIS CLEARING WE NOW KNOW THAT THE END OF THE TRAIL IS CLOSE.
This hike is not the easiest but is definitely scenic and interesting with a huge variety of flowers to enjoy, especially at this time of year. Also there are plenty of views -- which always means that there is a bit of climbing to be done.

After the hike Robin, Dave and I make our way home (to a welcome cup of tea and a Chelsea bun for me)