Explore the Nature of Port Elizabeth and surrounding areas with Peter Giddy Guided Tours -- June 2018 van Stadens Hiking Trail.

Van Stadens Flower Reserve Hiking Trail -- June 2018

Peter Giddy Guided Tours -- peter.giddy@gmail.com

Peter will take you and your group on this hiking trail.

 The entrance to the Reserve is well marked from the Old Cape Road.

 And now we are in the reserve

 Winter flowering Strelitzia and Uitenhage Aloe.

 There are fields of Protea blooming at present

 The protea have completely recovered after the fires of 2017

Joshua and Daniel with their Hogsback walking sticks
We start the trail at the Reserve where there are both Braai and Picnic areas and plenty of parking.  The trail takes us into the Valley with the River below and we walk along the contour for the first part of the hike.
This half of the hike is in the open so we have beautiful views across the valleys and down below to the river. There are some rocky sections where you have to be a little careful not to slip or to fall.  A year ago this valley was completely burned out but now the grass and flowers are recovering and the valley is looking good again.

I am with a group of 11 walkers on including my two Grandchildren -- Joshua and Daniel.

Contouring on the side of the valley with Kelly and her two boys -- Daniel and Alex

 Joshua and Daniel look down to the River below

 Lovely walking pathways over rocky sections with Alan; Carryn and Anne

 Joshua; Daniel; Daniel; Kelly and Alex

 Once we exit the valley we walk for a short while on the road to the picnic stop

A break for an apple; Naartjie or Banana
We stop after about 4km for a snack break and then we head down into the Forest section. From the Bridge we look across to Woodridge which was all but destroyed in the fires of 2017.  Now it looks amazing with the buildings rebuilt and look smart.  We then descend down to the Bridge and then under. On to the West side of the valley looking down to the stream below.  This is an up and down part of the walk. Indigenous forests and beautiful cool pathways to walk on.
The going is not easy for someone who struggles with either up or down hill walks and is a little slippery despite the ongoing drought.

Look across the N2 to Woodridge Schools

 Walking down to the Van Stadens Bridge.

Being under the bridge is a special experience

 Under the bridge and then onwards to the west side of the Valley

 Taking breaks on the walk means that no one is really out of breath despite the frequent ups and downs.

 A break just before we start to climb up and out of the valley.

 We all made it to the top of the valley -- Benny; Erma; Alan; Carryn; Yvonne; Kelly; Anne; Alex and Daniel; Joshua and Daniel.

The boys enjoy exploring the bird hide
It does not take us long before we climb up and out of the valley and back to the road.  We take the detour to see the dam and bird hide which the boys enjoy exploring. There are unfortunately no birds to be seen.

From here it is a short walk to the camp site and over the bridge back to our cars.  A great 2.30hour hiking trail which is completely manageable.

Visitors to Port Elizabeth -- This is a great way to meet South African Locals and to enjoy a bit of non touristic, authentic outdoors.
Contact Peter
peter.giddy@gmail.com

Maitlands Hiking Trails -- Port Elizabeth -- June 2018 with Peter Giddy Guided Tours

Maitlands Hiking Trails -- Port Elizabeth -- June 2018 with Peter Giddy Guided Tours

Join Peter Giddy for a 2-3 hour walking trail
There are a variety of options including Coastal and Forest walks

Other Tours

• Addo Elephant National Reserve
• Kragga Kamma Wildlife Reserve
• City; Cultural; Historical and Township Tours
• Garden Route and Adventure Tours. 
• Airport; Wildlife Reserves and Hotel Transfers

Contact Peter at peter.giddy@gmail.com

Maitlands Walking Trail on the Destades Route.

From Cows Corner on the corner of the road to Seaview Village and Kragga Kamma Roads.  Take the Destades Road and look for the Maitlands Road Intersection.

Turn left into Maitlands Road until you see the Sign with the Trails marked on the Right hand side before you reach the beaches and Dunes.

We start walking at 9am -- There are 13 hikers today.  Carrin is our leader.  Also on the hike -- Sheila and her son Dave with his daugher Nicole and Friend Ashleigh;  Annette; Alice; Jenny who was on the walk in Sleepy Hollow on Wednesday.

We will be doing the Destades Trail of 9km  -- about 2.5 hours.

 After a few minutes of walking some of the group members start to remove their outer layers of clothing.  This morning was chilly to begin but within minutes we feel the warmth of the sun and the walking.

 Look out for this sign as you reach the top of the first climb.  You may need to take a few breathers on the way up as it is a fairly long walk to the top.

 At the top of the first climb we regroup before turning left into the forest on the Destades path

 Looking down to the Beaches and Dunes of Maitlands River Mouth

 Snack Break -- I usually take an Orange and Banana

We walk up the long hill to the Destades Turn off.  The sign reads Destandes but dont be put off with the incorrect spelling. Here we regroup and then turn left into the forest.
The forest walk continues mainly on a contour before we see the beaches and dunes below us

We stop for a snack and then begin the homeward bound loop.  At this stage there is a number of climbs.  Nothing as tough as the opening climb but you must be careful both of the overhanging branches as well as the slippery roots and trail.
It is a most beautiful trail and you feel that you are really completely out of city life.

Beautiful walks under the canopy on forest trails

 Looking back to the Maitlands River mouth and the pipe crossing the mouth.

 The Maitlands road where our cars are parked

 Regular regrouping means that we are never under pressure to keep up with the front walkers

Once we reach the clearing we all check for ticks.
We look across to the Maitlands River Mouth and the Maitlands Road where we parked the cars.
This is not an easy walk and takes a full 2.5 hours.  But really worth the effort to be in this amazingly natural environment.

Finally we walk into the open clearing where everyone checks for ticks and then out onto the road.  Some  of the group will join the Short Walking group for a picnic lunch. 

Peter Giddy Guided Tours -- Sleepy Hollow Hiking Trail -- June 2018

Hiking with Peter Giddy Guided Tours
The Sleepy Hollow hiking trail in June 2018


Today we are hiking with the Wednesday Hiking group.
This trail is on the Blue Horizons Road about 30 minutes on the West Bound N2, from Greenacres / Cape Road in Port Elizabeth

 To get to Sleepy Hollow take the N2 west bound and then the Blue Horizon Bay turn off

 Continue along the Van Stadens Road towards Blue Horizon Bay

Look for the Mother Goose Sign.  Turn left immediately after this sign onto a dirt road.  Be careful... I nearly had a head on collision on this road.

 We meet at Sleepy Hollow -- at this time it is still quite chilly

And we start the hike with a long climb up the Lourie Trail.
Take the Blue Horizons off ramp and continue on the van Stadens Road across the stop street at Draaifontein intersection.  Shortly after the intersection is a sign:  Mother Goose BnB;  Immediately after this sign you turn left on a dirt road for about 10km until you see the Sleepy Hollow sign and gate.  You need the access code to open the gate.

This morning there are 23 hikers in the group. It is a cold morning in the shade but I wear only a t-shirt as I know that we start climbing soon after starting the walk.  Rob and Ralph are leading the walk this morning and we start at 8.30am.  Almost immediately we enter the forest at the Lourie Trail and start the long ascent up a soft sandy pathway under the, mainly indigenous, canopy.  Unfortunately there is a lot of Port Jackson Willow and other alien bush.

Almost at the top of the first hill we stop to regroup and for a breather.

A good amount of the walk today is on soft (sand dune) pathways.
We continue the climb to the top of this hill.... This is basically the only climb of today's hiking trail. But it is long and steep so you may need to take regular breathers. Once at the top we are able to enjoy the morning sunshine.
We turn in a Westerly direction along the fence ine until we reach a gate.. Here we start the long descent on open fields.  We have to negotiate a couple of fences --- going through them without damaging anything.

 The open fields and sunny morning compliment each other

 Fences slow the process down as we have to negotiate them without causing any damage

 Sometimes it is a bit of a struggle to ease your way through the strands  --- without getting hooked up on the barbs

 Snack time on a beautiful green pasture

 Des discusses important stuff with the men (and Val)

 Paul and Julian on the downwards pathway.

Down in the valley I am treated to an indigenous valley of aloes and bulrushes.
The second half of the hike is short and we are soon down at the river and turn east along the dirt road.  Here you can see the Zip Line; The Waterfall and the old mines if you like to make short detours before crossing the stream to walk back into the camp

Some of the group stay for a Braai.  I leave and almost have a head on Collision on the dirt road.  A reminder to drive carefully especially around the sharp bends where you have no vision of oncoming vehicles.

Peter Giddy Guided Tours -- Hiking the Sacramento Trail near to Port Elizabeth June 2018

Peter Giddy Guided Tours -- Hiking the Sacramento Trail near to Port Elizabeth June 2018

To join Peter and the Hiking Group contact
Peter Giddy Guided Tours

peter.giddy@gmail.com

 The start of the Sacramento Trail with Lynne at the front

The Dune Trail is a little more adventurous and we are 13 hikers on this trail.

Thursday 7th June
A group of men and women who enjoy the outdoors and wonderful views around Port Elizabeth meet to share the experience of the Sacramento Trails.  There are a variety of options and the group splits into the slightly easier hike and the dune hike. 
I am with Carryn (hike leader today) on the Dune Trail.
I generally like to remain at the back of the group to aid anyone needing assistance or to stay with a hiker who may be struggling.

This morning we meet at Schoenmakerskop which is less than a half hour drive from Port Elizabeth.  In total there are just less than 50 people taking part.  The majority opt for the trail along the beach front.  13 of us are with Carryn on the Dune Trail.

Looking down from the top of the Dune Trail to the beach below where the other group walks past the bones of a beached whale

On the way back after our snack break with Bennie and Elsa.  Also in this group is our leader Carryn; Leon; Mervin; David, Anne and Brian.
At the same time in 2017 there were devastating fires in this area.  The village only just managed to avoid homes being burnt.  The vegetation suffered and the dunes were almost bare at that time.  Now, a year later, the vegetation (Coastal Fynbos) is recovering and the trails are back to being interesting and fun to walk.

Anne takes the opportunity to examine the vertebra of the whale. 

 A rib bone of the whale.  I took my shirt off as there was a berg wind and my shirt was wet from the dune section.

We regroup at the Sacramento information point.
The Dune Trail takes walkers up and down dunes, most of which have steps to aid the stabilizing of the dune. This makes walking a bit easier.    We walk on to Borellis Pass and then to the Sardinia Bay Beaches where we stop for a break and snack.  I empty my shoes of the sand to make the return walk a little more comfortable.  On the way back we pass the remains of a beached whale.  And then the point where the wreck of the Sacramento is remembered.

Sitting down for a rest on the final hill of the trail.  Mervin and Anne are guaranteed of "Everlasting happiness and peace"
The walk today takes us around 2 hours and is probably about 8km.

Are you planning to visit Port Elizabeth?  And would you like to be part of an activity such as this one?
Contact Peter Giddy Guided Tours and Peter will personally walk with you and introduce you to some of the local South African people who have similar interests.
peter.giddy@gmail.com

This activity can be combined with a visit to a Wildlife Reserve or other points of interest for visitors to South Africa.