Maitlands Forest Nature Reserve -- De Stades hiking Trail-- Saturday 20th February 2021

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Maitlands Forest Nature Reserve -- De Stades hiking Trail-- Saturday 20th February 2021

Ally joins me on the hike today.   She takes the lead on the trail,  having done this walk on previous occasions.  

Saturday morning Hiking Trails.  

On the Maitlands De Stades Trail today --  Ally;  Alethia Botha.  Alta and Rina Dippenaar; Brenda v Schalkwyk; Mark V Heerden and  Burnita Stydom;  Gillian January;  Tracey Dissel and her friend Shiehaam;  Janny Meijerink;  Jeanne; Robert;  Loretta brings a group to the Hike:  Connie Hoffman;  Debbie Moss;  Kholeka;  Neko;  Nadia Domingo;   Noelene Jorgensen;  Sally Koch;  Jacqui and Sara Pullen;  Shan Oxenham. 

I think that we are a group of 25 walking the trail.   Probably the person who needs the most praise is the person who struggled the most -- Nadia.   She pressed on even when she was totally exhausted.   Well done Nadia.    We started the walk at 9am.   The sign shows this walk as 9km.   The walkers measured it closer to 7 or 8km.   It does not really matter.  It is a tough hike with a long hill at the start.   We turn into the forest at the De Stadens (Stades) sign.   From there the trail is in the forest and we are oblivious of the wind.   

Care should be taken as you can easily bump your head on the low hanging branches.   This section is either flat or descending.   The trail is an easy pathway.   As we emerge we are able to see across to the Lady Slipper mountain and the Wind Turbines.   If you know where to look you may also spot the entrance to the old disused Silver Mine.  Maitlands river runs below us and then into the Sea.   Views are quite spectacular from the trail.    

We stop for a break and enjoy our snacks and fruit before continuing on the trail.  Today Ally takes the lead and sets a fair pace.   On this trail we come across a number of other hikers and groups.  I do not think that I have ever seen so many cars parked at the start of the trail.  The Wednesday walkers (Saturday group) is there.   

After the break the trail is at the bottom of the valley for a short while and then begins the steep ascent.   Should you be a little unfit then this section should be taken at your own pace.  Regular breaks  to steady your heart and breathing may be neccessary.   There is no rush so take your time on this section.   Enjoy the views across the valley and back towards Maitlands River Mouth.   

When you see the cars parked on the road below then you have another half hour of hiking.  You emerge onto the Jeep Track where you started the climb 2.5 hours earlier.   From here it is a short walk back to the cars.  Well done.  You have completed a reasonably tough walk.   

We decide to reward ourselves with a sandwich and coffee at a restaurant we have not visited previously -- Saint -- It is on the New Seaview Road almost opposite Grassroof.   An outdoor restaurant with a simple menu of sandwiches and burgers.   This is a good ending and well deserved reward for a solid morning of exercise 

A special welcome to the hikers who are with us for the first time:  Tracey and Shiehaam;  Neko; Connie;  Debbie;  Nadia;  Jacqui and Sara.

The trails are described on this board

We take the De Stades trail

I have now discovered these Millipede Assassin Bugs.  These little red bugs are attacking Millipedes on many of the trails I have walked recently.   In Afrikaans -- Duisenpoort Sluipmoordenaar Gogga.  

At the break there are plenty of benches to sit and enjoy your snack

Sara; Jacqui and Jeanne

At the start of the hike is the board identifying the trail 

After the hike we stop for a tea break at the Saint outdoor Restaurant

On the trail with Alethia;  Sara;  Jacqui;  Shan and Jeanne

Alta;  Rina and Brenda. 

Burnita; Debbie and Jeanne

A great picnic spot. 

Looking through the forest to Kholeka; Connie and Neko

Noelene and I am in the rear

Jeanne and Burnita sharing a snack

Alethia and Debbie emerge from the trail . 

Gillian; Janny and Ally at the end of the walk. 

Looking down to the cars.  From here it is a half hour back to the cars

I point out the Boer Boon pods on a Schotia Tree

At the start of the trail with our group of about 25 walkers

Shan Oxenham enjoyed the outing

Tracey and her friend Shiehaam with Sally.  

Peter;  Nadia and Connie wlaking up on the first hill of the day

At the start Jeanne takes a selfie with our group.  

Ally looks like she may be a little tired.   

The Forest trail is quite special. 

Looking through the trees down to the Dunes and Sea below. 

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A great pic of Jacqui and Sara Pullen.  They walk with the group for the first time today.