PETER GIDDY.: Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve. Hiking trails. Saturday 27th February and Wednesday 3rd March 2021

Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve. Hiking trails. Saturday 27th February and Wednesday 3rd March 2021

Ally joins me on the Hiking trail at Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve today.

Saturday 27th February 2021.

Ally and I wake Barbara up and give her birthday gifts as well as a huge parcel sent by Jacqui from Israel. I do my Hospital Pick ups.

Then we meet a group to do the Van Stadens Flower reserve Hiking trails. We are a group of 30 today. I ask Faye to lead from the front. Ally is with some friends -- Kerri and Steven and his father Myles. We start walking at 9.00am and cross the bridge over the N2 towards the River Trail. Faye leads us into the valley. It is a single Track and so we are spread out. In addition there are a number of other hikers on this trail. So it looks like a very busy day. Colourful.

We split at the Boulder trail fork. Faye leads this group over the more difficult sections while I am with the group which goes directly up to the dirt road. Susan is battling after a late night. But she makes it to the top and we cut across to the picnic area.

Susan and Linda opt to take the dirt road back to the cars. The rest of us take the link that goes under the bridge to the Forest trail . We take the lower (Tougher) forest walk where some of the group struggles to climb these steep hills particularly at the end.

Everyone makes it back to the cars in one piece. We greet each other and meet for a coffee at the Windfarm cafe after the walk.

Our group today. At the back is Glynette; Jeanne; Gillian; Janny; Seelan; Faye; Jen; Lorette; Susan; Mark; Myles; Gerhard; Linda; and in the front is Theresa; Vinky; Matt; Billie; Kirsten; Steven; Kerri; Brenda; Alison; Peter and Babalo. Ally is taking the pic; Out of pic is Dominque; Saverne and Eden; And Robert.

On the River trail

Taking a break in the Forest walk. Lots of bushes to climb over.

Under the bridge. Janny gives instructions.

On the river trail --- Green and Beautiful.

Van Stadens Bridge on the N2

Proteas in flower.

About to enter into the River Trail .

Walking from the parking area to the River trail.

Brenda examines the bridge from underneath

The split to the Boulder Trail.

Alison and Kirsten.

I explain the trails and introduce the group.

We are a big group and so there is occasional hold ups

Jen takes a selfie of herself and Ally

The River trail has some rocky sections.

Flat part of the trail at the end.

In the forest trail with Dominique; Saverne and Eden

Ally climbing up on the Boulder Trail

Some tough sections on the Boulder trail .

Janny leads the way on the Boulder trail

Faye is my hike leader for today

Waiting for the walkers to regroup.

Looking down onto the Boulder trail.

This is a wonderful walk. Some tough sections make the walk really worthwhile. Exciting and beautiful. Worthwhile views. Picture opportunities. Great people to make friends. Overall a good experience.

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Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve. Entrance Board

Proteas?

Alison and Kirsten.

Janny in the Forest

Babalo on the rocky section

Brenda under the bridge

Ally's friend Kerri who brought her boyfriend, Steven and Dad, Myles on the trail today

Janny is clearly enjoying this walk. Having become increasingly fit Janny is now confident in her ability to walk these trails .

Billie and Matt. Good to have them joining us.

Gillian ready for anything.

Artists Brackets?

Robert is joining our hikes regularly now.

Wednesday 3rd March 2021

Mark and I meet and drive to V Stadens Flower reserve together.

We meet up with the rest of the Wednesday walkers some of whom I have not seen for some time and many who I cannot remember names. And some people who I have not yet met.

Robin is our leader and we start walking at 8.30am. We take the River trail and then the Boulder Route. A short break at the Picnic area before we walk to the Bridge and then the Upper Forest walk. Having done the lower forest walk on Saturday I explain how overgrown and unpleasant that trail is.

At the end of the walk Mark and I join the group for a Braai which has been prepared by David; Reg; Jurgen and ? ....

People who I recognise or who are on the trail today: Mark; Robin; Di and Jimmy; Dave and Heather; Jan and Leone; Andre and Alwyn; Pat and Margie Nel who has recently joined; Philipa; Steve; Dave; Reg and Jurgen; Dennis; Russel; Debbie; Fiona; Flo and Val;

The turn off sign to the Reserve. Just before Woodridge School

Gate hours.

The sign at the entrance to the reserve.

I meet Jan and Leone who have recently joined this group

Andre; Mark and Alwyn. We bring up the rear of the walkers.

On the Boulder trail there is a little climbing. Mainly this section is a little more difficult than the alternative route and it has a fairly steep up hill to the picnic area. Everyone seems to cope well.