Lady Slipper hiking trail. From Falcon Rock (South) side. Sunday 4th April 2021

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Lady Slipper hiking trail.   From Falcon Rock (South) side.   Sunday 4th April 2021

I have a request from a Family to do the Lady Slipper hiking trail on Sunday 4th April.  

Ateline and her family -- Solane;  Albert and Margi;  David and Annake.  Plus also joining us on the trail are Ally;  Loes;  Gillian and Seelan.   We meet at the Windfarm at 8.30am.   Our first stop is to see what makes this mountain to be called the Lady Slipper.   We then continue on to Falcon Rock where we register for the hike and make use of the last toilet opportunity.   

We start walking at just after 9.00am.   The first part of the hike is a little difficult as everyone is soon breathing hard.  Regular breaks and opportunities to settle our heart and lungs makes for a hike that is doable for everyone.  We take the green Route up.  Some of the group has not hiked for some time and are a bit out of shape.   We walk at a steady pace and soon we are at the top of the first hill.   We regroup and make our way down and then begin the final ascent.   We pass by the fork leading down the Red route.   There is a constant flow of hikers up and down the pathways.   The trail is by no means busy.   Finally we reach the peak.   Everyone in the group makes it to the top of the Slipper.   The South route is very different to the North side which we did a few weeks ago.   Both are tough and need reasonable stamina.   The South route is tough because of the steep inclines and rocky pathways.   

On top of the Mountain we are about 500m above sea level.   Today the skies are clear and we are able to see all the way across to J Bay and St Francis.   We take the required pics.  Have something to eat and begin our descent.   We take the Red Route down.   This is an even tougher trail than the Green route.   Lots of steep and difficult rocky sections.   And even a couple of places to Abseil.  

At the bottom of the climb we all walk the Labyrinth before packing up to go home.   The climb has been about 5km or 3 hours.  We were fortunate with the weather as it becomes really warm this afternoon.  Earlier on we were cool with a breeze from the East.     

The trail starts with a fairly steep pathway. Most people are soon out of breath.   Do not despair as you warm up and as you continue walking, you become accustomed to the climb and you settle into a steady walking pace.   Stop regularly to regroup and to steady your breathing and heart rate.    Walk through the trees and then the real climb starts.   To the top of the first hill is probably the most difficult section.  There is a short descent before the second hill to the top of the Slipper.   Take this last section easy and you will surprise yourself by your ability to hike a climb such as this one.  The top of the Slipper is about 500m above sea level  

Ally and I are at the top. 

Climbing in the forest.  Taking a breather.  

Loes and Gillian.   Starting to feel better as they continue up the hill. 

Annake; Albert and Margi

Gillian made it to the top of the Slipper.  On the last occasion we walked up here, Gillian had to stop just before the summit.  So this is a special occasion.  

Loes -- first time to climb the Lady Slipper -- at the top of the mountain. 

Ateline with her family group -- Annake; Solane;  Margi;  Albert and David

At this point you decide if you would like to descend on the Red Route to the left or go back the way you came on the Green Route.   We use the Red route back.  It is steep and difficult.  And although it is 500m shorter this way, it may take longer in time. 

Behind us is the peak as we start our difficult descent. 

Gillian climbs down the steep rocky section. 

Ally and Seelan take this in their stride. 

Ateline and Margi.   

On the descent there are a few places where we are provided with ropes to assist us. 

Loes abseiling down a loose section.  

Ally makes use of the rope. 

Seelan enjoying todays  walk.  

Solane has had an easy walk today

Annake lights up the trail with her smile. 

David abseiling down 

Margi may have struggled on the way up but has a wonderful attitude and makes the day a fun outing

Ateline joined the group for the first time.  We look forward to seeing more of her. 

On the way up -- We used the Green Route to the left.  

At the bottom of the hike is this Labyrinth.  A fun way to end the hike. 

Chaos on the Labyrinth. 

Gillian is first to the center.  

Loes -- Well done today.  After a break of 3 months from any hikes, Loes managed to climb to the peak of the Lady Slipper. 

The Lady Slipper or Van Stadensberg climb is not an easy peasy walk.  This hike takes effort and determination.   For some people this is one of the toughest things that they will undertake.   Do not take it lightly.   Lady Slipper is a Must Do for Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) people.   If you have reasonable fitness you should at some time take the morning off to do this hike.   

Join Peter Giddy's hiking and tours group..... To enjoy the outdoors and to discover and explore places you have never seen or experienced.  Meet people and make new friends.  I understand that not everyone is at the same level of fitness and ability.   So I accommodate everyone but providing hikes to suite the individual.   No one is left behind.   

SA Guided Tours and Peter Giddy Guided Tours -- Shore Excursions -- Addo Elephant and other Wildlife Reserves -- Garden Route.  Flowers of Namaqualand -- 

0027 (0) 82 55 03 714    Whatsup
peter.giddy@gmail.com
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