Crystal Springs has 5 Hiking Trails all about 5Km in length graded from
easy to difficult. They used to have 3 more much longer trails & a dam
with a bird hide but these were lost when the property was subdivided
about 5 years ago. It ruined (halved) the game park too. Yesterday
afternoon I decided to tackle the Bushbuck Trail graded as "medium" on
my own. I checked in at reception & off I went without doing any
homework. I took my camera along to try & produce something a la Dave
Brooks. The Trail is essentially a descent of about 300m to the bottom
of the gorge, a long meander along the river with several wet river
crossings and then a climb back to the top. The first part of the
descent was steep but fairly easy. The Trail then became rocky, wet &
slippery from seepage water. Eventually I reached the bottom and found
the route followed the river criss-crossing several times with 4
calf-deep wet crossings. I soon realised I had been a bit reckless to
attempt it on my own and became ultra-careful since I was out of 'phone
contact at the bottom of the gorge. There were some wooden bridges &
concrete steps with rails at particularly difficult spots. At about 3.Km
the ascent began - much like the descent in reverse but I was now a bit
knackered and had to take several rests. Eventually I reached the stone
cairn at the top of the gorge & could see our Chalet opposite some 500m
distant. I 'phoned Ann just to let her know I was safe. She took a photo
with her Fuji Superzoom & 750mm which I have included at the end of the
album. I didn't realise I looked in such bad shape! Anyway, it wasn't
too bad after that & I finished in just over 2 hours. I had hoped to see
more flowers but they were few at this time of the year. Slept well last
night!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wisselstroom/albums/72157718800799423
Short descriptions under each photo.
K5 & DA 18-55 WR except the last Fuji S4800
Alan C
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