The tarns were dry and empty the last time I was in this area so I was looking forward to seeing them full of water. This is a very beautiful spot in the Cobham area, situated on the Whaleback Ridge and named after the Policeman which is a rock feature nearby. We walked in under cool and cloudy skies and followed a new route (for me at least) up to the Siphongweni plateau. This is one that the field rangers use on their patrols and avoids the steeper climb to the rock art site nearby. We arrived at our campsite in amongst the tarns, and decided to explore a nearby cave before putting our tents up. This is a cave that the smugglers seem to use and is situated down a grassy ramp, facing the Mzimkhulu River. It is a decent overhang although there may be insufficient shelter in driving rain. There are a myriad of weird rock lumps imbedded in the walls and we debated whether to call the overhang ‘Smallpox Cave’ – or perhaps even ‘Pimple Cave’ to fit in with its larger sibling ‘The Pimple’ which we would walk past the following day. Soon our tents were up and we had the remainder of the afternoon to enjoy our picturesque surroundings. The cloud formations were unbelievably beautiful and I especially enjoyed the soft shafts of light that streamed down over the escarpment and lower Berg, making for some interesting photography. Although it looked threatening at times, we got away with a light shower or two of rain. We sat outside enjoying the late evening light until it was time for bed – its times like these that are memory making!
The wind came up in the early hours and was quite strong at times - and this continued as we were trying to pack up our tents. I had been out at first light to try and capture the sunrise, not that easy without a tripod. We were all ready early on and left our magical tent site at 7.00am. The cloud formations were again amazing, wispy and wonderful Cirrus clouds which indicated strong winds above and something brewing. We made our way past Outlook Cave and then on down the ridge towards the Pimple and Mzimkhulwana Hut. It was very hot even at this early hour and it was good to stop for a rest at the hut before tackling the last 9km back to Cobham via the Giants Cup Trail. Dark grey clouds started to roll in and we wondered whether we were in for a soaking, but the weather held off and we were all pleased to get back to the campsite and the prospect of a hot shower. I had a somewhat scary encounter just before arriving however – I just avoided stepping on a green striped snake which elicited a surprised yelp from me – when I tried to get closer to take another photograph, he/she reared up and went for me! I retreated rather hastily………..we think this may have been a Skaapsteker, apparently harmless.
Thanks to all for making this hike thoroughly enjoyable!
On top of The Titty
The Pimple
