This cave is situated in the Monks Cowl area of the Berg and accessed via the Steilberg. I had last done this hike quite a few years ago and I had forgotten that its a good 15km one way. You leave from the Parks Board offices at Monks Cowl and make your way across the Sterkspruit River followed by an initial steep climb and then a long traverse along the foot of the Steilberg. The day was extremely warm and we were thankful to stop in the cool shade of one of the tree lined gully’s. After some fresh water and rest, we continued on and eventually rounded the corner and the start of Jacobs Ladder which is a zig zag path that takes you higher on to the Little Berg. The skies were starting to grow dark and rather ominous with a lot of lightning about - we welcomed the showers of rain but hastened to get off the ridge at the top of Jacobs Ladder because of the lightning factor. The view of the escarpment from near Stable Cave was beautiful with magical light and we stopped for a moment to admire it all before continuing on our way to the cave. I was fascinated to come across many small reddish coloured ‘chongololos” - small millipides that appeared on the path - a strange phenonemon - perhaps the recent rain had something to do with it? My eyes were on the path at all times to avoid stepping on them!
We found our sleeping spots at the cave before walking down to the river below to collect water. We were not happy to discover that the local cattle had been in the area and left their ‘deposits’ in and around the stream. The water was flowing very slowly and we collected our water with some trepidation. Fortunately Barend had some water purification tablets so were able to use these without fear of getting sick. This is a first for me in the Lower Berg - and this after telling Phillip ( our UK visitor) that water in the Berg is perfectly fine to drink! Of course the cattle were there illegally and it will be reported, but it is a sign of changing times.
We were all in our sleeping bags fairly early and I think most of us had the usual night’s sleep - on again, off again - due in part perhaps to Dave telling us that this cave is known for scorpions……. ( I have to say that on a previous visit some years ago, I did come across a small scorpion the following morning when packing up and preferred not to think about where it had been whilst I was sleeping…..)
The new day dawned early- it starts getting light well before 5.00am, and after having coffee and breakfast, we were packed up and ready to leave before 7.30am. It was warm already so we knew we were in for another stinker. We had come across a huge pile of discarded rubbish the day before, so we stopped here to collect it and carry it out. Sad to say, it appears to be hikers litter that had been dumped. Quite hard to believe that anyone that has a love of nature and the outdoors could do such a thing.
The plan was to return via Makhulumane Gully which is a thickly forested gorge but we ended up going down via the Three Pools Cave route - again a route I have done years before. It is sketchy in places and some focus is required. Our last obstacle, a scramble down a rock face was completed in a shower of rain as the clouds had again gathered. The last couple of kilometres back to camp felt never ending, or so it seemed to me with my aching feet!
A most enjoyable hike, and it was great to meet new folk, Barend, Madelaine, Philip and James, and of course old friends, Dave and Barry. Thanks to all for a lovely weekend.
