Platkop Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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A short moderately strenuous hike up a trail to a saddle followed by an easy gradually ascending walk mainly along a jeep track and then a short bush hike and easy rock scramble to the cache location with great views throughout (takes approx 90 minutes to reach by the direct route).
This cache may be combined with the Amazing Rock Arch cache (GC21Y5R) which can be passed en route.
The walk enters the private Baskloof Private Nature Reserve for which you will need to obtain a R12 day access permit at Mickey’s Mousetrap Shop, Scarborough (021 780 1361) next to Camel Rock Restaurant on Main Rd at S 34 11.827 E 18 22.505.
This Reserve is described as ‘A World of Fynbos’ for obvious reasons as you will discover to your delight. Please stick to established paths wherever possible and always avoid trampling on the wonderful fynbos plants! Permission to place the caches was granted by the owners on the understanding that geocachers will show the usual due respect required for such a pristine environment.
To reach the cache:
Park at or near the trail start (signpost Red Hill Footpath) at S 34 11.840 E 18 22.666 on Hilltop Road taking care not to block the narrow road or obstruct residents’ driveways.
After contouring along the back of the houses, at S 34 11.599 E 18 22.551 head up the steep path towards the saddle.
At the saddle trail junction (S 34 11.330 E 18 22.488) turn right (East) and head up the rocky trail to the path junction at S 34 11.353 E 22.583. Turn left (North) here and continue to a Y-junction at S 34 11.332 E 18 22.571. Keep right here and continue until the trail becomes indistinct.
From this point you may choose one of two routes as follows:
Route 1 (via Amazing Rock Arch Cache):
Descend gradually heading roughly north down the grassy/shrubby slope on the eastern side of a rocky outcrop/ridge to the cache location @ S 34 11.246 E 18 22.532.
From here continue down the slope to cross the corner of a seasonal stream @ S 34 11.173 E 18 22.471.
Head north a little and then NE (crossing the stream again) by any convenient route to join the jeep track at or near S 34 11.079 E 18 22.585.
Turn left heading approx NW and follow the jeep track to the end at S 34 10.183 E 18 21.353.
From this point head approx SSE through the bush and weathered rocks to the white summit beacon, which is somewhat concealed but occasionally visible up on a rocky outcrop.
The cache, a small cylindrical camo-container, is hidden just south of the beacon, the black vane of which has become detached.
After logging your find and admiring the views, return to the end of the jeep track by the same route to then continue the return journey.
Route 2 (Direct to Jeep Track):
This route does not pass the Amazing Rock Arch Cache and may be used as an alternative approach (or return) route.
Head approx NE for the lone Protea bush @ S 34 11.278 E 22.656. From here continue NE until you hit the jeep track @ S 34 11.222 E 18 22.722.
Turn left approx NW up the jeep track until you come to a junction on a bend @ S 34 11.118 E 18 22.624 and turn left here onto a smaller jeep track continuing to head approx NW.
Continue the jeep track to the end and follow the remaining route to the cache location as in Route 1 above.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)
Treasures
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