GC4B160 SITTING MONK - River Crossings (Traditional Cache) in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa created by mlornelh

GC4B160 ▼

A cache by mlornelh Message this owner

Hidden : 5/1/2013

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Sitting Monk - River Crossings is just as the name implies. Some 300m beyond the Sitting Monk Pools cache and three river crossings later this cache can be found. It is from here that the last views of the Sitting Monk mountain formation can be seen, before the trail winds behind the foothills and starts the ascent to Sleeping Beauty Cave.

The terrain rating has been upped half a point to that of Sitting Monk Pools cache as one must take care in crossing the river. Although it is a recognised and well defined trail, the three river crossings before the cache can be difficult if the river is swollen after heavy rains or snowfall, and extreme care should be taken in such conditions. In the dry season, it is easy - a walk in the park, but we cannot change the terrain rating for each season.

Parking area is in the vicinity of the Garden Castle offices of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park. A nominal fee needs to be paid, but Rhino and Wild Card holders have free access. All hikers should sign the hiking register.

From the way point given, that is the start of the Sleeping Beauty Trail just after the raised river bridge, the cache is some 1,75kms along the trail. Keep your eye out for three small but nevertheless picturesque waterfalls along the trail.

Closer to the ground look out for the small but colourful everlastings, that close up at night but open in bright daylight. Also on the ground are the largest ants we have ever encountered. Unfortunately none hung around long enough to be able to take a picture. Also be aware of the ever present baboons. There are small antelope, as well as the majestic eland that are often seen along this trail. You will have passed, and should have logged Sitting Monk Pools cache on the way (GC4ARJO). For the keen hikers the Sleeping Beauty Cave cache, as well as the Valleys and Ridges cache are further and higher up on the trail.