dispholidus typus Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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An easy cache, close to the trail head. This cache is nr 1 in a series of 6 caches, containing clues in the front page of the logbook. After collecting all 6 clues, you will be able to find PINNACLE POINT mystery cache.
If you plan on doing the whole series, be prepared to hike 12km to Dana Bay. Take water and wear the correct shoes.
The St. Blaize Trail was originally developed as a joint project between The Point High School and the Municipality of Mossel Bay.
The Trail follows a path at the edge of a series of cliffs high above the Indian Ocean. It was created to give visitors and the people of Mossel Bay an opportunity to walk along one of the most beautiful sections of the South African coast, to marvel at magnificent views, to watch for whales and dolphins in the water below, and just for the pleasure of seeing nature from a bird’s-eye view.
The Trail – which forms the first leg of the luxury 5-day Oystercatcher Trail – has achieved world fame through numerous mentions in the international media.
As part of the Oystercatcher Trail, it was mentioned in the BBC’s book ‘Unforgettable Walks To Take Before You Die' by Steve Watkins and Clare Jones; it was highly praised by National Geographic; and the London Daily Telegraph said that it offers ‘The freshest air that you can breathe”.
The trail has recently been upgraded and is a comfortable walk along a contour path and through fine stands of coastal fynbos. Along the way there are a few spots for a cooling swim in rock pools or a small sandy beach.
On a good day the views from the path are spectacular and you have a good chance of spotting whales, dolphins and even sharks in the water below. Peak whale watching season is from June to October and dolphins can be seen all year round.
Arrange transport from Dana Bay unless you are up for a mega hike and return along the trail back to your car. Children should be accompanied by adults. Some of the sections are fairly exposed and care should be taken on steep sections. Watch out for waves at the sea caves and rocky sections of this rugged shoreline. Avoid hiking this trail in high winds.
BOOMSLANG
The boomslang (boom = tree; slang = snake), Dispholidus typus, is a common yet rarely encountered snake.
MALE BOOMSLANG
As the name suggests, they are expert climbers and spend most of their time in trees and shrubs utilizing their excellent camouflage to escape detection.
Occasionally this shy snake will leave the security of the treetops to hunt or bask in the sun’s warming rays but may also be found in the safety of crags and rock crevices.
FEMALE
Drop for drop the boomslang has the most potent venom of any South African snake. It seldom bites however, and when it has occurred, usually the victim has either been tampering with it or handling it in some way.
There is a number of common fallacies about this snake. The two most common ones are that:
They will drop from trees to bite you
They cannot bite you easily because their teeth are small and too far back so they have to chew
Number one, no snake will EVER bite unprovoked – for an expert climber to drop from a tree and put itself in a life-threatening situation just to bite something that it wont eat – well, if you think about it, it just doesn’t make sense.
Number two, make NO mistake, a boomslang CAN bite you and if it goes untreated it can result in death. Fortunately, unless the snake is overly aggravated they are commonly known to give a dry-bite – a bite where no venom is injected out of choice – which is the most likely origin of the myth.
Warning: Dry-bites or not, the venom of this snake is lethal and the boomslang should always be treated with due respect.
Diet:
Tree dwelling lizards (chameleons), birds, eggs and frogs
Reproduction:
Oviparous laying up to 27 eggs; late spring to midsummer
Key ID points:
Medium sized snake up to 2 metres
Keeled scales
Very large eyes in comparison with the head
Shy snake, spending most of its time in the cover of trees or bushes
Colour variable: Females dull brown to olive; Males green to black above and yellow below
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Remember Clue - A.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Haqre fbzr byq erq oevpxf.
Treasures
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