By the time you reach the cache site most of the hard work has been done. This is an ideal spot to stop and rest before the final push ahead that will take you up onto the saddle. From the saddle you either go right to George Peak or left up the somewhat more demanding route to Cradock. Have another rest when you reach the saddle, enjoy the views and pick up another cache (Split GC617W3) whilst you are there.
On the day we climbed in September we were rewarded with clear blue skies and warm temperatures. There had been significant rainfall a couple of days previously and from the site where the cache is placed we could hear water tumbling down the mountain although we couldn’t actually see any waterfalls.
As you climb this mountain let your mind dwell on the knowledge that hundreds of millions of years ago, before the continents as we know them today even existed, the ground upon which you tread originated with rock now found in Argentina, Antarctica and Eastern Australia. At an earlier point in the geological timetable it was beneath the sea !
Parking is available outside the Witfontein Forest / Outeniqua Nature Reserve Office. There is currently no charge for entry into the Reserve. Self-issued permits should be completed at the office but this only opens at 0730 by which time hikers have often already departed. The entrance gate to the offices it should be noted however is open at 0600.For up to date information check the Cape Nature website: http://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/outeniqua-nature-reserve/
The cache is a small plastic container that will hold a couple of small trackables but not much more. There is a logbook, pencil and sharpener inside.
Enjoy the hike and remember - take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints !