Admiral’s Waterfall #1: Historic Footpath
The cache, a small camo-taped tablet pot, is hidden close to the start of this stunning short trail which contours across the upper slopes of Baviaanskloof giving access to Admiral’s Waterfall and views of the narrow ravine beyond.
It is not known which of the two (or 3 - if the weir is included) falls is Admiral’s Waterfall. The main falls, the top of which is accessible by a short scramble down from just past the top of the stepped part of the trail, only fall during periods of higher water flows during the Cape winter. At these times the falls, which are visible from Simon’s Town high street can be spectacular, and strong south-easterlies can actually blow the water up from the top of the falls
– quite a sight! During drier periods, the water disappears into the ground somewhere up from the falls and reappears somewhere below the falls. Of course, during the current severe drought the falls have not flowed for many months.
The other falls - referred to as the Upper Falls - are at the end of the narrow gorge above the weir – presumably constructed as a flow control measure - where the stream drops some 3m. It is possible to clamber up to the top of the weir to take in this awesome scene. In dry season, the falls are reduced to a mere trickle of water, fed by water percolating through the Red Hill catchment, down the stream bed and dripping off the high rock walls of the gorge.
To reach the cache location: park roadside on Barnard Street near S 34 11.675 E 18 25.443 and head up the trail.
Although the footpath is ‘historic’, I have not been able to find out how or why. It has obviously been there for a long time and was partially constructed - in that steeper parts have been stepped. It is assumed that it was named after the first Admiral to reside in Simon’s Town, Sir Jahleel Brenton (1770-1844).
Continues with GC7HF8Q AW#2: Sir Jahleel Brenton - Man on a (Com)Mission. . .