Maltese Cross Trail #2: Revealed!
The cache, a small black-taped tablet pot, is hidden under a distinctive boulder just off this trail at a point where, if ascending from Dwarsrivier, the magnificent Maltese Cross is revealed in all its full glory.
For info on the trail and related access requirements, see GC9BZPW Maltese Cross Trail #1: Beyond the Waboom.
After leaving Maltese Cross Trail #1, continue climbing up the side of the kloof traversing across the rocky ledges and on up towards the saddle. The path crosses a seasonal stream – you can either jump over the small gap or carry on a little further up to cross over to the left (south) side.
Don’t carry on along the right side of the stream along the rocky slope – there should be cairns guiding you to the left.
From this somewhat vague area, head up to the next crest along a well-defined track again where the rock formations will have you struggling to know what to focus on and trying to pick out the (top of) Maltese Cross from amongst them.
It is only when the crest - and cache location - is reached that it is finally and completely revealed - overlooked by the mighty Sneeuberg (Snow Mountain) which at 2,037m is the highest peak in the Cederberg.
It is a truly amazing sight and memorable moment – especially if this is on your bucket list of things to see – which it should be!
Of course, the obvious question on seeing this incredible rock formation, is how did it get its remarkable size and shape.
The approx. 30m high monolithic Maltese Cross stands impressively alone on a broad plateau at 1,424m elevation. It is made of quartzitic Table Mountain Sandstone – after reaching the area around its base, look closely at the rock lying about and see the quartz pebbles embedded in it.
The unusual rock formations, like the Maltese Cross, seen in this region consist mainly of sandstone, which is porous and is often very hard and durable, but may have softer sections or layers that are more prone to weathering and erosion over the millennia. When such weaker sections are progressively eroded by rain and wind, irregularly shaped harder rock is left behind in strange and surprising formations.
