A Fitting Conclusion
Day 5: Andre Hut To De Vasselot
*We took an alternate route once we got to the beach at Natures Valley. About 100m from the beach the trail continues into the forest before ending at De Vasselot, where he had parked our cars.
This is the official route.
Instead, we walked along the beach, crossed the lagoon and carried on through the little holiday town at Natures Valley before walking 600m on tarred road to De Vasselot.
Short cut.
Some of us had a date with a bridge…
*Edited for correction. Previously I had written the beach walk was the official route. This is incorrect. The official route is thru the forest to De Vasselot.
Nature's Valley
When we got to The Point, where the trail meets the beach, we were congratulated by many holiday makers and beachgoers.
We were conspicuous in our hiking kit and big backpacks.
The ocean was irresistible and to a man we took a dip.
Please note the rip currents here are very strong. At least one hiker went for a post-Otter swim and was swept out, never to be seen again, according to one beachgoer.
Allegedly. I have been unable to confirm this. But as Urban Legends go, it’s a good one.
This is a beautiful but dangerous beach. There are lifeguards on duty (although they were not there when we got to the bottom of the trail at 8.30am).
The Hike Was Over … 🙁
But the fun not quite yet…
Where Are They Rushing Off To..?
Jumpy Jumpy
This is how you end The Otter Trail… at Face Adrenalin by bungy jumping off the Bloukrans Bridge.
Because the rush of crossing the Bloukrans is not big enough, you have jump off a bridge crossing it.
How do I get myself talked into these things?
It was a perfect ending to 5 amazing days with the best group of people I have had the privilege to hike with.
The Jumpers
Jump! Jump! X-Cross Will Make You Jump! Jump!
Mona Lisa's Smile Did Not Waver!
The Amir Leaning On The Kiddos For Support
Bang Broek Bride
Rope Climber
The Yster
Brave Berxik
I Believe I Can Fly
I Believe I can Touch The Sky
I Think About It Every Night And Day
Spread My Wings
And Fly Away
I Believe I Can Soar
(R Kelly)
Support Team
Flying Without Wings
Country Road, Take Me Home
But not before we have some more fun!
Memories Are Forever
To the 11 Otteranians (that’s a word, apparently) thank you for a wonderful experience in a year overflowing with memorable moments.
I started 2022 with The Amathole Trail (with roughly the same group of people) and ended it with The Otter Trail.
Blessed Much I Am
(Not Yoda)
Relive The Adventure here.
Videos and Photographs courtesy of M Abbass
(All Rights Reserved. Copyright M Abbas)
Wow….. A. Stunning read… I was with you all the way. To the bunji jumpers… Wow… Had a good laugh for. Yaeesh holding onto the rope and Zak cracking himself… Hehehe.. Thanks Bibs for reliving this journey. It was my first 5day hike when I joined MA many years ago. Algmdlh. Go well everyone.. May you be blessed to continue, myself included, these. Adventures.. Ameen.🤲🏻