Of the approximately 20 leaders (volunteers) of Pride of Table Mountain (PTM) who regularly attend bi-monthly hikes throughout the year, only 13 were able to participate in the weekend trip to the Cederberg. This was a group of 7 young ladies and 6 young men, none of whom had ever visited the Cederberg before. In fact, most of them had not heard of the Cederberg nor did they know where it was!
All that has changed now – each one of them will remember the weekend in different ways, but they will never forget it. They were out of their comfort area, in a place with a potential for danger in the form of leopards, spiders, baboons, snakes, and the worst fear – and scorpions. During the weekend they learnt about : -
• the leopard and its precarious existence in the Cederberg its prey and its predators (us);
• the work of the CLT
• the different snakes found in the area and the possible danger to them of each kind of snake;
• tracking – following the tracks of different creatures that may remain unseen by their eyes;
• scorpions – which are dangerous and which are not
Elizabeth Martins of Cape Leopard Trust (CLT), who undertakes the environmental education for CLT, was pivotal in suggesting that I bring the leaders of PTM to her newly constructed campsite for a weekend in the Cederberg before the regular PTM trail schedule started in 2010. We planned the trip together and she kindly offered to sponsor the venue and all the activities and teaching from CLT perspective, if PTM could raise the funds for the bus and the food – which was achieved. The weekend was not without its stresses but was also a great success.
To report briefly on the stressful side, this was due mainly to the bus’ difficulty on some of the mountain passes and the declining fuel gauge. The leaders (and myself) undertook a lengthy walk in the intense afternoon heat on the gravel road after the bus overheated whilst negotiating some of the steeper climbs. Nearly all commented in their feedback on this physically tiring exercise – mostly positive comments that they achieved something they did not think they could. The bus trip took much longer than planned – over six hours each way for a trip that usually takes between 4 and 4 ½ hours – and the non-availability of fuel – these two factors also contributed to some anxiety – but mostly mine.
Once at the CLT campsite though, the leaders were cheerful and excited about the adventure. I heard fearful comments about snakes and leopards and sleeping in tents.
After the excitement of arriving at the campsite which is adjacent to a small river – heaven after the long, thirsty drive- Liz showed us around the campsite and proudly demonstrated the dry toilets and bucket showers. The first task of erecting the tents created an avenue for team work and some competitiveness and this was completed with relative ease, once Liz had demonstrated. They easily divided themselves into groups to sleep in the different tents.
As we had arrived late, the team selected for dinner duties immediately commenced preparation whilst the rest played in the river and experimented with the showers and toilets. Dinner and then a walk in the dark, with torches, to the offices of CLT where Liz presented on the work and research of CLT, which included some pictures and information on the resident snakes. Many expressed intense fear at the thought of meeting a snake on the path, and Liz went to great lengths to explain the appropriate way to respond, depending on what snake, if one was found in the path.
An early rise next morning, breakfast and then a short drive to Kromrivier before a long, hot hike to the disa pools, led by Willem, the assistant from CLT who has a quiet but very effective manner. The first half-hour was spent bush-whacking uphill (a few moans and groans along the way) and then along a clearly defined path. The hike included a period of solo-silent walking to try and listen to nature – or let nature speak. The crystal clear mountain pool was a source of great joy for those that were not afraid of swimming – more than half of the group. However, some did not join the main group at the pool. A couple of youth gave Liz and I some frightening moments when they were suddenly out of their depth – thankfully, no serious consequences.
Back at the campsite at around 2 pm, most of the youth had a well-deserved nap after hotdogs for lunch. Later, when it was a little cooler, we took the bus to a wonderful outcrop of natural rock sculptures where Liz talked about the fynbos and then they each took a board and pencil and were asked to draw a plant that “spoke” to them. Many of them found this a profound exercise – connecting more deeply and seeing more than they might have otherwise when looking at fynbos.
The highlight for most of the group was the last night’s scorpion hunt with Quinton and his ultra-violet light. Searching for and then watching Quinton pick up and hold the creature whilst sharing his vast knowledge on scorpions – was a delight to all. Some were brave enough to stroke it.
An early departure after breakfast on Sunday meant no activities beforehand except to complete the feedback form prepared by Liz. A lot of thought went into the preparation of this form and to my perception, the youth responded to the questions with some deep reflection on their experience which I have found to be most valuable.
In general, the preparation of the CLT team (Liz and Willem) for our weekend visit was really well thought through and planned. However, due to our late arrival, the extreme heat and our early departure on Sunday, we were not able to take part in all the activities that had been on the plan. The CLT campsite is a treat – and creates serious opportunities for discussion around water saving and the advantages and otherwise of dry toilets. The lessons and activities were interesting and exciting and, I would say, that every one in the group would jump at an opportunity to visit again, including the bus driver. But, for at least one day longer next time!
