I have always wanted to do a big hike in the Drakensberg and yesterday I got the chance to do so. My dad, my uncle, my brother and myself all summited the infamous Cathedral Peak. The Peak is at 3004m above sea level and is one of the most challenging hikes in the area.
We had an early breakfast and set of with our guide at about 7:20. The sun was already shining and I could tell it would be a scorching day. The first part of the hike was through the foot hills and wasn't too difficult. The terrain all of a sudden became very rocky and steep, and thats when the hike really began. We were very lucky to be able to fill up our water bottles in the streams along the way, because keeping hydrated in that heat was crucial. The last kilometre of the route to the summit was definitey the most challenging. "Bugger Gulley" as it is known, really leaves you feeling "buggered" after you climb it. The last 300m to the top was the most exciting part of the hike. We left our back packs and food underneath some rocks, and began climbing up the almost vertical rock faces. The rocks were slippery, and wet but we managed to all make it to the very top. The 360 degree view of the Drakensberg was breathtaking. After a 5 hour up, we had a well deserved break and took in the beautiful views.
Feeling fresh and full of energy, we started the trip back to the bottom. The pace was much faster, and my legs seemed to holding up well. I was so impressed with my Salomon shoes and the amount of grip that I had because of them. We finally got back to the hotel just after 3 o'clock.
My legs are very stiff this morning, and the 8 hours of intense hiking yesterday has definitly taken a toll on my body. My plans for the rest of the day are to relax by the pool and put my feet up.
