The Long-Awaited Harties River Hiking Trail

Not sure about you, but during the week, in the perpetual quest for the next hiking adventure, I tend to delve deep into the digital wilderness of options for the next hike, each promising a unique blend of exploration and challenge.

Yet, as I dive deeper into Google searches and Facebook pages, I find myself slipping into a digitally induced coma. It's at this point that the meticulous planner in me springs into action, transforming the chaos into order through the sacred art of……. list-making.

What begins as a humble list soon mutates into a complex ecosystem of interconnected spreadsheets, cells filled with details and ratings. As the lists grow longer and the tabs multiply, I find myself teetering on the brink of spreadsheet saturation, faced with the daunting task of choosing my next trail.

Sometimes due to the abundance of spreadsheets, the hike earmarked for the following weekend might be knocked down a peg or two for some new amazing hike that I might have just discovered as a result of the all-powerful algorithms that swoop in and conjure up a brand-new epic hike out of thin air.

So, the Harties River Hiking Trail was one such hike! For this reason, this hike was long awaited and highly anticipated. And the fact that we were required to book online, only made it more exciting for some reason.

Me being…. well…..me, stumbled through the process like a befuddled tourist in a foreign land. Kudos to the patient organizer who dealt with me with unwavering composure.

As always, slightly overeager, we arrived at the gates before the designated 7:00 AM opening time. Note to self: gates to the Harties River Hiking Trail open at the stroke of 7, not a moment sooner.

The organizer (the poor bugger who dealt with me in the week), a meticulous soul determined to leave no detail unchecked, guided us through the pre-hike orientation. As we huddled together, the cold seeping into our bones, it all seemed unnecessary, but I couldn't help but appreciate the commitment to crossing every 't' and dotting every 'I' before we embarked on our journey.

He made it crystal clear this chat was strictly for the rookies. So, you can bet your boots that when I go back, I'll be zipping past those beginners like a speed demon, itching to hit the trails and leave 'em all in the dust!

Like a horse chomping at the bit in a starting stall, I felt very impatient to start the hike. For me, the highlight of every hike is the early morning solitude and the promise of unexplored trails ahead.

There's a unique magic in the early morning air, a therapy for the mind, body and soul. For me, those quiet moments before the world awakens hold a power that transcends mere physical exercise—they offer a sanctuary that gives me the strength to endure another week in purgatory.

Because of the chilly morning the mist clung to the surface of the Dam, casting doubts on whether we would ever see beyond the reach of our outstretched hands. But that cleared before we knew it, opening up to the wonders of what was to come.

As we embarked on what I thought would be a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks, I was in for a delightful surprise. The initial assumption of a flat pathway was quickly overturned as our route veered away from the very brief glimpse of the tranquil waters. However, what awaited us was far more captivating than I could have imagined.

The unexpected elevation change brought an unexpected dimension to our journey. Contrary to my expectations, the ascent was not overly strenuous yet provided a refreshing challenge. As we ascended, the landscape unfolded before us, unveiling breathtaking views that truly took my breath away.

While our path may not have followed the river as anticipated, the divergence led us to a hidden gem that exceeded all expectations. The varied terrain and stunning views embraced us, making every step a joyful revelation.

Until the next trail beckons, keep hiking, keep exploring, and embrace the unexpected.

My Hiking Hag Ratings: Numbers with a Lot of Explanation

AREA: Well that one is self explanatory!!!

COST: R 60 pp.

DIFFICULTY - Moderate.

LENGTH - 7.9 kms

ELEVATION - 310 m

MARKERS - GOOD

AMENITIES: - We were led to believe there was a place to eat just outside the gate. But, of course, you had to book it with the hike, and Salt and I didn't want to be tied down—such free spirits we are... well, he is... I was all for it... damn Salt.

Ablutions spotless.

Loads of safe parking.

SIDE NOTE - You are asked to take a bag if you want to collect litter along the way. What a smart idea! Honestly, all trails should offer this. Obviously, not a single piece of litter for me to pick up was found. I mean, the people before me cleaned up real good. I was so looking forward to doing my part by picking up one bottle and single-handedly reversing 60 years of my contributions to global warming. But no… I was denied the opportunity.

On a serious note though… brilliant idea! Bravo!