Kaapschehoop Day 2: Hiking the Escarpment and Stone Circle Trails in the Mist

jeeksparties8
32 minutes ago
3 min read

The Grand Plan (That Didn’t Happen)

We had it all worked out. Alarms set, backpacks packed, heroic intentions of setting out by the latest 7:00 a.m. The goal? To crush a 12 km hike by combining the Kaapschehoop Escarpment Trail with the famous Stone Circle (Adam’s Calendar) Trail.

Yes, we were going to dominate Kaapschehoop like hiking legends.

The universe, meanwhile, was sipping tea, cackling, and rolling on the floor laughing. Because if there’s one thing the universe lives for, it’s listening to your meticulously detailed plans… and then squashing them like a bug.

Kaapschehoop Misty Morning

We woke up to find the world had disappeared. Overnight rain, thick mist and icy drizzle. Visibility? About 5 meters, max. Beyond that? Just mystery.

So, in a rare moment of adult wisdom, Munchkin and I made an executive decision: we messaged the group chat, "we will wait". (Translation: we brewed coffee, stared into the mist, and hoped the weather would stop throwing a tantrum.)

The Magic of Hiking in the Mist

Eventually, the rain softened to drizzle, and our 5 meters of visibility stretched to a luxurious 10.

And it was at that exact moment I realised—this crew? They’re the "hiker’s hikers". The gloriously unhinged kind who don’t even consider skipping the trail as an option. Truly, my tribe selection? Impeccable.

So we set off—later than planned, on a slightly different route. And honestly? The mist turned out to be the best gift of the day.

When you can’t see the sweeping mountain views, your focus narrows to what’s right in front of you: moss-covered rocks, twisted trees, and raindrops glittering like diamonds. Your senses sharpen, and suddenly the small things become grand

The trail felt magical. Mystical. Like wandering through a painting that somehow decided to come alive just for us.

The Escarpment Trail and Adam’s Calendar

We ended up on a 13 km Kaapschehoop hike, combining parts of the Escarpment Trail and the Stone Circle (Adam’s Calendar) Trail.

It wasn’t brutal—mostly flat endurance walking, sprinkled with a few inclines, scrambles, and the occasional “Are we lost?” moments.

And even though the mist clung to us almost the entire trail, it eventually stopped being a damp mist and softened into something gentler—more like a companion.

Thanks to those Sassy Siblings —powered by youthful energy. They navigated, they led, they basically dragged the rest of us along. Without them, I’d still be wandering the Kaapschehoop hills, drafting my monologue for the awkward moment I’d have to explain to everyone's families how I misplaced their loved ones in the misty hills of Kaapschehoop.

Once we got to a very misty Adam's Calender, we each plonked our asses down on one of the ancient stones, broke out the snacks, and sat in the mist like a bunch of damp philosophers. Quietly reflecting, reminding ourselves that sometimes stillness—in mist, on ancient stones—is its own kind of healing

And no, we didn’t see the epic escarpment views. And no, Adam’s Calendar stones weren’t crystal clear through the fog. But honestly? It didn’t matter. What we did see was unforgettable.

Wild Horses and Cappuccinos: The Perfect Ending

After the hike, we collapsed into reflection mode at The Bohemian, cappuccino in hand. And then we saw them… the wild horses.

Yes, actual wild horses in Kaapschehoop, drifting through the mist, casually grazing their way around town as if this was all perfectly normal.

Honestly, it was the most magical, cinematic ending to a day I could’ve scripted.

A couple of the ladies, ever-energetic, went off exploring the shops. Me? I locked myself in my room, because if I had to witness one more beautiful photo opportunity, my soul might’ve short-circuited.