Pear Orchard Trail: Kaapschehoop

A Respectable-ish Sunday Hike

So, Sunday morning rolled around, the skies were clear, the mist had lifted, and honestly—it felt like the previous day’s moody weather had been crafted just for me (because yes, the world revolves around my hiking fantasies, and yes, my Kaapschehoop hiking fantasies always come with a side of mist).

We had one mission: find a hike short enough to feel outdoorsy but not so long that we’d get home at “why-are-we-like-this o’clock.”

Mission accomplished.

The Pear Orchard Trail

Because we couldn't be tackling a 3-hour, sweat-dripping, soul-depleting kind of trail, the Pear Orchard Trail was the perfect option—about 3 km, minimal drama, and just enough cardio to justify later snacking without guilt.

Respectable-ish indeed.

Battery Creek Waterfall Trail: The Trail That Got Away

Now, in my head—where everything is cinematic (when it’s not being traumatic), we were going to wander through misty Kaapschehoop forests, spot a few wild Kaapschehoop wild horses, and stride beneath towering pine trees.

But in reality, there was no mist, no horses, just a 3 km trail that side-eyed the forest and then shoved the Battery Creek Waterfall Trail in our faces like, “Bet you wish you had three spare hours, don’t you?”

We peered into the gorge, shared a collective "are we that crazy?" glance, and said: nope. Respectable-ish hikers do not commit to minimum 3-hour detours on a Sunday.

Instead, we padded our walk with a bonus 2 km detour to the old cemetery. Scenic? Yes. Exactly what we needed? Also yes. Did I still have FOMO? Absolutely—like a hiker being at a trailhead, knowing deep down this might be the one that got away.

Will I Be Back to Kaapschehoop?

Here’s the thing—I’m not done with Kaapschehoop. That Waterfall Trail is calling my name, and next time, I’m answering. Hopefully with the same tribe, but honestly, I’m not picky. If you’ve got hiking boots and a willingness to sweat mildly, you’re in.

To my tribe for the weekend: three days, three trails, and what felt like three different weather systems. You said yes to my half-baked plan, and and it grew into one of those forever memories. Respectable-ish indeed.