Van Gaalen River Trail:We Came. We Hiked. We Learned.

So Estie from Saunterers invited me to join her river hike at Van Gaalens.

My first reaction? Been there (twice). Done that. Probably still have mud on my shoes.

But then she added, “It’s to raise awareness about MS.” Yes, that MS. Multiple Sclerosis. The scary one we all vaguely know about but secretly hope is just a plot for medical dramas.

But it’s real. And it’s brutal.

Then she continued: “And maybe you can write something about it… you know, with your way with words?”

Wait—my way with words? Did she mean the snark? The barely-concealed intolerance for uphill climbs and my general exasperation with people who take trails as seriously as taxes? This is MS. Snarky? I think not. That felt wildly inappropriate.

ESTIE & TAMARA

And just like that, it wasn’t just a hike anymore. It was a purposeful hike. With feelings. And somehow, I’d become the designated wordsmith for something way bigger than my usual complaints about inclines, bad trail signage, and questionable stumbles.

So imagine my surprise when Estie casually drops the bombshell: her daughter Tamara has been diagnosed with MS.

Let me pause here to explain the hiking community to the uninitiated.

We hike. That’s it. We talk, we bond for the duration of the trail, maybe even for a post-hike carb binge... but personal? Nope. We are emotionally-repressed mountain goats in hiking boots. Or maybe that’s just me?

Before we started, Estie and Tamara gave us a glimpse into what it’s like to live with MS. The staggering costs of treatment. The emotional toll. The reality of navigating a healthcare system that slaps a premium on staying alive.

It was heartbreaking. Enlightening. And a big fat reminder that hiking shoes don’t protect you from everything.

The trail itself? This was my third time there, and no, I still haven’t tackled the mythical Greek Church trail. One day.

Now, Paprika joined me for this hike. For those who don’t know, Paprika is my CrossFit-obsessed hiking buddy who moves with the grace of a gazelle on a caffeine drip.

We had the choice of a 5km or 10km hike. She chose the 5km—probably because the 10km didn’t offer enough opportunities to leap over boulders or do spontaneous squats mid-trail. I chose the 10km. She started later. Perhaps? Who knows. She was around. In her own chaotic, blink-and-you’ll-miss-her kind of way.

We hit the River Trail —a gorgeous, mostly flat and shaded path that winds through tranquil reed tunnels with the sound of a river keeping you company. It’s peaceful. It’s easy. It’s the hike equivalent of a warm hug from nature.

One of the great things about Van Gaalens is that at almost every kilometer mark, you can choose to back out and return to the start.

But let’s move on to what this hike was actually about. It wasn’t about tracking steps or breaking a sweat. And as much as I love Paprika, it wasn’t about her either.

This hike was about Tamara.

It was about showing up—for her, for Estie, and for the thousands of others living with MS.

It was about a group of women who laced up their boots and, for once, carried something heavier than their backpacks: purpose.

Here’s the truth: most of us don’t want to know too much about MS. It’s easier to stay in our safe little bubble of fitness watches and electrolyte gels.

But on this day, we didn’t have that option. We looked it in the face. And in doing so, something real happened. We weren’t just hikers on a trail—we were a community, walking with and for each other.

So thank you, Estie. Thank you, Tamara. For giving us a reason to walk beyond ourselves. For turning a scenic trail into something unforgettable.

And Paprika? If you ever sit still long enough to read this—know that you were part of it too. In your own wonderfully chaotic, cardio fueled, ADD-glorious way.

RATING

AREA: Skeerpoort

DIFFICULTY: Easy

LENGTH: Various options

MARKERS: Excellent

HIGHLIGHTS

Reed tunnels, river views and a shady trail (the good kind of shady)

Oh, and an amazing, slightly unhinged group of girls.

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

Coffee shop for post hike binge.

Cheese tours.

NOTE TO SELF

Still haven’t done the Greek Church trail. Get your act together.

ON A FINAL NOTE

Always a special day, especially when the cause is bigger than the climb.

TOSOLO OR NOSOLO

TOSOLO

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