Trip report by site editor Rick McCharles.
Between low clouds, the morning dawned blue, sunny, HOT.
This was the prettiest of the three days.
This day I again saw a “wild dog” with one or two young ones. Unfortunately I wasn’t quick enough to zoom the camera in time.
Locals told me they were most likely hyena.
I covered up from the strong sun.
Arriving Winterhoek hut under the trees.
Hikers are advised to lock everything up against baboon and eland.
I had lunch here, in the shade.
My biggest problem on the Giant’s Cup was the strong January sun. Locals thought I was crazy to be hiking in the hot, rainy season. I rested at as many shady spots as possible.
I was surprised not to see more Dassie. This was one of the few I spotted.
Late afternoon I slapped at something biting me under my pants. Turned out I’d killed a tic, the first that had ever bitten me. Contrary to common wisdom, I’d kicked it. After that I was quite ‘tic vigilant’. They can carry disease.
I arrived Swiman hut at dusk, quite exhausted. Too exhausted to set up my tent, I crashed into a bunk. After I enjoyed a HOT SHOWER.
Again I was the only hiker in the hut that night.
I did see a caretaker next morning on my way out.
more photos from this day
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