2006/01/23
Dry Start
One can have either a dry or a wet start.
The coastline is known for its quick rapid weather changes. So be prepared anbd have some plastic wrap or better full size rain coat with you, that also would cover the backpack.
My sister came all the way from Germany to fullfill a longing dream.
The trail starts with its plaque at the end of the caravan park about 150 metres from the special parking area for hikers.
From here just follow the yellow footprints of the otter which are used as trail signs and appear on rocks and trees as you go. So be on the lookout for them.
2006/01/23
No Luck
Some Komorans sitting on the rocks waiting in vain for their wings to become dry again, since they do not have the ability, unlike other water birds, to grease their plumage themselves and so protecting it against water.
In addition it was drissling a bit which probably delayed the drying process even further.
2006/01/23
Wet Start
The bookings on the trail in a group are really difficult to get and should be made way in advance.
When I did the Otter the first time, I started totally on my own, since I got the trail hike as a present from my beloved wife and she managed to get me space from a cancellation.
So for single or paired hikers, here is the tip. Call the Park Reservations every Wednesday and one day you'll be lucky.
Anyway, on start this image shows how nature approached me with one of her lesser pretty days. The wind was blowing towards me with a slight inland angle. Within minutes everything was wet. Although the temperature was nice, wet hiking is not one of my favourite tasks.
Otter Trail Reservations
Telephone: +27 12 426 5111
Fax: +27 12 343 0905
23-JAN-2006
Deep In The
Undergrowth
After doing the first 1-2km's, where the landscape profile opens up every now and then for stunning sea view, the trail leads into thick undergrowth.
The sea water spray and the relatively good and more than sufficient presence of water (Tsitsikamma - place of plenty water) is simply the perfect environment for plenty species of plants, bushes, flowers and little trees.
Keep in mind the backpack might be higher as you when diving through this loggage.
Flora:There are basicly two main areas of growths. The upper canopy comprises mainly hard pear (Olinia ventosa), real yellowwood (Podocarpus latifolius) and Cape beech (Rapanea melanophloeos), while smaller trees such as kamassi (Gonioma Kamassi), assegai (Curtisia Dentata) and Cape Blackwood (Maytenus Peduncularis) form a lower, second canopy.
23-JAN-2006
Object Of Interest
It is nothing else than a feast for the passioned photographer with plenty motives arround. Whole carpets of Arrum Lillies sometimes cover the ground, for instance a bit more upstream at Lottering River.
A trained eye will quickly pick up even the smallest items of beauty. Make sure you hike at a slow pace, enjoying the scenery, the crashing waves and rock pools, dense green forest and tannin-stained rivers.
2006/01/23
Wild Waters
When I did the Otter for the first time, I was not so privileged in terms of weather condirions in order to capture moments like this, when the sun tries to break through the mist leaving some pale reflections on the water for a short period of time.
In 2005 there was a ongoing drizzle which felt like needles in my face, emphasized by a relatively strong wind blowing towards me, when walking in the open. So I did not have much chances to take my photogear out.
2006/01/23
View Of
The Caveman
This little cave is situated about half-way between the starting point and the waterfall. In 2005 it gave me shelter from the rain. However I discovererd very shortly after entering that everything was soaked already.
Before the trail was opened officially the cave - not only home to hundreds of bats - was once a natural home, meeting place and "accommodation" at once for fishermen and strandloopers(beach walkers).
On hot days this is also a welcome cool off spot for overheated feet and heads (should you've forgotten your hat). The rocks on the caves floor are covered with the bats excrements and very slippery, so be on the watch out.
2006/01/23
Wet And Exhausted
When I entered the cave my eyes took their while to adapt to the much darker ambient light.
And there she was, right next to me sitting on a rock.
Honestly, I did not see her at all while being in a crouch, discovering the nicest and most greenest moss coverings I've ever seen. Only because the poor thing started flapping its wings I've noticed her finally.
I think it is a Cape Dove I've found in Guano Cave. She did not even bother to escape with her wings so soaked and totally exhausted.
2006/01/23
Sunken In Thoughts
Instead of a dove, I got my sister in 2006 to be my "cave mate".
Light conditions like this you do not get the opportunity to make use of every day. Unlike in the studio, the photographer has to shift and/or replace model, camera and himself in the attempt to "set up" lightning.
I actually caught her like this, her mind being busy to settle and accepting natures wonderful surroundings - if you know what I mean being said by a "City Man".
I also posted this image in
OutdoorPhoto and
PhotoSig as a couple of viewers honestly assumed I was using a studio rim light while taking the shot.
2006/01/23
Family Protection
And there was something else in Guano Cave.
Bats were hanging from the ceiling crowded in packets with their young. As wet and relatively cold in there it was, it took some effort from our side to get some action. I literally was shooting in the dark, guessing distance and aiming. After three machine gun series I got this.
I don't know if bats do that, but it looks like as if the little one is travelling back-pack on mummies back.
Caution hikers: The floor rocks are covered with the stuff, the cave's name is derived from. Better be careful it is very slippery, especially when paired with a misty or rainy day.
23-JAN-2006
Mastering Profile
Every now and then, the trail takes you right along the coast, but on a rather rugged terrain over the rocks. Not always pleasant to go, since it requires concentration and good balance abilities. Once you twist one of your ankle here, the dream would be over.
Even in this seemingly desolate surrounding you'll find somehting wonderful to explore. Many of the rocks and even tree trunks are covered with lichens, ranging from vivid yellow over a satured orange down to lush leave green, finally fading into a "friendly" black.
Until now I did not know that I actually was looking at one of nature's successful symbiosis of two organisms, a fungus and a lichen. I think the color determing part here is the fungus. If the mutually nurishing pair lacks water or moisture, the color turns black, but they'll survive.
2006/01/23
Turkoise Glitter
This almost looks like if the image was taken on some kind of glacier tounge. The water color at least looks alike. I was looking for something else intersting when a little breeze came up and gave this rather puddle-like surface its glittering appearance.
Not much of a shot, but an interesting detail which can fill an appreciating viewers eye with joy.
2006/01/23
Blue Splash
Everybody was strolling arround in the attempt to find the perfect position and timing to pull this one off, e.g. make it immortal by freezing on chip or film.
But I think sister's done a nice job with daddy's Olympus.
2006/01/23
Curiosity
Each day, the Otter Trail is used by about 60 people when fully booked.
These guys here I think getting used to human presence and have developed already a healthy curiosity. Sadly this growing kind of relationship is supported by clutter and remains from the not so considered type of hikers, especially the day trippers from Storms River Mouth.
Before dunking in the pond for a swim, make sure your eatables are safely secured in a closed backpack. If not, you might find open food bags and stolen goods.
2006/01/23
Refreshing Plunge
This is a nice reward especially when coming unexpected on a warm sultry day.
All the ponds and streams are tannin stained, but don't you worry, this is the result of a big eco-filter created by moss, mineral gravel and other wet plant covers. It even creates white to yellowish colored foam covering huge areas of the pond when left allone for a while.
This is totally safe and with the greatest confidence in consuming pure nature, you can drink the water.
Just be careful on the big streams "mouthing" directly into the see. Theyre all more or less salty in the vicinity of the mouth, depending how strong the river flows and the tide - as the counter power - pushes the fresh water back upstream.
23-JAN-2006
Seeking Refreshment
We did not realize how cold and almost cracking refreshing the water was when applied to a relatively steaming body.
Once again, sister had to play model and did extremly well. Clearly noticeable the thermometer is her face and is sitting definitely on the lower range of scale....brrrrrrr.
From a technical point of view, I know the whole spray should be in the pic, but what can I say, with all the excitement I missed the decisive moment.
23-JAN-2006
Happ !!
Another bad habbit.
I am convinced, mother nature is looking well after them and they do not need add-ons like salt pretzels, crackers or even worse, cookies as part of their diet.
Although I know its cute to watch them, but please dear valued hiker, do not feed whatsoever any animal.
This is also exactly the reason, why the dust bins at the huts are covered with heavy lids.
2006/01/23
Nesting In Green
Snuggeld against the hill, this is how we found our first day's destination, Ngubu hut, named after a former ranger who helped developing the trail and died in a fire accident.
There is even some luxury to enjoy... a shower. But don't be fooled, its right from the tap and the geyser is definitely switched off. Some of you, dear female companions, might look in vain for a shower curtain, providing at least a kind of privacy. But no, this is the bush, be prepared but not too scared.
The most curious visitor you might get is a large spotted genet, if your shower time cuts into dusk.
23-JAN-2006
Resting
This little yellowtailed dragonfly was resting on a leave next to the drinking water tap nearby the hut.
So my initially "necessity task" doing the dishes after dinner, finally turned into pleasure by observing and shooting this wonderfull creature.
23-JAN-2006
Awaiting Prey
Another representative of the creepy-crawlies, looking for diner.
He did not manage to participate in treats like we had, or at least shown by Fiona and Shean, pulling a whole crayfish out of their backpack.
One important thing I've learned from them, if you work hard (hiking is to be considered as such), one must eat good. In other words, rather leave the one or other piece of clutter out of your backpack (for example a four A-size cell torch) and replace it with some good food.
04-SEP-2005
Bank Beds
At the overnight stops, hiking groups are accommodated by two log huts consisting of two triple story bank beds for shelter. So in total, 12 people can stay at each camp site.
Further there is a drinking water tap, always close to the hut, and at some camps even an enclosed, but cold water shower, refreshing body and mind after a days walk.
On some of the camp sites logs for firewood is provided. Amongst the hikers it is an unwritten rule to only use as much as necessary, leaving enough behind for the following hikers.
2006/01/23
About To Be
Extinguished
At the end of the some day on the Otter you will get rewarded with views like this.
Looking at it, I couldn't help to imagine a sizzle, but hearing nothing than the sea.