Monday 20 June 2011

Feedback Saturday 18th June: Tokai Forest

Sue-B keeping her feet dry

The joy of trail running!



This past Saturday’s run across the face of Constantiaberg was billed as a good run for beginners, and whilst much of the run was indeed flatish, the gruelling hike up to Level 5 was seriously challenging for even our experienced runners!

The angry voices of baboons echoed in Tokai’s Arboretum as 28 of us followed Seamus  as we set off that cold morning, but the inevitable chirping and chatter was soon replaced by squeals and laughter as we took turns to ford a riverlet in spate. Although Sue-B showed style in method on the fallen tree over the river, Felicity wins the prize for innovation – using a branch as a punt, she resembled the Boatman crossing the Styx.

 We then made our way up to Level 5, tackling gradients and track that were demanding to say the least and tempered only by the magnificent views of the Constantia Valley and beyond that were unveiled at every turn.

The spectacular corner waterfall awaited as the track straightened out, and thereafter we ran in dappled sunlight, soaking up the unique smells of a damp forest. Then, at last, it was downhill as we zig-zagged our way down to Level 1 and back to the parking area via the enchanting Fairy Forest.  


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