Day 6 - An Attempt at the Amphitheatre Ascent

40 days ~ 40 hikes ~ Walking 4 Education

Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. Mahatma Gandhi

We woke early at Witsies and had a quick breakfast and we then met our hiking companions who’d taken a drive round. The road is paved to Witsieshoek Resort but there is a very rough section between the Resort and the Sentinel Car Park. But this short section shouldn’t deter you – take it slowly & enjoy the views.

From the car park we were rewarded with the most wonderful view of the Sentinel and after just about 45 minutes of walking up the zig-zags we had the most incredible outlook down over Royal Natal. Breathtaking stuff! Even if you just get to this point, it is really worthwhile! What added atmosphere to all our shots was the weather – the overcast weather made the colours more pronounced.

We walked along the contour path to the chain ladders and then the weather really came in! It was sleeting and the mist swept in as we huddled and ate our sandwiches and kit-kats (special thanks to our Montusi cousins!). The kids and the grandfathers went halfway up the ladders but we’d made the call to return home…. It just wasn’t worth risking it. The dense mist would have obscured the views and it just wasn’t safe….

We headed back but decided to have a tea stop at the Sentinel Cave. A special hideaway from the elements. Delicious tea, many laughs and our dampened spirits were restored and we were ready for the descent….

It was day to remember. Very special to have so many of our family & friends along… And we have decided that we will definitely give this hike another attempt… After all we do have 34 days to go!