Loerie Trail - Hennops
8th - 9th July 2006
by Bertha Lazarus
Participants:
John Meyer, Edward Grant, Judy Dummer, her friend Willie, Phyllis Morris, Tonie, Sebastiaan and Bertha Lazarus (Leader)
 In Gauteng and virtually on the doorsteps of Johannesburg and Pretoria, the above-mentioned seven hikers went to experience one of the few remaining unspoilt nature areas near the Hartebeespoort Dam.
On the Saturday morning the party met at the overnight camp, Loerie. Having arrived at various times convenient for them, we decided to first have lunch, and then do the Zebra Trail, which runs through the game farm part of the farmer’s property. In the distance of just over a six kilometre trail, we saw Impalas, Black Wildebeest, Blesbok and Zebras.
Having arrived back at the camp at around four o’clock, we lazed around, and as good hikers always do, seriously started talking about food, and how nice a potjie would have been. Not hesitating, Tonie sent me to go and purchase some chicken and vegetables, and what a nice on the spur of the moment potjie we had, with Judy providing the spicy rice. Thanks for a lovely evening.
 The next morning after a pleasant sleep, we set of at 7,30 on the Krokodilberg route of 11,3 km, a more hilly one. After passing the (veld) Hospital which was used in the Anglo Boer war, where wounded Boers were lowered down into this cave. We crossed the Hennops River using a suspension bridge, and then climbed the steep section up the ridge.
The trail is steeped in places with interesting history, like Hardekraal, Pruimpie se Gat, Kees se uitkykpunt, Tierbos, Jan se Klip, Dolomite mine diggings and oven, Houtkappershoek and Kudukloof. On the latter part of the trail, it became hot and humid, and with some hikers full of flu and others just unfit, we had a few rest and water breaks, and got to the Hennops River with the choice of staying on the side of the river and walking to the camp, or crossing it by using the cable car. We all did the cable car crossing, which meant that you had to strap yourself in, and then pull yourself over to the other side of the river bank.
The river was flowing strongly as always, with the car extended height over the water being around six meters, and the length some 15 meters. What excitement.
On reaching the cars early, we once again lit a fire, and had a nice braai, using the provisions that were not used the evening before. Everybody enjoyed themselves, and it seemed as if the party did not want to break up and go home. But eventually, we all left.
Thank you all for an most enjoyable hike, weekend, and time out.
Happy hiking.
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