Empisine Nature Reserve

Walking update… 23 March 2010

SILVERGLEN NATURE RESERVE…

28 Walkers arrived for the walk and it was with despair that I found out that Blessing, the Ranger, had not been told that we would be walking and was not there!  Fortunately he had given me his cell phone number the week before and after a very brief talk he agreed to come and do the walk with us.  It took him three quarters of an hour to arrive – but what a wonderful walk it turned out to be.

The trails throughout the reserve had been allowed to become overgrown – but they had done a marvelous job in cleaning out a trail for Toti Ramblers.  Blessing led us through forest, grass land and home via a long, long tarred road which seemed to go up and up forever.  Although we were instructed to leave all valuables in the cars before the walk, I never felt insecure whilst in the group and hope that they are able to open more and more of the trails in future.  The walk was approximately 6 km long.

A donation of R100 was given to Blessing to hand to Ross Crouch from the Toti Ramblers in appreciation of their effort.  Thanks to all members who so generously dug into their own pockets to give Blessing something as well.  He certainly went beyond the call of duty and it was much appreciated.

Welcome to visitors and new members

Welcome to a number of Bot Soc members who joined us on this walk.  We hope that you enjoyed it.

Janice and Trevor Torr and Hanneley Jacobs were also first time walkers.  Welcome.

Membership fees received:

Membership fees were received from Amy Thomas, Laura Konig, Shirley Coulter and Wendy Allen.  Thank you all

NEXT WALK – 11 APRIL 2010

Empisini Nature Reserve…

For new members who have not had the opportunity to walk in the Empisini Nature Reserve – a little bit about it.

It is situated on the South Coast approximately 50 km south of Durban and 5 minutes from the Umkomaas..  It is 60 hectare in size.  Empisini meaning “The place of the Hyena” is the name of the perennial stream which flows through the valley which consists of dense reeds, wetlands, grassy slopes and 20 hectare of pristine coastal forest.

Looping through the forest are several gentle hiking trails, demarcated picnic sites, overnight cabins and a tree house from which abundant bird life can be admired.

Directions:

Turn left towards Umkomaas and then left again towards Saiccor.  One Km further on, the left hand side, just before a bend in the road, is the entrance to Empisini.

We will be walking – rain or shine – so look forward to seeing you all there.