Porcupine trail before the rain - just

A reduced group ventured off down the Porcupine trail in the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve on a day that could not decide whether it should be warm or not. While still on the gentle decline we found Empodium monophyllum.

Empodium monophyllum

Decent into the gorge

Clambering down the steeper path we encountered Aristea gerrardii just opening their inflorescences and an Utricularia peeping out of a seep. The stream was flowing strongly – what a pleasure to hear the gurgle as we descended. Olea capensis subsp enervis and Dais cotinifolia were also enjoying the moisture.

Aristea gerrardii

Once under the forest canopy the Streptocarpus greeted us. Most of our attention was on where we were putting our feet till we got to the bottom but we did encounter fat Pavetta buds about to open. Pseudosalacia streyii, one of our Pondo specials, shyly produced flowers and we even found a few swollen fruits. Knowltonia bracteata kept flashing white stars from out of nowhere.
 

Pseudosalacia streyii fruit

Then we were faced with the river crossing - to gather our thoughts and strength we decided to have lunch before the attempt. While scouting around for a dry route many more Streptocarpus formosus were found carpeting the rocks. These will be a sight to behold in a week’s time as they were mostly in bud. Sadly no dry route was found. So it was off with the shoes and socks and out with the zip lock bags to protect cameras and cell phones.

Streptocarpus formosus

Crossing the Bulolo River

Uschi's venturi funnel

Bare feet on rough river sand and uneven pebbles made the going on the south bank even slower than before. Photo shoots of the Raspalia stream falls and the antics of some who tried to defy the venturi effect in the rocks had others rather worried.

Raspalia falls

The upward path also held little jewels along the way - the fern Anemia dregeana and still vegetative Corymborkis corymbis in the deep shade of a giant Harpephyllum caffrum. Thank heavens for something to keep the eyes and mind from the vertical drop off under foot.

Anemia dregeana

We gathered ourselves again at the edge of the forest to muster strength for the final lap up past the Raspalias. Two of them seem in reasonable shape but sadly the middle one looks like it is no longer alive.

Right at the top, as if a reward, was a happy Satyrium longicauda. We made it to the cars just ahead of the real rain but the earlier gentle drizzle had made the climb quite pleasant.

Satyrium longicauda

All photos by Gail B-W.
Participants: Anne S, Dorothy M, Gail B-W, Maggie A and Uschi T