Hiker lost in Kloof
2008-09-11
Lise Beyers
A YOUNG hiker spent an anxious night in Du Toit’s Kloof, when he wandered off the beaten track. Jason Peak of Durbanville set off on the Donkerkloof route on Saturday afternoon, thinking that he would complete the walk by nightfall. By late afternoon he realised that he had lost the route, he would not be able to return before dark. Fortunately, he could make cellphone contact with his family, who then contacted Deon Rossouw of Cape Nature in Paarl. “I spoke to Jason and established that he was safe and that he had warm clothes with him, as well as food and water. “It was in all of our best interests for him to make himself comfortable on the mountain, instead of trying to make the descent in darkness. This area is also renowned for sudden changes in weather conditions.” The next morning a group from Cape Nature and the rescue services set off up the kloof to meet Peak half way. Peak said that at no stage was he in danger. “As an experienc- ed hiker I had the necessary equipment with me in case I got stuck. I found a flat area to spend the evening, and apart from an uncomfortable sleep on the rugged surface, I was fine.” Rossouw said that this specific path is closed to the public, and Peak should never have ventured onto it. “Hikers should also never walk alone, as anything can happen up there. And in case of an injury, the hiker could land in a lifethreatening situation. “Anybody who wanders into these mountains must also be in possession of a permit which can be purchased at a Cape Nature office.”
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