Day 3 (2009)

Scott (07:00) to Oakhurst (12:20); 7.7km; 5.3 hrs

We initially planned to leave late morning as high tide was at about 14:00 and the Oakhurst Huts are on the Lottering River which needs to be crossed. We'd planned to get there as the tide was receding and cross at 16:00. The slow pace of the previous two days led to a change of plan and we left at 07:00 to aim for an earlier crossing, but give us room for any mishaps or melt-downs should they arise.

On previous trips the Geelhoutbos River (which runs past the Scott Huts) would offer a sandy beach giving way to a stony river bed. On this trip there was no sand to be seen anywhere. A pointer to violent storms in 2007 I was told. The day is much as the previous one with one notable climb that seems to pass the very finger of God. From the top of the climb the view is truly astounding and the exhaustion of the climb is soon forgotten. Not as long as the climb out of Blue Bay, but by now legs and bodies are resigned to the inevitable, so it's hard to say if it is better or worse.

Stop for tea at Elandsbos River with its wide beach and almost mysterious river. Take some time to head upstream to swim and look for otter and monkey/baboon prints. It's a super secluded spot. Take photos on the beach, play with the lighting, reflections and shadows. Travel magazine-type shots abound.

Try to cross the Lottering at low(ish) tide. The river isn't as bad as the Bloukrans but it's stony and with the waves crashing about makes for a bit of a swim. Follow the instructions on the map as they're still relevant.

At the huts head for the rocks overlooking the sea and look for otters in the surf, seen them 4 out of 4 times! Facilities at Scott are as for the other huts.