WATCH: Ramblers have first hike of the year to Adam’s Calendar

The group of excited hikers met at the Kaapsehoop Village early on Saturday February 20, to begin the five-kilometre walk to the stone ruins.

The hikers were separated into two groups in order to comply with Covid regulations and better practice social distancing, with the first group setting off at 07:00 and the second group leaving at 07:30.

With beautiful blue and clear skies, the groups set off to the stone ruins.

Lowveld Rambler Anel Jansen van Vuuren described the hike as “magical” with “the most beautiful views” and, of course, excellent company.

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“As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm, and boy did we catch more than just the worm on this stunningly hot day,” said Jansen van Vuuren.

“In our case, our early walk on Saturday morning led to a stunning ramble between the grasslands and rocky roads among the wild horses in our beautiful Lowveld.

“Our 11-kilometre walk featured the most beautiful views and as per usual the best company from our rambling family extending across all walks of life.”

Jansen van Vuuren said the high point of the first hike for her “was most definitely the view at the edge of the contour enabling us to see as far as Barberton.

Amid this was also the wind blowing through the vast grasslands and hundreds of butterflies fluttering around our feet.

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“It was a few hours of absolute wonder, of beautiful views and memorable conversations. A big thank you to the leadership of the Lowveld Ramblers, who continue to add value to our survival of life.

“May our feet continue to take us to places that fill our hearts with wonder. May God continue to keep the earth below our feet,” she said.

One of the Lowveld Ramblers hike leaders, Johan Badenhorst, said the first hike of the year was a great success and all hikers who made the trek were in awe of the sights along the route.

The Adam’s Calender site itself was a highly unusual sight. Not much is known about the stone ruins; however, according to kaapsehoopadventures.co.za, the ruins were discovered as recently as 20 years ago. 

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It said the structure is thought to be over 200 000 years old, older than both the UK’s Stonehenge and the pyramids of Giza.

“Various astronomical alignments have been identified at the site and it is possibly the only example of a completely functional, mostly intact megalithic stone calendar in the world,” said Kaapsehoop Adventures.

While the discovery was made 20 years ago, it appears not many South Africans are aware of this magnificent site and its history.

Set in the rolling, green hills of Mpumalanga, the stone ruins are a must-see for all South Africans and the next time you are out in Kaapsehoop, ask about Adam’s Calendar and a visit to the mystical site.

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