No cellphone signal on this hike

The Jack and Jill hiking club May 2018 hike took place at Moorfield, in the Normandien area, just off Muller’s Pass.
The hike took place on the weekend of May 18-20. Moorfield Mountain Farm, off Muller’s Pass, is now open to overnight and day visitors and campers interested in enjoying the superb walks up into the hills and swimming in the rock pools of the Ncandu River. Nature lovers and researchers value the beauty and biodiversity of Moorfield, as do those who just enjoy quiet, respectful time in nature. There is absolutely no cell phone signal at Moorfield. All provisions are to be taken with one as the closest town is Newcastle.
Moorfield attracts visitors from Newcastle and beyond for day and extended visits. Moorfield is 30km from Newcastle and 92km from Dundee.
The property includes a two-hectare ‘island’ formed by the Ncandu River before it runs into the kloof. The river makes almost a complete circle around this island where most of the buildings stand. The land surrounding is mostly hilly grassland, which is ideal for a wide range of wildlife, but it is grazed mostly by cattle and a few waterbuck at the moment. The Ncandu kloof has a waterfall and rock pools that you can swim in, as well as many interesting places and spaces to discover.
The hikers arrived at Moorfield on Friday afternoon, and settled into “The Stables” which is a converted stable, providing backpacker style accommodation with a bathroom, kitchen and sleeps five
Saturday morning the hikers woke to thick mist and drizzle. The hikers that were scheduled to arrive on Saturday morning arrived a bit shaken from the muddy and slippery gravel road, but once a warm cup of coffee was enjoyed, they too started to relax. As it was wet and misty it was decided that just a short walk would be taken. The hikers took a pathway along the kloof where there are a number of viewpoints, where one could look over at the majestic waterfall, which was just a ghostly outline in the mist. The hikers debated exploring a ravine, decided against it but curiosity won and the ravine was explored. At first the decent into the ravine was very slippery and footing needed to be negotiated and decided upon with great care. As the hikers had not taken backpacks they were fortunate that there were “Care Bears” whom shared the odd nibble and sweet. A point along the hike was named “Toothless” the hikers will know why. The path way in the ravine wound around and under overhanging rock faces. A few slippery rocks needed to be clambered over and the path eventually lead the hikers out of the ravine and back up onto the grassy mountain side. Another pathway was found that lead the hikers back to the campgrounds and accommodation at Moorfield. Back at the Stables, the hikers tried to dry their soaked socks and boots in front of the fireplace.
A braai fire was started for Saturday night. Supper was enjoyed inside around the fireplace and a couple of games of “Scrabble with a Twist” was played. Sunday morning broke to a bitter chilling breeze, cloudy with the sun trying to break through the clouds. The hikers slowly packed up and had one last cup of coffee while waiting for the gravel road to dry out, before taking on the return trip.