On
3 February 1488, Bartolomeu Dias sailed into Mossel Bay and found
fresh water. He called it Bahia (Aguada) de Sao Bras (“the
watering place of St Blaize). St Blaize is the patron saint of those
who suffer from throat disorders and 3 February was his holy day.
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| St Blaize cave and lighthouse, Mossel Bay |
The
St Blaize trail offers a 13,5 km hike between Mossel Bay and Dana
Bay.
I
was one of a group of learners of Point High school who hiked,
measured and marked the trail n 1987 under the watchful eyes of Mr Theo
Oosthuizen and Mr Stevens. What a pleasure to be able to hike it
again so many years later with my daughter of 14!
The
trail can be started in either Dana Bay or Mossel Bay. Other hikers mentioned their cars being damaged while left in Dana Bay, so I suggest
leaving vehicles in Mossel Bay.
If
starting in Mossel Bay, the hike starts with a short but steep climb
from below the cave. Evidence was found in the cave from earlier
hunter-gatherers.
Several
dassies will come and greet you! The
other name is rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) and their closest
relative is..the elephant! Their urine forms a crust and people use
to take this and make tea from it to cure ailments like bladder
infection and also to help falling pregnant.
The
rest of the hike is easy to follow, just look for the painted little
oystercatcher . It offers unspoilt views of waves crashing against
rocks and caves. There are a number of benches on the way where you can
sit, relax and enjoy the view. The hike traverse through the
Pinnacle Point residential area, but you only need to sign in with the
friendly security guard on duty.
The
cliffs are about 30m above sea. The trail is quite exposed, so
take enough water and the right type of clothing. The scenery is
truly amazing. Watch out for whales and dolphins. Bushbuck are
still roaming there as well.
I
believe the best time to do this hike is in spring when you can see
whales and the fynbos will be in bloom. Kooigoed (helichrysum
odoratissimum) is fynbos that can be found on this hike. It is a
shrub with silver leaves and bright yellow flowers in spring. The
leaves are very aeromatic and was used as bedding as it also keeps
insects away.
Caves
can be seen with evidence of life 160 000 years ago. You need to
book a private tour for this though.More details can be found here.
It
is an easy hike suitable for all ages.
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| Dassie, lizard, kooigoed and vygie |
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