The forest is a place I go to recharge my soul. I don’t always have time to venture too far down the old Storms River Pass or onto the Plaatbos forest trails, but just sitting by the stream flowing under the road inside the gate is often enough. On my last visit around I had some time on my hands in the late afternoon and decided to give the Goesa Trail a shot.
The Goesa Trail is a nice easy trail if you’re looking for a quick walk through the forest. The starting point of this short 2km walk is by the SANParks office right next to Storms River Village. The trail traverses through the indigenous forest and descends to a stream bordered by Giant Tree Ferns and towering trees.
It was quiet at the bottom with just the sound of the stream, the wind in the tree tops and a Knysna Loerie calling somewhere to keep me company. Pure bliss. From here the trail ascends back to the starting point to make it a circular route. The walk really is nice and easy with some sections along a wooden boardwalk. So easy in fact that I did it in slops.
Walking on my own meant that I could take my time and not worry about keeping somebody up. I also didn’t have to chat and “keep somebody company” which means there I get to take in a lot more of the surroundings and spot the little things. Things like the fluffy moss covering a whole dead log with its seed heads sticking out. Or the young pink leaves of the ferns before they turn green.
Fungi I saw lots of, especially deeper into the forest and in the very shady spots. I’ve tried to look them up but there are so many that look the same.
And more fungi
Near the start/finish of the trail, I also got to have a closer look at the Fynbos species growing in the open, especially the flowering Ericas. Coming back out of the forest and heading back to my guesthouse I made a mental note that I should definitely do the trail again the next time I’m in the village. Perhaps even take a book and park off against a tree at the bottom and just plug in my soul for a proper forest recharge.
