Sandy Bay Shipwreck Hiking Trail

Location: Sandy Bay Shipwreck Hiking Trail
Name of Reserve / Area: Table Mountain National Park / Karbonkelberg
Nearest Town: Llundudno and Hout Bay
Province: Western Cape
Country: South Africa

Duration of hike: 4 hours



Directions to get there: From Cape Town CBD, take the very scenic coastal road via Mouille Point, Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Clifton and then about 7km after Camps Bay, turn right into Llundudno main road and follow the signs down to Sandy Bay beach.



Best time of year to go: In winter if you dont feel like walking / running into the naked locals, and in summer if otherwise :)

Parking is a major issue in Llundudno so you will have 1 of 2 choices:
1. Do this walk on 'bad weather day' / go on a off-peak season day - which almost guarantees a good parking spot.
2. During peak season, consider the alternative parking route via Houtbay. (At the traffic light turn Right into Helgarda, second left into Edgar, then follow Kronezicht signs along brick road up to Sandy Bay parking. This will take you about 800m from the beach, which is similar from the other side in terms of distance.



What costs did you incur to do this hike: none

How safe is it: I would not feel too comfortable walking here on my own.

Fresh Water: None

Difficulty: easy to moderate.



Pets: dogs are allowed - take some extra water for your dog if you do plan to walk this route.



From the car park, follow the coastal trail about 150 meters above the water line.



This wide path above will make a sharp turn to the left, this is your point where you need to look out for a clear path to the right. This is the path you need to follow... always in the direction of the shipwreck.



After about 20 minutes of walking along the coastline, through dense bush, you firstly pass through a short rock passage (very beautiful), and then a granite rock shelter on the left. Its seems like people still live there, as there was freshly burnt remains and some litter lying about.

Continue pass this point for another 15 minutes and you will reach the first shipwreck (Harvest Capella 1986). If you look carefully, you will notice her rusted remains on the rocks of Oudeschip point. At this point your path will take you left and straight up the mountain towards the lookout hut about 100m above.



The path turns right again just after the lookout hut, towards the second (Maori 1909) and Bos 400 (1994). This path can easily take you 2 hours to get to these wrecks and back, so make sure you have enough time left to return back to your car during daylight hours.



We continued to follow the path straight up to the jeep track above, turned left onto the jeep track, and followed our noses back to the car park at Llundudno via Sandy Bay nudist beach.



How will I rate this hike?
We had no book to help us - only a trail which we hoped will take us to the shipwreck. It was a fairly easy path to follow, especially since you cant go too far wrong if you follow your nose up to the first shipwreck. From there is another more steep path to the last shipwreck, but we chose not to go there - for now. Should you wish to take this path further, you need to go with a guide or be well prepared as it is clearly marked as not for the day strollers.

Alex rates hiking in bad weather, the more extreme, the more he likes it. Me on the other hand, I do too, but mostly I just go with the flow and enjoy the moment for what it offers. We had some wind, but no rain - but glad we went on a cloudy misty cold day - as this was a strenuous walk and could be rather challenging on a hot summers day.

Once we got to the lookout hut above the first shipwreck (Harvest Capella at Oudeschip point), we continued to walk to the top path (jeep track) and then follow our noses again back down via a very clearly marked route - almost a jeep track.

Sevilla Rock Art Hiking Trail

We decided to find a hiking route somewhere nestled in between the lovely flowers that have started blooming on the West Coast. I called Clanwilliam information center, and they recommended this specific hiking trail as worth a go.



Having set our base to be Langebaan, we thought the drive to Clanwilliam will be a doddle. It took us a whole long 3 hours to get to our destination. Im not sure if its because we stopped so many times to take these stunning pictures (above is a Church just outside Langebaan and below is a Farmstall in Citrusdal), or if it really was that far - phew... Im not sure I will venture off into the Cederberg area without rather opting to spend the night and return the next day.

Location: Sevilla Rock Art Trail - Travelers Rest
Name of Reserve / Area: Cederberg Mountain Reserve
Nearest Town: Clanwilliam
Province: Western Cape
Country: South Africa

Duration of hike: 3 hours

Directions to get there: From Cape Town CBD, take the N7 to Clanwilliam. This route is about 240km from Cape Town.

Turn right towards Clanwilliam town and again right into the main road. Drive straight through Clanwilliam and head over the Pakhuis Pass. Travellers Rest is about 34km from Clanwilliam on the left, as you cross over the Brandewyn River.

Contact Information:
Traveller's Rest • Sevilla Rock Art Trail • Khoisan Kitchen
Tel  027 482 1824
International calls + 27 27 4821824
E-mail: charity@vodamail.co.za


Best time of year to go: Winter (July - September)








The rock paintings at this site reflect the religious experiences and beliefs of the San (Bushmen) whose ancestors lived in this area for more than 20 000 years. The printings cannot be dated directly, but they are in a similar style to others that have been dated to between 200 and 6 000 years ago elsewhere in the western and southern Cape.

Please enjoy looking at the art, but do not touch the paintings or deface them and other rocks in the vicinity in any way. Wetting the paintings is particularly harmful.
As part of our cultural heritage, all rock art is protected by the National Monuments Act (Act No. 28 of 1969). Anyone who damages the site is liable upon conviction to a fine of up to R10 000 or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both.

As soon as you have your permits from Traveller's Rest, you drive back to the main road and park your car opposite the start of the route, 300m from the entrance to Traveller's Rest.

What costs did you incur to do this hike: R35 per person per permit which is obtained from Traveler's Rest

How safe is it: We felt very safe.




Fresh Water: The entire walk is on the banks of the Brandewyn River, but I would recommend that you take your own drinking water.




Difficulty: Easy, for the whole family



Pets: No pets allowed

The entire walk was flat straightforward strolling alongside the scenic riverbed.

Site 1:
A group of faded red 'hookhead' figures is obscured by a later painting of a large group of people, coloured black by lichen. The hook heads are due to differential fading of pigments.



Site 2:
Site two is known as 'The Cave of Monsters' due to the lizard-like creatures depicted on the front on the shelter (dinosaurs?!). On the back wall is a group of figures who appear to be clapping. The large 'blobs' are thought to have been points of power used by trancing shaman. A zebra-like creature may be a representation of the extinct quagga. The shelter offers wide views of the valley and surrounding hills.









Site 3:
Site three is located around a monumental piece of rock which is tilted precariously forming a small gap affording wide views of the valley. The incomplete animals are painted onto the underside of the rock. They are thought to have human legs but bare a striking resemblence to the baboons which are common in South Africa. Nearby, a family group is portrayed, and there are many groups of black stick figures, possibly created using the black tar-like substance resulting from the accumulation of dassie dung!





Site 4:
Site four is dominated by equine figures, probably zebra or quagga.

Site 5:
Site five is a long, shallow overhang filled with many paintings. On the left hand wall is a very clear and finely executed archer, drawing back his bowstring. The black outline depicts a finely drawn Gemsbok. Elsewhere there is a beatiful picture of a new-born foal finding its legs, and a line of figures who appear to be marching up a fissure in the rock.

Site 6:
Site six includes a line of seven dancing women, demonstrating the characteristic steatopygia of the San, which results in enlarged buttocks which store fat reserves. Elsewhere are more interesting animals, including one which appears to be flying, and a small creature depicted in yellow ochre. There is also another very clear bowman, and a large black hook-headed figure.

Site 7:
Site seven is dominated by elephants! Two large yellow elephants greet you as you enter the cave. At approx. 75cm in lenght they are some of the largest paintings on the trail. Human figures are also depicted. Two 'hookheads' appear to be wearing white karosses, possibly with hoods. The small reddish elephant is close by. A long line of figures covers another wall.

Site 8:
Site has been used as a sheep and goat kraal for many years and is adorned with a variety of hand prints, some belonging to children. Some believe the prints were made by the Koi rather than the San.

Site 9:
Site nine is the last on the northern side of the valley. A large part of the rock face has split away and fallen into the front of the shelter, obscuring some older paintings of eland and zebra / quagga. Also behind the fallen boulder are several elongated figures. The freshly exposed rock face is adorned with two dancing ladies.

Site 10:
Site ten is located approx. 1km further along the trail on the south side of the valley in a low overhang. We did not go onto this last one due to time constraints. This fascinating painting depicts a 'procession' of a group of thirty-five people - twenty-five in the main, upper group and a further ten figures thought to be children or young boys shown lower down the rock. They appear to be wearing karosses and ornamental headgear.

We turned around after site 9 and had a brisk 30min walk back to our car.

How will I rate this hike?

I think it was really amazing to have been fortunate enough to be able to see the art of a almost forgotten African tribe - with such a deep rooted culture one can only walk away from this site with complete respect. The walk was easy, but the drive was way too far for a day-trip. Traveler's Rest offer accommodation, but I would recommend that you book in advance if you wish to come along and experience this part of our beautiful earth. Also a big thanks to Alex for driving me all the way here so that we could take these pics and write this article for our blogs.

Sources:
Traveller's Rest
Durham University Website
More Photographs and Videos of the area

Good Job!

Hey everyone....

I have this thing lately that I want to watch the sun come up. I dont do mornings too well, but I do like mornings... it just takes a while longer for me to 'catch up' so I thought this cute comic was appropriate to my current state of mind.

The famous flowers on the west coast of South Africa are peaking right now, and seeding is due to begin from now. Best time of the year is now, so I will hopefully be posting some 'must do' hikes one can go on during the flower season - very soon.

Have a good weekend !

Love Our Environment

"Only when the last tree has died and
The last river been poisoned and
The last fish been caught,
Will we realise that
We cannot eat money"

~ 19th Century Cree Proverb


Wishing my friend Iva all the best with her new blog!

Love Our Environment

Orienteering in Tokai Forrest

For those who wish to practice their map reading and compass skills, in a team - get your walking boots on and join the PenOC Team this weekend in Tokai forest for some fun.

Event: MTN Science Week Orienteering
Date:	01 Aug 2009	Planner:	Bernelle Verster
Venue:	Tokai East	Controller:	Jeremy Main

Novelty Event	Prize-giving 12.30
Registration:	8.30am
Starts:	09:00 – 11:00am
Courses Close:	12.00
Courses:	Score Event 25 points, 1 hour.
Cost:	Teams of maximum 5, at least one adult per team, R20
Directions:	Parking and registration will be at the allocated parking at Chrysalis Academy. From Blue Route, head W on Tokai Road, straight on at roundabout, straight on at fork, pass picnic area and ticket office on right. Over speed bump and bridge, turn right at the T-junction at the Tokai Manor House. Continue on straight, following the signs. Parking and registration as indicated.

Source: Peninsula Orienteering Club

Table Mountain is Official Finalist Candidate

News Release

TABLE MOUNTAIN IS AN OFFICIAL FINALIST CANDIDATE

Representing South Africa in the final phase of the global 1-billion-vote campaign to elect the Official New7Wonders of Nature

Zurich/Switzerland, July 21, 2009 — At 7 minutes past noon GMT today, at the New7Wonders headquarters in Zurich, Table Mountain was revealed as one of the 28 Official Finalist Candidates in the global election of the Official New7Wonders of Nature.

Final stage of voting starts now!
Bernard Weber said "Congratulations to the supporters of Table Mountain from around the world for their passionate, inspiring work in bringing them up from over 440 participants into this elite finalist group of just 28. This is an extraordinary achievement and the eyes of the planet will be upon Table Mountain and South Africa for the next 2 years. We look forward to an exciting and record-breaking final race, with the whole world coming together to choose the Official New7Wonders of Nature, 7 locations that will become part of Global Memory for ever."

Message from the blog editor:
Thank you to all the supporters and well done for helping us reach this fantastic achievement. More information on the final stage of voting to be announced soon right here.

India Venster via Platteklip Gorge

Hiking Trail: India Venster via Platteklip Gorge
Name of Reserve / Area: Table Mountain National Park
Nearest Town: Cape Town, Camps Bay, Hugovale, Seapoint
Province: Western Cape
Country: South Africa



Duration of hike: 3 hours 30 min at a fast pace (it took me 1hr 6 min up Platteklip and 2 hours down, which included rock scrambling and running) so this can take much longer.

Directions to get there: From Cape Town CBD, drive up Buitengracht Road towards the mountain. At the top turn left onto Tafelberg Road. Follow the scenic road for about 10km. You will pass the entrance to the Cable Way, and then your stop will be at a wooden hut on the right of the road.

Best time of year to go: on a clear day (make sure it is not windy or raining)

What costs did you incur to do this hike: nothing

How safe is it: very dangerous. Not a route for average strollers or walkers. Involves many very high rocks which you need to scramble down. Always be careful from a crime perspective and keep your mace spray at arms reach.



Fresh Water: make sure you have your own, but there are a few streams from May - Sept.

Difficulty: 4D. Hard walk up and down. The walk up is straight up - no flat sections, the walk down is straight down, and the flat sections are situated next to cliffs that drop more than 300 down.

Pets: This is not a walk and do not attempt to take your poor dog on this route. Mountain rescue have reported families trying to carry their dogs down the rock scrambling sections.


Platteklip Gorge is the gorge in the middle of Table Mountain and can not often be seen from the bottom when looking straight at the mountain. Sitting here on Devils Peak, its much easier to spot the gorge. This is the alternative route people walk up to the top of Table Mountain instead of taking the Cable Way.



Platteklip Gorge starts about 2 km past the Cable Way next to the small wooden Information Centre.



This is a straight walk up into the gorge with no mercy for the unfit.



Below you can view the top of Devils peak on the right.





Once you get to the top of Platteklip Gorge you will reach a cross road.
You will have a choice between going to Maclear's Beacon (the highest spot on Table Mountain), The Cable Way Station, India Venster, or straight back down the gorge again.

(click on images for a larger view)

After spending about 15 minutes refueling, we started heading down towards India Venster Route.









This is me and Caroline making our mark and enjoying the moment :)







The route hugs the Table Top all the way around untill almost right below the Cable Way. On this day it was slippery and extremely dangerous. Soon afterwards this was where we missed our down turn and continued along a very dangerous ledge. Luckily for us, we saw some hikers below, which led us to back track on our steps and route our way down a more safer path.



This picture was taken to show you the sheer drop down. I do not think this picture justifies the extreme danger, but it was nothing less that 300m straight way down.



The views of Campsbay and Lions head are spectacular and worth enjoying the moment of time standing still.










Due to the 5 fatalities on this route this year alone, Table Mountain National Park eventually decided to put some staples into the rocks in the more dangerous places.

I was still not comfortable with what they did, and think more can be done in relation to what the other much safer routes look like along the mountain.





Finally we reached the Cable Station below and took a taxi back to our car. We could have walked the Contour path back, but time was not on our side.

How will I rate this hike? I was on a high for about 3 days after wards. The adrenalin surely added to this, but 5 people have died on this route in the past 8 months - which is why I was so keen to investigate the real deal.

I can understand why this has happened, but Im still concerned by the attitude surrounding this dangerous route - especially from the side of the authorities.

The attitude that I do not agree with is the following:
This is a dangerous route
and people must read the signs.

I believe that is not good enough: I believe this route should be closed off for casual walkers and only members of the various mountain / hiking clubs should have 'permission' to walk this route.

By doing the above - casual walkers - especially the foreigners will find other alternative routes to enjoy a day in the mountain. This route is like a big fat advert right next to the most popular tourist attraction in South Africa, begging travelers with jet-lag to wander onto. It really is crazy that Table Mountain National Park have not taken this in a more serious light.

How many more people are going to die on this route? I got lost coming down. The part where I got lost was on top of an extremely slippery ledge that took me further and further into more danger. Thank God there were hikers walking below us, that showed me I was not on track. It really felt like they were sent to be there at exactly that moment to show me that Im going wrong. The route is very poorly marked too.

As a average 'hiker who might also like to do rock scrambling' this route is do-able. But for the other 99% of the casual day strollers out there, this route should be made for people with permits only.

How do you control this? You just cant. But this will make people think twice when they consider climbing India Venster Route - to rather take an alternative path - like the very scenic Contour Path instead.