Its Saturday morning 6.00am and its fresh and dark as we all gather at the Engen One stop on the N1.

Mal Charlie, Gunner, Kite Flyer and ourselves – Commander were present and we were meeting Fireman at the first nights stop over – Doring Kloof Bush Camp in the middle of Baviaans.

We set off in convoy with Kite Flyer leading then Commander, Mal Charlie and Gunner bringing up the rear. The road was quiet with most travellers leaving the Friday night for the long weekend. We passed through the tunnel on the N1 with no hiccups and went the back way through Rawsonville onto the R62.

Our first fuel stop / pit stop was at – Ladysmith

 

We stopped again in the Mountains passes for a quick breakfast and took in the views. Kite Flyer was struggling with a car sick patient so we enjoyed the break to allow the party gather their breath.to

Just outside Oudtshoorn at 10.30am we turned off and drove in circles for 5minutes until Gunner found his direction and we ended up at Grundheim for some refreshments.

On entering we all were handed a shot of Red Chilli Wit Blitz. WOW did that hit the spot within seconds certain party members had glowing cheeks and were gasping for air and something cold to drink while the rest of us investigated the other samples that were out. After some shopping for Rooi Muskadel and a few other samples, Coffee Liquor, Red Chilli, we left for Oudtshoorn.

Next stop Willowmore we refuelled and then entered the Baviaans area – dirt road and breath taking scenery. We travelled 3 hours on the dirt road staying in convoy and enjoying the raw beauty within the area. Motor cyclists were ever present , racing past stopping for drinks and flying past again.

16.30 we arrived at Doring Kloof – Fireman had secured us two camping spots which allowed us all to set up camp and gather around the fireplace before dark set in. Fireman, Mal Charlie and Gunner took the one and Kite flyer and ourselves took the other one.

Kite flyer built the fire and we were all soon cosied up and cooking dinner. After dinner we built up the fire and enjoyed discussing the events of the day and the route for the next day. With all the fluids flowing the group had committed to driving to Patensie and back.

Next morning Gunner reminded us all of our agreed plan to Patensie – we pulled out the maps and realised we would be driving all day. After careful reconsideration we decided to drive toward Patensie for two hours have lunch and return to Doring Kloof Bush Camp. Gunner chose to stay behind and mingle with the fellow campers.

 

We drove the meandering route and went over the Nuwekloof Pass which allows for one way traffic and at a squeeze a vehicle can pass. We left the pass and turned off for light lunch and refreshments. I decided to remove the front passenger’s roof for the return trip and take in the sights and sounds around us as we made our way back to camp.

Back at Camp Gunner had found a new set of 4x4 Campers and liquids flowed till the sun went down. Kite Flyer was hot on the fire building and built a fire fit for a king. Fireman even retrieved a couple of the ten bags carefully positioned on the fire. Gunner hit the sack and missed the evening of good laughs and camaraderie.

 

Next Morning 6 am Fireman and I braved driving the grade4 route across the road from the Campsite to watch the sunrise. Absolutely breath taking. We did coffee and rusks and slowly descended back to camp for breakfast. Packed up and Fireman said goodbye as he was on route to George to return his parents safely home. Mal Charlie suffering from a tired battery followed us back to Oudtshoorn and then left to see his son in Mosselbaai. This left Gunner, Kite Flyer and ourselves on route to Die Hell.

 

 

The 48km stretch into Die Hell was slow going and the views brilliant. Kite Flyer and his passenger suffered with car sickness as we crawled through the passes. Pink Panther willingly agreed to take the reins of the new Toyota and let Kite Flyer sip his ale.

 

 Two hours later we arrived in the valley all in one piece. Gunner and Kite Flyer chose to stay in Caravans while we put up tent at the camping spot – Piet se Staning. The ablutions were very disappointing. Only one toilet, a single shower and no lights. Gunner was caught napping as I managed to secure the fire first. I was accused of stealing the fire, but I am sure it was first come first served.  Next morning we drove the 7kms within the valley and drove past the house of Pietjie and Hester Swanepoel, the school and then to see the Museum.

 

 

We departed at 10am and exited out of De Hell without incident. Home ward we went stopping at Ronnies Sex Shop for afternoon tea / Beers / refreshments.

We all arrived home safely from a very memorable weekend.

Till the next Trip Commander Out. Oh yes I have been given a new radio call sign Rubicon.