22-24 July 2005

This base hut trail in the Swartwitpensbokfontein Mountains near Northam on the farm Nooitgedacht is a mere 180 km from the city.  The owners, Andries and Tinkie Stopl and their children, like to spend weekends on the farm.  The farm has been in their family’s possession since 1887.  Traditionally as a welcoming gift, hikers are presented with a loaf of fresh baked farm bread on Saturday evening (scrumptious).

The two hiking routes, one of 13km and the other 10km lead through wooded kloofs, a tamboti forest, follow mountain contours and pass interesting rock formations.  Indigenous trees found on the farm number 72.  Bird life is prolific, unfortunately there is no bird list but apparently a bird club is busy recording sightings and they hope to print a list soon.

Ample firewood was supplied and hours around the campfire was very enjoyable with Estie and Hijme, Natalie and Rod, Dot, Mike, Anatoli, Vini and Wendy.

Dee Straub