PATRICK & MARIANNE WEDDING PARTY DECEMBER 2008.

PATRICK & MARIANNE’S WEDDING PARTY
WELLINGTON
SATURDAY 27 DECEMBER 2008.

Early in 2008, Patrick Giddy & Marianne Camerer decided to become a married couple. The wedding ceremony took place in February 2008. Marianne asked her parents for a wedding party to take place at a time when more of her family and friends could celebrate the occasion with her.

Barbara could not go to the wedding party as Cathy & Saul were at our home as well as Nicci and her whole family. So when Patrick asked me to go to the party in Cape Town I asked Richard Kumm (Dawn is Barbara’s sister and Richard is Dawn’s husband) if he would be prepared to drive down with me. Once he had accepted and I had approval from Marianne we made plans to drive down to Cape Town on Boxing Day 26.12.2008.

Richard and Dawn had recently acquired their Canadian Permanent Visa and Dawn asked if she could use the opportunity to drive to CT with us as she would go to say good bye to her family and friends in CT at the same time. Richard and Dawn have two daughters who both live in Calgary. Calgary has oil and for this and other reasons, has been a growth economy for a number of years.

Raylene has been in Calgary for something like 15 years with her husband Steve. Tracey and Mark plus two children; Asher & Kayle moved to Calgary from East London three or four years ago. They have a country home where Dawn and Richard share a basement flat that has its own entrance and view across the valley. Dawn tells me that she has plans to become involved in community activities now that she has residence. There is a tiny village near to their home called Priddis. Richard has become part of a Ham Radio group.

Ian’s two daughters; Julia and Laura arrived in SA on Friday 19th and I collected them from the airport that evening. Julia is in the final stages of her Geology studies at Michigan University while Laura completed high school this year with excellent academic records and is now in her first year at Michigan. Please note that Michigan is not pronounced with a T as Mitchigan. It is pronounced as Mishigan. They stayed for a few days with our son Michael who lives in Target Kloof (River Road).

Sunday evening we attended a carols by candlelight service at Clarendon Park School. This was the second year that our church has arranged this evening and it was a huge success. There was a great vibe on the field before the service with Mike Perks providing games. Most of us had a small picnic or bought some boerewors rolls. Both children and adults did quite a bit of socializing. There were 19 in our group: Barbara, Peter, Dawn, Cathy and Saul, Nicci, Stefan, Christian, Aaron & Zara, Ally and friend Ali, and Julia and Laura; Michael, Lene, Jessica, Joshua and Daniel. Our only missing family is Jacqui’s. Jacqui, Michael, Emily and Anabelle are still in London. Jacqui arrives in PE on 1st January 2009.

Then on Monday 22nd I drove J & L to Plett where Patrick and Marianne had been staying for a few days. Ian and Jenny met us there. Ian had stayed the previous night at their house in Springer Baai near to Mossel Baai. They had done some shopping for Wildcliff in George and we loaded J & L’s stuff in the back of the Toyota.

I had a quick lunch after saying my Hello’s to; Ena, Ian & Alice Spence and Alice’s brother Steeg and then headed back to PE. There was a strong tail wind and I flew home in quick time. The road works had been opened and suspended for the holiday period. Unfortunately the opposite applied to Ian and his family as they had to drive into the teeth of the West wind with a fully loaded bakkie. It was a bit of a nightmare of a drive for them.

That week seemed to fly as we were busy at home with family, busy at work and I tried to stay as fit as possible with jogging and swimming in the mornings at Hobie beach with Adrienne and Elmarie. Adrienne & I have been running partners for as many as 25 years. One of her daughters is Jenny Wilson who represents SA in Hockey at the Olympics. Adrienne herself is an international Dive judge and was in Bejing together with Jenny. Elmarie I have met more recently and she is the wife of Peter who is a good friend of Ron who has been a family friend of ours for over 25 years. Ron is currently visiting his son Craig in the UK. On the morning of 24th we did a short run through the Golf Course and ended up at the cars at Grey with a mug of Champagne that Adrienne supplied. One little sip at 06.00am and I felt the “warmth” in my tummy.

All this time Barbara had been trying to keep her family entertained and active while being busy with her traditional presents purchasing and wrapping. Barbara puts huge effort into this activity and at the end of it we had a Christmas tree with a mountain of presents under the tree. Our children’s family’s also placed their gifts under the tree and it was a wonderful time for the younger children to enjoy on Christmas day.

Christmas morning saw a beautiful sunrise and stockings being opened. I collected Sydney, the car guard, from Jerusalem Ministries to guard our house while we were in church. Unfortunately Michael was late for the service so we were not able to all sit together as a family.

The rest of Christmas day was spent in doing the present giving thing. There were piles of papers and boxes all over the place as wrapping was torn off the gifts and excited children examined their prize and then searched for the next one. Ally was quite conservative and took her time in opening the gifts. Each child had a huge red bag or stocking with the smaller gifts. I was given two shirts and a pair of shorts, a gift pack of toiletries, socks and a hanging sign for the front of the house. We had a good relaxed morning and afternoon which included a couple of naps on the couch. I washed and cleaned the car in preparation for the next day’s drive.

The following morning was Boxing Day and I collected Richard and Dawn at their home at about 05.00am. We had a reasonably easy drive to Wildcliff with a stop at Wilderness for a sandwich and then at Albertina where we stocked up at the Gekerfde Biltong shop and Richard bought Dawn a Magnetic Bracelet. This Biltong shop we discovered a few years ago and has become a compulsory stop each time we drive this road.

As we drive to WC I receive a phone call from Patrick asking me to “say a few words”. ‘About what?’ I ask. Patrick in his normal vague way tells me that I should talk about myself. While I know that I am an expert on this subject, I decide to talk about family instead.

We refueled in Heidleberg and stocked up on a few provisions at the Spar. As we arrived at Wildcliff we met up with Keith and his family. Keith has taken on the job of manager of WC for a year. He is ex US Air force and has traveled the world for his work. Now at the age of Mid Forties he has been able to take an early retirement and has committed to WC for a year. He has a wife Paula and two children; Abigail (10) and Bryce (6). They have been fixing up the White House and this is now a completely livable home. They are in the process of finishing off the fittings and providing some furnishings. They are presently staying in the Weaver’s Nest but should be able to move into the WH shortly.

Ian tells me that the Aloe that I planted on the Island of the Pond has survived. ‘Let me see’: thinks I. I take a swim in the pond. The top layer of water is warm like a bath but just below the surface the water is quite brisk. And yes, the Aloe is healthy and growing well. Jenny made up a good lunch of salads. Ian suggests that we take a walk up the Fynbos Road. I was stiff from the drive full from eating and happy for some exercise. As we were about to leave, Bryce calls me over to look at a Puff Adder that he had found on their front doorstep of the WH. It was a healthy looking animal and completely relaxed. Keith told us that he saw it move off later.

We hiked up the road for a bit before Paula caught us up with the Bushpig and we drove the rest of the way to the end of the old Wattle forest area. Where the Wattle has been felled, a forest of new saplings are emerging and will have to be sprayed soon. From here we walked up to Ena’s Falls. As we go up Fynbos Road we again see the impact that the clearing of both the pine and the wattle is already making to the reserve.

Laura had been up to Laura’s Peak before and was keen to show us the view from the top. The wind was quite chilly and this again reminded me of my own rule: never walk without a backpack and basics. Ian had some tape and we were able to mark a trail leading up to the Black Rhino Rock (or Dinosaur rock). And then up to Laura’s Peak. It is a short walk but worth the effort as from here you get a good view of the Hidden Valley and down to the Talari Valley.

Bryce is a bright youngster pointing out the Dassie Midden and the various types of Lichen. I have to ease my way down from rock to rock. Bryce simply jumps where my knees would not stand a chance. He feels the chill in the air so lies down on a warm rock out of the wind. On our way down, back to the bakkie, he tripped and fell. He cut his knee but this did not phase him as he was soon back on his feet sprinting downhill. The next time we saw him was at the driver’s seat of the Bushpig.

Jenny again made us a delicious meal of Turkey and salads. I was ambitious and tried to read in bed, but after five minutes my eyes were closed and the book was on my lap unread. The next time that I was conscious was at about 05.30am when I woke up to join Keith for a run. Keith and I jogged down to the stream and then walk/jogged up to the main gate. Here we turned left and jogged down to the quarry where there was a truck parked. Keith says that this truck has been here for months. I had a look and saw that the keys were still in the ignition. I am pretty sure that the truck is not in running order.

We saw two Heron on the field across from us and startled a buck in the bush near to the road. We turned and headed home and then just as we were approaching the WC gate at the weir, Keith pointed out two Reebuck in the road ahead. We also saw a good number of baboon in the oak tree meadow that morning.

After the run I had my shower and a bite to eat. Including this really great Smoothie that Jenny has made from Raspberry, Banana, Yogurt, ice cream and ice cubes. I check the TV for a cricket score and see that the Australians are in the process of giving us a hiding. They scored 394 in their first innings and, at the end of day two, we are at about 150 for 6. I turn off the TV in disgust. I see myself lazing the rest of the day away until we were to leave at about noon when Jill and family were due to arrive. Not so! Ian had other plans for me: Dig a hole for the Yellow Wood tree next to the pond.

I had made some pancakes and burnt a finger on the pan so was a little sensitive to wielding a pick. No Mercy: said Ian. Dig! So we dug a hole for this tree and finally with great difficulty had the tree secure in position. Off I go to wash and make a cup of tea which I intend to enjoy with Richard who is standing on the stoep watching and enjoying my labours.

Not so for the second time. There is a second hole to dig: this time for the creeper in front of the stoep. We hit rock. No trouble says Ian: move the hole to another place. Paula invites Ian to look at Baboon Poo under microscope. An excited Ian leaves me to dig the hole. So now we are on to the third hole of the day. I know that if I did this on a regular basis I could get fit for digging holes but, despite being in the shade, I am sweating and tired. Finally we have the creeper in place and I am able to pack the car and ready to leave. ‘But first my tea’; thinks I.

Not so for the third time! ‘Are you ready to leave?’ asks Ian. I look at him and with fear in my heart, admit that I am. Water the garden! he orders. So still no tea and no feet up on the bench. Eventually I hide myself in a corner, pour some tea and sit down to relax. Jill arrives and we drive off. We had decided to drive to CT via the Gysmans Hoek pass road but as the Bushpig had no petrol we had to turn around and go via Heidleberg. We stop off at the Wimpy for lunch. It was chock-a-block. We order take-away. They mess up the order but we have to leave and head off for CT.

Richard is not feeling that good. Julia is in the car with us. We drive on to Swellendam and phone Jenny to drive straight through where we plan to turn right to Ashton and Robertson. But somehow I mess up the instructions. After a bit of back and forth including chasing another Toyota which stops after we told Jenny to stop we finally drive off towards the N1 where we plan to off load Julia so that she can drive the last bit with Ian to Wellington. Really funny as we drive ahead then wait for Ian a few times. Each time he drives past us and we catch him up and hoot and wave as we pass him. I don’t think he saw us once! We manage to take time to stop off at the Spanspek Plek and buy a few Sweet Melons.

Finally Julia gets into the car with Ian and we drive through to drop Dawn off with her cousin Sue who lives near to Stefan & Nicci. Richard and I have a quick shower (cold for Richard) and put on our smart clothes. We follow Marianne’s (Lala) instructions & arrive at the wedding party which is being held at Marianne’s family home at Welgegund www.welgegund.co.za in Wellington at 18.30 exactly.

Lala’s Parents: Alex and Sheila Camerer live on a wine and olive farm near to Wellington. It is a wonderful home with a lawn where we are greeted with Champagne and snacks. Richard and I are introduced to family members. I almost make the mistake of calling Lala’s sister (Lissy) Marianne but realize just in time that this is a sister. A twin sister I am told later. I am able to sit down with an old friend of Patrick and of Mike Dean; (Margie) and her husband (Ian) plus two children Megan and Rosa. Megan & I find out that we share a birthday. Mine is just 38 years ahead of hers.

While sitting and chatting; a musical trio of a violinist, a flute player and a cello player serenade us with delightful music. Throughout the evening this trio plays in and around the guests. They accompany the background music when it is time to dance and they walk around tables making the evening even more romantic.

I see Shauna. She looks terrific. I am introduced to her husband Trevor and girls: Josie (10) and elder sister and younger brother (Names?). I am really sorry that I did not persuade Ally to come along as Ally loves to meet family. Shauna has a wonderful family and we are able to chat about Lloyd and Judy who I am delighted to hear still live at Little Falls Mooi River. I tell Barbara about this and we determine to try to visit them when we are in KZN for Nippers later in 2009.

Ena, Alice and Steeg arrive. They look good and dressed for the occasion. I am sorry to see that Ian Spence could not make it as he was not feeling his best. Ian, Jenny, Julia and Laura are there and look very smart. The two girls seem to be enjoying being in South Africa and being part of our activities. I love having them around as both of them are mature, intelligent and active young people. Add to that their good looks!

After a period of meeting people and chatting on the lawn we move to the dining area which is a covered stoep area. There is a very long table where Patrick and Marianne sit plus three smaller tables. I am fortunate enough to be on one of the small tables seated with some young people. On my left is Julia (a cousin to Lala) who is studying at Oxford University. I meet Shamus, Julia’s boyfriend. I like Julia: she tells me I look younger than my younger brother! She also tells me that she has rediscovered Christ and now attends the evening services at a vibrant Anglican church in Oxford.

I also sit next to Lissy. Lissy is married to an Ian. I meet him later that evening. And I see some children but lose track of who belongs to whom. The Minister says a short speech and then says the Grace. He does so in Latin, reminding me of my school days. The Grace ends something like Payasim Christim Dominum Nostrum: Amen. We learn that this invites us to the Heavenly Banquet. Later that evening I meet his wife Cecelia. We are served a delicious pastry with tomato mush and then there is a buffet of salmon plus a variety of salad. This is a real treat. I have heard that there is pudding so I avoid seconds.

Meanwhile Sheila makes a speech and tells us a bit about her experience of the couple. I think that the family has reservations about Patrick marrying their lovely daughter. But ultimately have no choice despite the fact that he does funny things like keeping his cap on his head during breakfast. As long as Lala sees the humourous side of Patrick they will be fine. Sheila loves Thomas and that cannot be put aside. Alex seems to be easy going. I have not met the Grandmother but I hear that she is still questioning this strange relationship. Lissy appears happy that Lala is happy. Everyone does a great deal of hugging.

Lala takes us through a very interesting chronological history of her coupling up with Patrick. (I have asked her for her notes). Sarah, a family friend makes an impromptu speech. And I am asked to say my bit as well. I have two points that I have decided to make: firstly it is really good to see Patrick so happy. And Secondly I try to introduce the people who originate in some way from ‘Patrick’s side’. Our Mother: Ena, her sister in Law & best friend: Alice and Alice’s brother Steeg from Sweden. Then there is Shauna, Trevor and their children. Our elder brother Ian, his children Julia and Laura and his wife Jenny. Patrick’s friend Margie and her family. Richard, who kept me company on my drive from PE.

Lissy orders all the men to stand and move four places in a clockwise direction. This applies to the main table only and everyone gets a chance to meet some new people. Then Pudding is served. It is a kind of Baked Alaska with Meringue and ice cream. Yummy! I have some of this while sitting at Richard’s table. Then, while the dancing is going on, I help myself to seconds. To avoid looking like the glutton that I am, I move to another table for this helping.

I encounter Rebecca (mother of Julia) and daughter Rebecca. Alex joins us and announces that we are sitting over the drain. We decide to move outside to the lawn for coffee. Julia and I dance. This has been quite an outing for us. The evening has been quite enchanting. The weather played its part as it was a clear, starry sky with little or no dew. Lissy and her team have run the logistics of the evening with precision. The meal was both healthy and tasty.

Both Richard & I have met a number of people who seem to fit into Marianne’s family in some way. Richard had a lady at his table who seems to think that he was a Hit Man and wanted him to take care of some problem people. Alex and Sheila are being shipped out to Bulgaria for a four year period to set up a South African Embassy there. I will have to look up on the map to find Bulgaria. Sheila, who is a lawyer, works in the Government as a Politician. Alex tells us that he will have to commute back to RSA to see to his farming activities. His son, who I did not meet, will be taking care of some of the business aspects as well. They are having to learn Bulgarian which is similar to Russian with a funny alphabet.

I have been a really good boy and only had my one glass of wine that I used for toasting and am quite fit for the hour drive home when Richard and I decide that the witching hour is upon us. We greet as many people as we can and head off back to Stellenberg where we flop into bed for a 5 hour sleep. Nicci & Stefan Steenkamp operate their Photographic business from their home in Stellenberg. www.zara-zoo.com

Nicci and Stefan have recently launched a wedding planner called the little pink book. The launch in Cape Town was a huge success and demand for the book both from Retailers such as Executive book and individual orders far exceeded expectations. As a result they are presently in the process of launching the Gauteng version.



We arranged to pick Dawn up in Wynberg at cousin Joan at 06.00am. Richard takes out his PC and finds the map that takes us directly to her home. After coffee and a chat we set off for the N2. Richard is in doubt of my ability to navigate our way out but finally concedes a mutter of agreement when he sees that we are on the N2 and not lost. I look out for a BP filling station and only find one in Gordon’s Bay.

Now on the road, we encounter fairly heavy traffic. But we are not rushed and I am not impatient. We have decided to stop in Albertina again as I need to stock up on Biltong for Gerald. Richard wants to purchase some of the Magnetic Bracelets for his Canadian Family. We listed to the wireless for a Cricket score. The Protea’s are playing Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). And to our amazement and great delight we hear that JP Duminee and Dale Steyn have steered us to an incredible 465 and that the Aussies are now going to have to play for a draw. This is a three match series and we have already won the first.

Near to the Biltong shop we find a shop selling toasted sandwiches. I have a toasted Cheese and Tomato and a Chicken Mayonnaise. Both sandwiches are great quality. This shop adjoins the filling station and while it does not look like much there is a nice play area, a place to walk the dog a good Biltong shop and a liquor store that boasts a wide variety of wines. It is perfect as a mid way between PE and CT.

The coffee we order is similar to that which we used to be served by the South African Railways when traveling distances. It is thick strong coffee with bits in it. Dawn tossed her coffee out. Unfortunately the food does not agree with Richard and again he is not feeling his best. Long periods of sitting seem to make Richard feel very uncomfortable and he has ongoing back pain.

The traffic remains heavy and I am able to ask Dawn to take over the driving for a while. In the back seat I lay down and fall fast asleep. As we approach Knysna we are in Bumper to Bumper traffic. We refuel and from here we make our way through a constant flow of cars and trucks to home. My family has been on the beach and enjoying the slides at McArthur Baths.

I drop Dawn and Richard off at their home where they are staying with friend Brenda. Brenda is a Fisherman and currently in Knysna where she is attempting to source a supper from the sea. I am glad to be home. We make a Seafood Paella for supper and turn in early. Stefan & I go out for an early morning run on the promenade and a swim at Hobie Beach the following morning.

It is Monday morning and I know that my office will be quiet and I will have to be creative in organizing a full day. As I get to work I see that the cricket has now taken an even more dramatic turn. The day’s Cricket in Melbourne start at 01.00am our time and now at about 09.00am we have bowled the Aussies out for just 240 and need something like 183 runs to win. And we have a full day to go. Graham Smith scores a steady 30 runs before stumps and so, with a day in hand, and no wickets down, we have to score just over 150 runs. The following day they won the match creating an historic first time ever to win a Series in Australia. Ian dropped J & L off at CT airport to fly back to New York and he & Jenny drive back v through the Hugenot Pass. They stop in Robertson at an antique shop and purchase a Chest of Drawers for WC which they load into the Bushpig.























The wedding invitation:

Saturday 27th December 2008
6.30pm until late
Sundowners, Dinner and Dancing
Dress is “festive”

With love,
Marianne and Patrick

For catering purposes please RSVP by 1 December to let us know you are definitely coming; email, marianne.camerer@gmail.com or 083 2668316
Directions to Welgegund (www.welgegund.co.za):
(Coming from Cape Town, 75 km on good roads, and 50 minutes)
Leaving Cape Town, follow the N1 north towards Paarl. Prior to reaching Paarl, take the off-ramp on to the R44 to Wellington. Stay on this road until you come to a T-junction. You are now in Wellington, on Champagne Drive, with a cemetery on your right. Turn left into Piet Retief Street (R301), and at the first robot – with the Andrew Murray Church on your left – turn right into Church Street. This is the road leading to Bainskloof (R301). After exactly 1 km from the Church, you will see the Wellington Museum on your left. Turn right into Berg Street – indicated on the pavement. After crossing three 4-way stops, continue for 1½ km through agricultural land until you see a small farm school – Saal Charl Cillier – on your right. After about 100 m, a dirt road goes off to the left. Welgegund is signposted. Follow the dirt road to the end – approximately 1 km – into Welgegund.


Peter Giddy
peter@wildcliff.org
December 2008.

WILDCLIFF WILDERKRANS KLOOF EXPLORATION STEFAN STEENKAMP 26 MARCH 2008.

Exploring the Wilderkrans Kloof at Wildcliff Nature Reserve from the top down.

On 23 March 2008, Andre and I, explored the Wilderkrans Kloof on Wildcliff reserve, starting at the top with Ena’s falls going down the Kloof as far as we could, with the main aim to establish a Kloofing trail down the river. The secondary objective was to identify the number of waterfalls in the Kloof. Up to the time of our exploration, only two waterfalls had been identified.

Andre is a work colleague who does photographic work with me at Photo & Video in Cape Town. Andre’s wife, Fralene, Peter, my father-in-law, Andre & I started off with the walk up from Talari.

We had driven through to Wildcliff on Good Friday 21st March 2008 after injury and poor health had precluded Nicci and Peter from running the Two Oceans the following Saturday. Here we had met up with Ian and Jenny who were at Wildcliff for a few days. Talari was in the process of being renovated. At this stage the kitchen cupboards were nearly complete. The house now had three bathrooms and the North section of the house which would be for Ian and Jenny’s use was nearing completion.

Our family stayed in the West facing room, Barbara, Peter and Ally stayed in a room that had been designed for them on the east side. The house was still in the finishing stages but it was more than adequate. Andre and Fralene stayed in the Heron House together with Brett (manager), Emily his girl friend and assistant and Pascal, volunteer and researcher.

On the Saturday morning we had walked up the Wilderkrans Kloof to the first waterfall. Andre and I had swum across the pool to see how difficult it would be to get up and past this fall. While we were able to scale the smooth surface on the left hand side to a point where we could jump in to the pool, we were not able to make it to the top of this fall. We had left Nicci and Peter a short way back as they were both not as fit as they would have liked and at this stage we had no idea how far ahead these falls were. Brett, Emily and Pascal joined us at the falls. We had now established a bottom up section of Wilderkrans and were determined to find a top down route.

The following morning we began the walk from Talari up to Ena’s falls. We had packed a roll of Webbing that Peter had as well as some heavy Hessian rope that I coiled around my torso. We took a backpack with some eats and a bottle for water. I had experience of Kloofing from December 2006 when a group of us had descended the Groot Rivier pass from the N2 to Natures Valley and knew the importance of continuous hydration as well as having some kind of energy replacement. The walk up to Ena’s Falls took us through the wattle and pine forest and through the Protea fields up to the top where it is possible to refill water bottles. The weather was an overcast and misty day and we were not too hot. From the Telari house to Ena’s falls is a 3.5km hike along a 4x4 dirt road. We then walked back down to Ena’s falls and then made our way to the bottom of the Kloof just below the pools of Ena’s falls. Here we had a bit to eat and Peter had a swim. Peter was still not fully fit and had decided to climb back up to the road. Fraylene, Andre & I climbed over rocks, boulders and bush to reach what we now referred to as Bum Slide falls.

1. Ena’s Falls is roughly 20 meters high in total. It has a 10-meter straight drop, before hitting a 3-meter wide platform and then dropping another 10 meters straight drop before hitting a pool. This pool is not deep, about knee high in most places. Ena’s falls can be easily seen by steering slightly off the road at the top of the neck.

2. The second waterfall can be seen from the road that leads to the neck. It is about 400 meters further down the Kloof from Ena’s falls. So far we have called this the Bum-slide falls because of its low gradient. I estimate it to be no more than 30 degrees. The falls are about 5 meters high from top to bottom, but are about 15 meters in length. You can easily go down or around these falls without a rope.

A. Section 1 – Ena’s falls to Bum-slide falls (600 meters)

We climbed down the cliff just below Ena’s falls to where the river flows. This climb is fairly easy with just 2 places with a 2-meter drop. However, these are easy to negotiate as it is over a rocky terrain, with lots of foot and hand holds.

Once down in the river, we followed the river down stream. This section is characterized by a lot of enormous boulders in the river. Subsequently, the river often splits in to smaller streams for short sections before joining again. In order to avoid swimming through the pools, we had to leave the river for about 50-meter sections and walk on the right bank. This section, I estimate, is where you turn the bend in the river, before going into the straight with all the pools (this can be seen from the road at the top).

Good gripping, closed shoes are a must to go down this section. Good leg and upper body strength is needed. People from about 12 years of age will be able to do this route.

Just before we hit the Bum-slide falls, there was a 1.3 meter deep pool that we had to go through. There might be a way around it, but none that we could clearly see, so expect to get wet here. Besides this pool, all others can be avoided. We were able to keep most of our kit dry by holding it above our heads as we swam across.

Fraylene had twisted her ankle as she came down a step boulder and was keen to go back up to the road where we saw that Peter was waiting. At Bum Slide pools we headed up in a northerly direction and after quite a steep climb met up with Peter on the road. We then all walked down the road to the point where we though that the next fall would be. Here Peter & Fraylene continued down the road and we headed straight into the protea fields and downhill back to Wilderkrans Kloof.

If an exit route had to be created here, this would be the route followed with a Zig Zag at for the last part up to the road. The gradient is quite steep all the way from the river to the road.

B. Section from Bum-slide falls to waterfall 3 (not named)

This section is about 700 meters long (measured on map)
This section is about 600 meters long

Although we have not done this section on foot down the river, this can be seen from the road quite clearly. No big drops can be seen in this section and it should be fairly easy to negotiate.

After following the road back downhill around the bend, we found a rocky ridge to go down to the river again. This route has good foot and handholds in the rock to go down. Although the gradient is steep, it is not that difficult to get down.

Right after you get down to the river, there is a small waterfall of about 3 meters high. The gradient is not very steep and you can easily go down it on your backside. There is no alternative than to get wet here, as the rocks on the side are quite slippery.

About 30 50 meters from here, you will hit Waterfall number 3. (Ena’s Falls = number one; Bum slide falls = number two). This is a very high straight drop with a little platform in the about a third of the way down. We could not judge the height as we looked from the top. We estimate it to be 30 meters high in total. There is no way around this and the only way down would be to use abseiling gear with a proper harness and pulley system.

This can also be an exit route to get up to the road if both section A and B is done in one go.

We turned back up the hill and walked around waterfall 3 on top of the ridge alongside it.

C. Section from Waterfall 3 to Waterfall 4 (1000 meters)

Coming from Waterfall 3 along the ridge at the top, we entered the river along a little side-Kloof / steep valley. This is heavily overgrown by fern and we called it “Fern Valley”. The ferns are shoulder high and very dense. At some points you cannot see further than 3 meters ahead of you and it makes walking down here quite dangerous. Apart from the dense vegetations than makes it slow going, it is also extremely steep and you constantly have to hold on the ferns to avoid falling.

This section of the Kloof has an Afro-Montane vegetation with high trees like in the Knysna Forest area.

About 50 meters after getting down to the river, we encountered a few smaller waterfalls and rapids with 2 big pools we had to swim through. Both were quite deep and you cannot stand here – probably 2 meter + deep.

After going through these pools we hit the 4th waterfall, another big one I estimate to be at least 15 meters high (later we found this to be more like 30 meters high). Again, we saw no way around this and we had to climb back up the cliff to the road. To get out here was very difficult with the gradient more than 70 degrees at some points. Also the vegetation here is extremely dense and it makes going very slow and tiring. You constantly have to grab and hold onto grass and plants to get up. After the steep cliff, you hit a section with a smaller gradient, but here is a field of head high protea with very prickly bush (probably part of the Erica family of Fynbos) at the bottom of it. You have to go through about 200 300 meter of this before hitting the road again – Exit point is about 300 meter from the Pine and Wattle forest area.

Andre & I reached home shortly before dusk. We were both totally exhausted. We were wet cold and in need of a shower. The following day Andre and Fraylene left for Cape Town and while I joined Ian, his Dutch friends; Daf, Willem & Gys and Peter for a walk up to Ena’s falls where they all had a swim, I was still pretty tired and needed this as a rest day. A while later, back at Talari, Ian led and expedition to putting logs and boulders in the Talari pond but Peter & I opted out and took it easy in the lounge.

That evening Ian had a bit of a Wildcliff meeting where he explained how far the progress of the Nature reserve project had progressed. Pascal gave us a very interesting talk and presentation on the Chacma Baboon and in particular the Cheek Pouches and how this is used by a variety of animals as well as the Baboons.

Exploring the Wilderkrans Kloof on Wildcliff Nature Reserve from the bottom up.

1. From Tahelari House to Home Falls ( 1000 meters)
2. From Cave Pool falls Home Falls to Waterfall 4 (500 meters)


Tuesday 25 March 2008, Peter and I endeavoured to explore the Kloof on Wildcliff from the bottom up, as far as we could go.

We started at Oak tree Meadow at about 09.30am and followed the river up stream until we reached the first Waterfall. This took us about an hour. It is a slow walk.

The first half of the way there, you can stay fairly dry by keeping on the right bank of the river. After that, unfortunately, there is no way to stay dry, but the deepest you have to get wet is about knee height. We tried to create some kind of permanent path way but this will best be done with a tin of brightly coloured paint and a couple of attempts to find the most favourable footpath. It is a fairly easy walk apart from the concentration to get a good grip on the rocks. These are slippery due to a fine algae / moss growing on them. The sun does not get here often to dry out the rocks so they constantly stay damp.

There are several pools in this relatively slow flowing stream, but at no stage is it necessary to swim. The last pool before the first waterfall upstream (dubbed the Home falls) is deep and wide. The only way you can reach the waterfall on the north side is to swim across the pool to the falls.

The Waterfall is about 7 meters in total. It is two tiered, with the top drop of about 3 meters and the bottom drop into the pool being about 4 meters.

Peter and I took some long nails and a roll of seatbelt webbing. We clambered up to the first ledge and then with the inexperience of first time attempts we nailed the webbing into some crevices on the left hand side of the waterfall. The waterfall goes through a narrow part, about 2.5 meters wide. On the left side, there is a very slippery section where we found some footholds and got up to about 2 meters next to the waterfall. After realising that we had reached a point which was not really where we had wanted to achieve, Peter went back to the rocks where we had left our backpacks to both fetch more nails and his Leatherman which we would use to cut the webbing. As he used to webbing to climb back up to the ledge where I was waiting he realised that the assistance that the webbing gave was not ideal as it was too far to the left, but it was sufficient to assist him to almost reach the top of the falls. He was just not strong enough and so handed over to myself. I was able to clamber over the final part of the waterfall. This was quite scary, as a fall here would have surely meant some broken bones or severe bruises.

I found a big rock to tie the rope around and let the rope down the waterfall for Peter to grab and pull himself up. The second part of the fall was relatively easy to climb, as there were some loose boulders on the right-hand side of it.

Once past this waterfall, the boulders get bigger and bigger and the gradient of the river increases. The river makes a natural bend to the left. At a point you can see a recent (last 10 to 20 years maybe) rock slide from the overhanging cliffs on the left-hand side. These rocks are enormous and difficult to get over.

Once past these rocks, another 100 meters up stream you get to a very big waterfall. This is the same falls (Waterfall number 4) we had to stop at when coming downstream on the 23rd of March.

Now seeing them from the bottom, I can safely say that it is at least a 30 meter drop with a gradient of 70 to 80 degrees. Unfortunately, just as we had thought from a vantage point at the top, these falls are just impossible to negotiate without proper abseiling equipment – harness and helmets. You would also need a few ropes of at least 50 meters each.

On the way there, we saw a ravine going up on the right-hand side. This would be a possible entry or exit point. The vegetation is very thick though and it will mean clearing a path before this will be possible.

Coming back down the river, back towards the Home Falls, was not difficult at all. We had to swim through about 4 pools at waist height – it is just safer that way, rather than scaling the cliffs on the side to try and stay dry.

When we got to the Home falls, we encountered what we first thought to be a Puff Adder that had fallen from the overhanging cliffs into the water, just where we tied the rope previously. It was battling to get onto the rock, trying to swim against the current. It was right in our path and no way to go around it. So we helped it onto the rock with a stick and managed to get around it (about 1.5 meter away) and climb down the falls on our newly tied rope.

It was a very nervous affair, with both of us watching the snake and trying to find footholds while going down the falls. On later reading a snake book at Talari we think that it was a harmless Egg Eating Snake which also has “V shaped” markings on its back but does not have the Diamond Head of a Puff Adder. From there the route back was quite easy as before. Peter was quite exhausted by this stage and had banged his chins a couple of times. The slippery rocks and his exhaustion took its toll and he slipped and fell a couple of times.

However we both had a sense of elation as we had accomplished our first objective of establishing a way up the “home pool falls”. Both the webbing that we had nailed to the rock-face and the second section of webbing that we had tied around a rock and released into the falls were now reasonably permanent fixtures and would certainly enable future Kloofing expeditions to take place.

It took us 5 hours in total from Talari to the big falls and then back to the house again. We spent about 1 hour in getting the ropes fixed, so it is safe to say that this would be a 4 to 5 hour hike depending on the number of times stopped.

We have now located and identified 5 waterfalls that are over 5 meters in height. These are all in the Wilderkrans Kloof.
Named from the top of the Kloof down:

1. Ena’s Falls – approx 25 meters
2. Bum-slide falls – approx 5 meters
3. 3rd Falls – approx 30 meters
4. 4th Falls – approx 30 meters
5. Home Falls – approx 7 meters.

Possible hikes in the Kloof:

1. From Ena’s falls to after the Bum-slide falls and then exiting towards the road to the left. (600 meters)
2. From Ena’s falls to the 3rd Falls and exiting about 30 meters before the falls on the rocky cliff on the left.
3. From the road, down Fern Kloof (small ravine leading to river between falls 3 and 4) and then up fern Kloof again. In this hike, you will be able to see the base of the 3rd falls and the top of the 4th falls. Waterfall 3 and 4 is 100 meters apart
4. From Oak tree Meadow, following the river up stream to the Home Falls
5. From Oak tree Meadow, up stream across the Home falls to the base to the 4th falls.

Stefan Steenkamp
26th March 2008.

CANADIAN HOLIDAY PETER, BARBARA & ALLY GIDDY JANUARY 2008.

Peter, Barbara & Ally: Canadian Holiday: January 2008.

26th December 2007: Boxing Day. That evening Cathy and Saul dropped us off at the Cape Town airport and we flew to London. The following morning a friend and work colleague of Stefan, Reinard, collected us from the airport. We had a really interesting chat on the way to Jacqui’s house. Reinard told me all about their photographic business, photo-video, and about his own life in London. It makes a huge difference to be met at the airport rather than having to take the underground especially if you have a pile of luggage to cart along.


Reinard is married to Lisa who is the sister of Clinton Van Buuren. Some of the Port Elizabeth people may remember Clinton. Clinton is an Old Grey boy who made quite an impression when he played rugby for Grey about 6 years ago.

We spent two days at Jacqui’s house. They have bought a flat in the East of London. The East side of London is where Afrikaans South Africans tend to live, while many of the English Speaking South Africans tend to migrate to the West of London. That afternoon Barbara, Ally, Jacqui, Michael, Emily and I had a walk in the Epping Forrest. I will recommend some kind of exercise as soon as possible after Jet Travel. This helped us to get our circulation going again and we had two good days with Jacqui.

Emily is now two years old and a real delight. Jacqui is devoted to this child and they have rarely been separated in the two years. Jacqui is pregnant and is due to have a girl in May 2008. Michael was in the process of buying a Sony LCD flat screen TV. We did quite a bit of searching from shop to shop for a good product at a good price. Within the Sony brand we found a selection and the choice was not easy. Finally Michael made his choice after we had left for Canada. Being in the retail trade I enjoy this kind of comparative shopping. I also enjoy wandering through supermarkets. Both in London and in Calgary I was fascinated by the different selection on offer.

We left for Canada on the 29th of December and flew Air Canada from Heathrow to Calgary. It was a strange flight as we left at 10.00am, Flew for 9 hours and arrived in Calgary at Midday. We had flown Northwards from London until we reached the southern tip of Greenland. At this time it was as dark as midnight outside. We then flew south East and back into the light. We landed in Calgary and were quickly cleared through customs and were met by Dawn, Richard, Tracey, Asher, Cale and Raylene. They had come in three cars and I drove with Raylene.

They took us to Tracey’s house. This house is South West of Calgary near to a village called Priddis. The house is on a small holding. They were in the process of completing renovations and we were the first to sleep in a new room that they had built. Dawn and Richard have moved into the basement where they have a very comfortable flat with a stunning south facing view. Our room faced south west and we had a view of the Rockies covered in snow. We would get both Morning and Evening sunshine.

New Years Eve was an interesting experience. I had developed a sore in my mouth and needed to purchase some anti-biotics. In PE I would have walked over to the local pharmacy which is run by a running friend and he would have assisted me in an emergency case. No such luck in Calgary. We visited a local clinic where we were informed that the wait would be 5 hours to see a doctor who would then prescribe the Muti and then I would have to find a pharmacist who would open for us. I decided to follow a remedy offered by one of our family: wash your mouth out in salt water. I did this a few times and took a few “Panado” and was soon fit to enjoy the evening.

New years evening was spent at Raylene and Steven’s home where they served us a delicious combination of sushi, sea foods and a variety of salads. All washed down with some ice wine. Steven runs a business that offers energy savings consultations. He has two smaller operations doing air conditioning installations as well as cabinet fittings. At one time we visited his offices and then met up for lunch at a Japanese restaurant.

The weather was good for us. Temperatures would be between an early morning -30 degrees Centigrade to about -5 degrees in the middle of the day. The houses have central heating and the sun is low on the horizon. So a house that has south facing windows can become quite hot during the day. The days were clear and we were able to ski on a number of occasions.

The first time we attempted skiing we drove to the Rockies to a ski resort called Kananaskis. Ally & I hired skis and all the equipment. We spent about three hours finding our feet. Ally was able to take a ski lesson with a young man called Adam. The class for adults would have been too late and I had to muddle through on my own. I had skied once before when I was about 16 when my parents had taken us to a ski resort in Switzerland called Wengen.

We stayed on what I refer to as the Nursery slopes but is known to Canadians as the Bunny Slopes. They have a kind of Travelator (Called the Magic Carpet) similar to those found in airports that take you up the gentle slope. You stand on the carpet with your skis attached and slide off as you reach the top. This was good practice for both of us and we were quite exhausted when we finished this session.

What I found to be a particularly good experience was being on the same level as Ally. It was not as though I was an experienced coach or was better at skiing through experience. We had started off at the same level and were progressing together. Our next attempt at skiing was to be at the Canadian Olympic Park (COP). This was specially built for the Winter Olympics of 1999.

Ally & I again hired all the equipment needed and off we headed for the Bunny Slopes again. At this venue there are a variety of Magic carpets from the very basic to a little more adventurous. After a while I decided to be even more daredevil and took the chair lift up to the top. As I headed up I think that I realised that I had made a mistake. But when I reached to top I was certain that this was actually beyond my novice capabilities. The slope was quite steep and there were a number of experienced skiers whizzing down with confidence.

Anyway there was only one thing to do and that was to try to make my way down without breaking my neck. I decided the way to go would be to Zig and Zag from side to side rather than zoom headlong down with no way of stopping. This worked quite well as I managed a few Zig and Zags without incident. However after about four of these I was heading in a Zig direction when a snowboarder decided to stop in front of me. I am quite sure that a skilful skier would have been able to avoid a collision but BANG I collided with this young boy.

Skis snowboard and people went flying. I collected my right shoulder on the hard snow and while the snowboarder was quickly up and off, it took me quite a while before I could compose myself and headed downhill again. I finally reached the bottom where Barbara & Dawn were waiting. I was quite shaken but nothing a hot chocolate could not cure.

I did not venture up the chair lift again that day but after four hours of skiing was very glad to head off home. For me it is the tension in the leg muscles and generally the work required that exhausted me. Ally was by now making real progress and would take the magic carpet up and zoom down, coming to a skilful stop at the start of the magic carpet.

The next time we went to the COP it was the turn of Dawn and Barbara to try skiing. They had decided to try cross country. The boots and skis are quite different as are the skills required. They took a lesson and Barbara was soon able to control the skis and have a fall-free down hill run. It looked quite fun but was also exhausting. Barbara had a final down section that the instructor took them down but was unable to stop herself and came to an undignified and painful stop on her rear end.

Our final attempt at skiing was back at the Kananaskis ski resort. Ally & I again hired all the necessary equipment but this time I took a helmet as well as I was determined to venture up the chair lift and up to the more daring slopes. After a short while on the bunny slopes I managed to convince Ally to come with me and the two of us ventured over to the Bronze Slopes. For many skiers this would be too tame but for us it looked just right.

We lined up for the lift and when it came to our turn we took off with a bit of a jerk and I gave Ally a knock on the head. Soon we were way above the skiers below. Mark and Cale had also decided to use this ski lift. They were on snowboards and it would be Cale’s first time up to this height. As we reached the top both Ally & I tried to ski off but ended up in a heap of skis and limbs. Falling down with skis on is most undignified and I was happy when I was offered a hand up and we were able to recover some of our composure.

Now I don’t want to make out that this would qualify for a Sylvester Stallone movie but the descent looked quite scary as we started down. But after a bit of a shaky start we started the Zigging and Zagging and made our way safely to the bottom. And were elated! We took up our position in the queue for the chair lift again and off we went. This time we were ready when we reached the top and alighted gracefully as we skied off. We were soon whizzing down as though we were used to this and not two Hill Billies from sunny South Africa. After the first two times we began to develop confidence and went up and down again a number of times before we realised that this was really tiring and headed back to the café for a drink.

I was extatic at how Ally had grasped the basic skill so quickly and was also happy with my own progress. We had planned to have one more attempt but time ran out and we determined that we would do some skiing as soon as an opportunity presented itself again.

While we were in Canada it was my 57th birthday. That evening my family took us out for supper where we had a delightful evening and as excellent meal. They presented me with a book voucher for a shop called Chapters where we would sit in the mornings and enjoy a Starbucks coffee and browse through the shop.

With this voucher I was able to purchase: a book telling the story of a man tried for teaching evolution in the “Bible Belt of America; a book telling the inside story of Michael Schumacher; another one called from Lance to Landis. After reading this book I am totally convinced that both these riders used performance enhancing dope while cycling I bought a fascinating novel telling the story of a Palestinian in Bethlehem. I bought two “books on Disc” and finally I bought two fiction novels. I had a huge amount of fun choosing the books and being assisted by the store staff.

We spent an evening at the Calgary Zoo. This was not to see any animals but so see the “Zoo Lights”. The Calgary Zoo decorates the pathways, trees and various exhibits with the most amazing Christmas lights and people come from all over to see this spectacle. Another tourist destination was the Science Centre. We enjoyed experimenting with the interactive exhibits.

One evening we went to watch Asher and Cale as they attempted to take part in the Ice Hockey. As you are aware this is one of the major sports of Canada. The Canadian children grow up skating and were quite a way ahead of the two South African Children. Nevertheless our two brave nephews acquitted themselves quite well and were keen to go again after their first try out. Standing out in the snow it was freezing for us adults and we had to take it in turns to be supporters while the others would thaw out indoors.

We were able to buy a second-hand pair of skates and Ally did some ice skating with Asher and Cale at the local rink in Priddis. While they were skating we visited the little library there. What really fascinated me was the way that Dawn took out a couple of books. There were no people in attendance. The Library operates on trust; you are expected to return books when finished and donate books as often as you can.

Living in Canada is a very ordered life. They do not have the pressing issues and problems that we have. People obey traffic laws. The police do not have the volume or complexity of crime & investigations that we have. When people do break the law there are consequences and there is enforcement. We examined a police vehicle which had an on-board computer that was linked to police headquarters and provided a complete history of previous offenders or of any vehicle on the road.

We saw little or no evidence of security. Homes open to the street without walls, spikes or electric barricades. Generally we found the Canadian people to be very friendly. But our family tells us that this is superficial and Canadians rarely visit or invite friends to their homes. There is a large South African community in Calgary.

Ally had been doing a lot of swim training before we left and so as often as we could we would get down to the YMCA gym where we would spend as much time as we could both swimming and running. The gym has a runner’s track where you can do a kilometre in 8 laps.

Canada operates a vast Volunteer system. People volunteer for all kinds of work. There are sections of highways that are regularly cleaned by a local school or other organisation. When we arrived at Calgary airport we were welcomed by a lady in a smart red Mounties outfit. She was a volunteer. At the Gym the reception clerks were volunteers. Many of the people we encountered at the Zoo were volunteers.

Our return trip consisted of a 9 hour flight to London, a day with Jacqui in London, a 12 hour flight to Cape Town and the day with Nicci & family in CT. then the following morning we left CT at 02.00am and had an 8 hour drive home. Barbara & Ally slept most of the way and I was able to listen to one of the books on disk that I had purchased.