I have been living in Stilbaai for almost 7 years now, also operating a slackpacking trail along the coast. So it was about time that I invited our Section’s members to come this way and see some of the beauty and variety along this stretch of our coast. Twenty-one people attended this meet, spending two nights in Jongensfontein’s camping terrain or in nearby cottages.
Members who attended: Derek Odendaal (leader), Clifton Donald, Jacolise Joubert (all from Stilbaai), Clive and Sandy Louw, Gary and Sandy Cundill, Johan and Christelle Olivier, Janine Smith, Tony and Evie Bowen, Maretha Alant, Saartjie van der Merwe, Janet Moore, Ruth Powell, Henrietha Mey, Fabian von Hase, Malcolm Rivett . Guests : Steve Ueckermann, Okkie Marais.
We used a local taxi and a Pajero to transport us from Jongensfontein to Blombos on Saturday morning, from where we hiked back to Jongensfontein, all along the coast. This is quite a rough and tiring hike, but the scenery is great. The famous Blombos Cave, where people lived more than 70 000 years ago, is also along the route. I shared some fascinating info regarding this archaeological site with the group. Later on there was an opportunity to have a swim, and we even saw an elephant seal in the shallow water!
We reached Jongensfontein with tired feet. Some bought soft serve ice-cream, while others had a beer. Early evening we gathered in the camping terrain and had a proper recovery with some good wine, beer, a braai and nice food.
On the Sunday the group hiked from Jongensfontein to Stilbaai, which is a much easier walk than the previous day. Jacolise Joubert was asked to lead the way, due to the leader’s foot injury. The group had another enjoyable coastal hike, with some more swimming along the way. The ancient stone fish traps were probably the highlight of this day’s hike. The hike ended in Stilbaai around lunchtime.
Meet Leader ~ Derek Odendaal