In search of Calitzdorp’s Golden Arches.
To sum up this excursion in a single sentence would be – Blood was shed, but at last count all limbs remained generally present and intact!
By the time, the complete pack of 11 players had assembled on a side track, off a side road along the R62 the early morning Karoo chill had largely dissipated.
Today’s quarry, like that famous emblem of US convenience dining, could be seen from afar (evidence below).
To get to them and to “thread the needle” was a different matter.
To cut a short geological story even shorter one must grapple with Conglomerate. Imagine rock and pebbles swept off high ground by surface water (rivers etc) and deposited onto an alluvial sandy plain. To this mix throw in a hundred or so million years of erosion (significant wind) and a pinch of geological wizardry and you end up with Conglomerate formations which are the Red Stone Hills.
The Red Stone Hills Conglomerate formations with the Swartberg visible behind
Conglomerate or “Puddingstone” as it is sometimes referred to (it looks like Christmas pudding!) is not often found beneath hiker’s feet. One wonders why? Yesterday’s attempt to “thread the needles” went some way to answering that question!
After one line of attack towards the first and biggest arch was aborted, we began to appreciate the treachery of the slopes as we retreated downhill. The term “Helter-Skelter” apparently dates back to the 16th century and was used to describe people acting in a reckless, disorganised and haphazard manner. That more than adequately sums up our performance.
Regrouped slightly lower and on slightly more level terrain we stitched together our frayed nerves and focused once more on the target above. Our second line of attack was thankfully more successful (evidence below).
L to R: Donovan and Samantha Kotze, Gary and Sandy Cundill, Ed Kay-Shuttleworth (Leader), Hugh Sussens, Mimi Kay-Shuttleworth and Rosie, Dennis Lange, Pierre and Som Kruse, Johan Huisamen.
(Photo Credit: Mimi Kay-Shuttleworth)
Sometimes referred to as the Hole-in-the-Wall
Notice the texture of the rock wall on the left of the arch
ARCH No 1
Tea break at the Hole-in-the-Wall
As the euphoria of success gradually subsided our attention drifted towards our descent. Straight over the top and down the other side was ruled to be suicidal so the semi-suicidal option of contouring out of the corner and perilously clinging to anything promising was the elected course. At this stage, the benefit of being six inches from the ground and the possession of four feet became enviously evident.
Nevertheless, in true Mountain Club style we made it to the bottom. A relatively easy and flat walk (there was even a jeep track for some way) across the plain ensued. It was on this section that the Karoo vegetation (think very BIG thorns) demanded its toll for passage and the price was blood in varying quantities from all who passed (evidence not included in consideration of sensitive readers). Those manoeuvring at ankle height expressed their pain and displeasure most vocally.
Once the other side was attained the slip-sliding upwards resumed as the second target was perched near the top of this outcrop. Threading this needle would have definitely resulted in a higher attrition rate (of mortal degree) than the 10% Mountain Club allowance so lunch was taken just below the “eye” and no formal discussion was needed to signal the retreat. One of the group, to his credit, did sustain a level of height above the “eye” and was afforded views over the other side.
The “eye” too far
All in all, we covered a mere 6.80 kms in just short of 6 hours. The temperature was glorious; the company was excellent and there was even a joke or two (the jury is still out on whether they were funny or not).
The Mountain Club of South Africa South Cape section would like to express their gratitude to Elmare and Kobus Potgeiter for granting access to their property and hosting some members of the group in their Rietfontein Ostrich Palace cottages (www.rop.co.za)
Meet Leader ~ Ed Kay-Shuttleworth