Klein Tafelberg 2nd / 3rd July 2005 Started out on a chilly Sat morning waiting at the 1 stop for the group to arrive. Even after warning everyone that I planned on leaving at 7am there were still 2 vehicles missing. After phoning the folks, the one vehicle was coming down the hill towards us and the others were still at home - hope the lady that was sick is feeling better. We were a small group, myself and 3 other vehicles. I asked Peter and Joan if they would mind taking up the rear, and off we went. We stopped at the service station just outside Piketberg for a quick fuel top-up, and then backtracked for just over 1km before turning off the N7. At Aurora, we left the tar and started on gravel. We stopped to lock hubs as I recommended 4 wheel drive for the loose sand on this road. After about 17 kilometers, we turned off left towards Kleintafelberg. 4km down this track, we turned into the farm. Unfortunately, I was on my own and had to keep getting out to open gates. Luckily, Peter & Joan had brought a remote control with them for closing the gates. Thanks a lot Melodie. We set up camp and deflated tyres getting ready for the trail. Albert Smit, the farm owner, arrived and welcomed us. Albert was going to do the trail with us as my passenger, but he first had to get some other vehicles registered (they were only there for the day) Once on the trail, things went smoothly. At the first cave, Albert showed us some Bushman paintings - pity they have been damaged by visitors. The second cave was quite a revelation, lovely big water pool. Yours truly climbed down to get a photo. Without Albert with us, we would not have seen these things ( I have stopped at the first cave a few time before - this is the first time I have seen the paintings.) We stopped a few times en-route, just to enjoy the views. At last we got to the picnic area - I think this made everyone happy and we all had something to eat and drink. The drive down the mountain was nice and easy. The "Challenge" hill was too easy, so Albert asked me to dig a few holes on my way down, by spinning the wheels. I had never done this before, and the digging abilities of my MTR's was just too much - the holes were too deep to get through so we went back to the campsite for a spot of relaxation. The campfire was lit early (before dark) and after everyone had eventually eaten, a couple of brave hearts managed to stay up till 2 am, keeping the fires burning. On Sunday we left after 11am, stopping off in Paternoster where we had lunch at the hotel. Andre (George) & Lorraine, Anré, Tani & Emma, Peter, Joan & Melodie, thanks for a great weekend