Gamkaskloof 'Die Hel' 27th April - 1st May 2007 " 'n Helse Trip" The Travellers: Ian and Veronica Christo and Marleen Viv and Mary Trevor and Shelagh Frans, Frans (jnr) and Danie Chris, Juanita and Mel A bunch of travellers who had heard of this elusive valley but had never managed to get there before. Day 1 - (Friday) The group set off from the Winelands, N1, one stop at 8 am in the pouring rain. Was this bad weather a sign of things to come? Matjiesfontein was to be the first stop for a visit to the tea room and museum. Getting to Matjiesfontein took longer than anticipated due to road works and poor weather conditions. On arrival at Matjiesfontein we managed to secure a table outside, out of the rain. The tea-room ladies are not used to large numbers; expect to wait for your scones and 'door stopper' bread. Other than that a good time was had by all and we left for Prince Albert for petrol en route to Bushman's Valley our 1st overnight stop (5 kn south of Prince Albert). On arrival at Bushman's Valley main camp where Veronica had booked us in, we were told that we had been moved to the 'bushcamp' down the road because another group were expected. Veronica was not impressed but the group decided to give the owner the benefit of the doubt. Once we got to the so-called 'bushcamp', which looked like it had been cleared 24 hours earlier, we decided to stay put since we were tired and rain was threatening. There were no showers only a long drop and we had some running water. We had our communal braai in the wet and cold. Most of us ended up with our bums towards the fire to dry off and warm ourselves and wondering what day 2 was going to bring. Day 2 - (Saturday) Once we had finished breakfast and broken camp we headed into Prince Albert for the morning in order to participate in the town's annual olive festival. Festivities included a mayoral procession, roosterkoek and witblits and the 'old age' trompoppies, old cars and bicycles and a community fair. All in all we could have spent more time at the festival but we still had four hours of driving ahead of us to get to the valley before dark. After lunch we headed up the Swartberg Pass, which is a real special drive, it took us more an hour to get to the Gamkaskloof turn off allowing for photos and letting many other vehicles pass form the opposite direction. This pass is rather narrow in places when you are trying to keep a convoy of six cars together. From the turn off to the bottom of the valley we took three hours for stops to admire views. The road is narrow but is manageable in a sedan car during the dry season. Frans's car lost power and gave puffs of black smoke ...... what was going to happen so far from anywhere? Eventually it came right - he suspects its was dirty diesel from Prince Albert. After negotiating some tight hairpin bends, Viv and Mary managed to get their trailer to the bottom of the valley. At last, we were in the valley that so many of us had read about over the years! At this stage the weather was starting to warm up as we eventually managed to locate our overnight bush camp. Our bush camp ablution had no roof but it did have a wonderful hot water for a shower. After sorting our camp sites out and cleaning up we made our way to Annetjies restaurant for a 'boerekos dinner'. The food went down well although her definition of a boerekos dinner left much to be desired. Later that evening we sat around our communal fire listening to everyone's tales of adventure and watching Mel's dancing. What was Sunday going to bring? Day 3 (Sunday) The plan for Sunday morning was to all drive the length of the valley, across the Gamkas River to the Parks Board information building. Unbeknown to us, Veronica had other plans in store! After her morning coffee in bed she managed to fall climbing down the steps of our cruiser pick up - Thank goodness we were travelling with our own Private Doctor Christo and his able bodied assistant Marleen. Within no time at all, Veronica's ankle was twice its size and Chisto suspecting a fracture made a splint out of cardboard. Veronica was now being carried around like a queen, it was a sight to behold. Christo made arrangements to get Veronica to Oudtshoorn Medi-Clinic and a GP to check the ankle, for Monday morning. The makeshift splint and the appropriate medication made Veronica decide to not return home immediately. After all of this we eventually got going at lunchtime to drive the length of the valley which we had come here for. We spent the rest of the afternoon at the information centre. We again lit our communal fire for those who wanted to braai while others ate bobotie and tried out the cob cooker belonging to Mary and Viv. We even arranged to get Veronica to the fire with her foot well supported. Much laughter and jokes till late at night. We also had to discuss a change of plans and route in the light of Veronica's surprise. This was really turning into a 'Helse weekend'! Day 4 (Monday) Woke early to a lovely sunrise. Three cars to leave early to get Veronica to the Clinic by 11 am. i.e Ian and Veronica, Viv and Mary and Christo and Marleen. The other three cars were to meet us in Oudsthoorn around lunch time. Left at 7am and after one photographic stop at the top of the Swartberg Pass we arrived at the clinic before 11am. While Veronica was being sorted out Marleen arranged the only alternative accommodation available in the area - Calitzdorp Spa. We first had lunch at the Spur which seemed to have the whole Oudtshoorn Army Camp having lunch at the same time. We were too hungry to even think about how long the food took to arrive at our table. The local doctor says Veronica has torn ligaments, no fracture apparent. Day 5 (Tuesday) Decided to enjoy the trip back along Route 62 taking in Boplaas, Calitzdorp for Port and Fruit Rolls. Thereafter Ladismith for cheese and last but least 'Ronnies Sex Shop'. Had lunch and said our good byes. Day 6 ( Wednesday) 07h30; Veronica gets a phone call from Dr Vermeulen in Oudstshoorn confirming, that in fact, her ankle does have a fracture! (Christo's original prognosis was indeed correct. ...... I have just been told to stop writing since I have already said too much about Veronica's folly ...... 'n helse fall that was.