Loeriesfontein Flower Trip - 16th to 17th August 2008 Unfortunately we had a poor response to the advert for this trip but the distance with fuel prices as they are, could explain this. To those who didn’t join us – EAT YOUR HEART OUT!!!!!!!. We saw the most fantastic flower display. The trip started very early on Saturday morning and after a quick wimpy coffee we left the N7 Engen garage with 3 vehicles at 05h30. Roger and Bev, in their Toyota, Pieter and Annemarie in their Isuzu and ourselves in a Pajero. At Klawer we stopped for a breakfast while waiting for Louis + Charlotte to join us in their Discovery. From there we proceeded up the Van Rhyn’s pass with its beautiful views to the Loeriesfontein turn off. We stopped along the way at the Nieuwoudtville waterfall and found quite a jolly bazaar - atmosphere as the locals plied their trade in local produce. This waterfall is quite spectacular and well worth a visit. On arriving at Loeriefontein we visited the local museum that also houses the well-known windmill – museum. Once again this visit was surprisingly interesting, giving an insight into the living conditions of the early pioneers of the district. They also sell “lekker” pancakes! From here we continued along farm roads through what seemed like a million farm gates and were treated to our first displays of spectacular spreads of yellow flowers amongst the small Karoo bushes. On arrival at the farm ”Gawie – se – put”, we were very cordially greeted by the farmer and our host, Mr. Pieter Henning. After unpacking and setting up camp, some of the group took a stroll on the farm whilst the rest joined the farmer on his rounds while checking on his sheep. That evening we had a nice group braai while watching the eclipse of the moon. The Sunday morning started off at a leisurely pace and after packing up camp we left at about 10h30. Once again, following farm roads though another million gates we eventually passed an area called “Klipwerf”. This is a most unusual geological phenomenon that looks like a giant had packed multiple piles of rocks all over the veld. This is also the place from where the “Klipwerf orkes” originates. From there we gradually worked our way southwards along all the back-ways. We saw the most fantastic constantly changing Kaleidoscope of colours all the way south to the Biedouw Valley. From there we popped into Wuppertal for a quick lunch stop. Once again we continued on the back – roads south and passed behind the Cederberg Mountains, toward Ceres. Here we used 4 x 4 for the first time of the trip with steep passes in the Cederberg conservancy. Although the mountain scenery was spectacular the flowers had become much sparser after Wuppertal. We eventually arrived in Ceres after dark where we refueled and made our final greetings before the journey home. I hope that those who joined us enjoyed the exploration and show of flowers as much as we did. Regards George + Susan