Buffelspoort - November 2008 With the Rubicon trip to Buffelspoort postponed till February due to the route being closed, we hastily arranged an alternative package for those interested, and it was with a degree of uncertainty that we set out on Friday 21st November. The Blue Mountain Route was unknown to us, but we had previously been up Slanggat. The group consisted of Bob Garrett with Trevor Dorrington as passenger, Andy Wright with daughter Sammy, Herman Bok with daughter Chantal, Robert & Amanda de Reuck, Francois & Gillian Dekker with children, and Stephanus & Antoinette Scheepers with children. Johan & Wendy Booyens, who now have a farm in the area, joined us for the Sunday trail. Our journey of around 350km to Buffelspoort camp site was uneventful, and we arrived at 6pm, in 35 deg. The camp site is really good with lawn, shade, power points, hot showers via donkey, clean and well-functioning ablution facilities, central braai slab, and truly great hosts Rudi & Marianna Nel. Their `keen to please` attitude throughout the weekend was outstanding! Some enjoyed a swim in the river before joining the communal braai. As Rudi was guiding the trails and had a friend staying over, we departed with 9 vehicles at around 9am Saturday to tackle the Blue Mountain trail. The road was built by Eskom to service the power lines which cross the Klein Swartberg mountains through the family farm, and to the East of the ravine. We found it to be relatively steep and precipitous, with wonderful views all the way up, finally leading to a view point from which one can view the last stretch of the Rubicon Trail as it reaches the weir at the farm. We spent about an hour there which included our picnic lunch, and descended to arrive at the camp before 2pm. Rudi offered to take those interested on a short tour of the farm, and we were joined by Bob & Trevor, Andy and Rudi`s friends in their Range Rover. What was not highlighted was that this route included a testing group of obstacles which saw us all stuck at some stage [including our host], and tow ropes were well-used! A mud pan was criss-crossed until 2 vehicles sank in the very sticky clay, steep embankments were common as we made our way, and a river section with sand trapped all of us, with Bob & Trevor ending up with a tyre off the rim. A great deal of fun, but I had to remove the sticky clay by hand on Monday, as a power hose would not loosen it. Again we enjoyed a communal braai, and for us the highlight was when Chantal brought out her guitar and sang a few songs which she had composed ........ a very talented young lady! Sunday morning most of us packed up before departing at 9am for the Slanggat Trail, which leads up the mountains west ot the ravine. The route is quite technical, with many loose rocks and steep sections with alternative lines requiring quick thinking. It was made in the 80`s to transport cows and water to the top, as it was thought to be a good grazing area. Just as well, otherwise we would have been denied on of the best views to be had! The view point is positioned 450m above the horseshoe bend in the river on the Rubicon Trail, where one can see the track that is forced by nature from one side to the other, together with sheer cliffs and high mountain backdrop. Amazing! We lingered over this coffee stop, and eventually made our way down. This trail will also be remembered for the two 20-year old ladies Sammy and Chantal, who were permitted by their respective gutsy fathers to take the wheel. And how well they managed! They proved quick learners, overcoming some` 3+` sections with little difficulty. At the camp we said our farewells, thanked Rudi & Marianna for their efforts, and 5 of us traveled back on the dirt road to Montagu via the Ouberg Pass, whilst others used the N1. Altogether a great weekend with great club members! Regards, Viv & Mary