Shannonea (4x4 South) - May 2009 By John and Colleen Millar I was quite surprised to be asked by Russell to write a trail report as I was a new member on my first trail/outing. However, here we go. On my arrival at our Hermanus meeting spot, it was with trepidation that I parked my Defender 90 next to a plethora of winches, aerials, bull bars, badges – in fact, extremely well equipped vehicles – one of which carried 4x4 rescue markings! Colleen, my wife, nervously asked if I knew the trail rating as with this sort of turnout, it had to be a ‘5’. I replied in the negative and suggested that perhaps we should back out and go for breakfast. Nevertheless, I introduced myself to Russell and eleven vehicles departed in convoy for Stanford with ourselves following the ‘4x4 rescue’. (Is there a Landrover message in there somewhere, Russell?) At the start of the trail, air pressures were reduced and we were introduced to Christiaan, the protea farmer who handed us each a trail map. Russell kindly lent us a radio and we set off. The trail itself wanders up and down a mountain in a loop encompassing a small section of gravel road which takes you into the hermanuspietersfontein vineyards and back to the start. The trails, which are essentially harvest tracks, are not demanding (grade 2). Close to the start, however, there is a section which is restricted to a maximum of four vehicles at a time due to limited turning space at the top of the mountain which perhaps for 50m could be tricky (grade 3/4) – thanks, Johann for your guidance. Lunch was held at a wonderful viewing spot where Christiaan told us about the fire risks – hence no camping. On the way back near the end of the trail, there is a mud hole (moddergat) – yes, the same one that we ignored on the way in – which our leader chose to influence us to ignore yet again… even with all that recovery gear! For us, one of the reasons that we enjoy the 4x4 environment, apart from the driving, is the interesting and diverse people that you meet. Here’s to more of the same.