Diamonds and Daisies Tour - September 2009
By Jorg Mauderer

Wow, what an awesome trip we experienced with Andy Faber, who with great attention to detail, led us to Kleinzee in the restricted De Beers Mining area. Everything went according to plan and we all now have the fondest of memories of a trip high on the list of trip-repeats. Let's start at the beginning.

Thursday morning at 03h45, before the rooster even thought of clearing his throat we woke up to rainy morning which did not even in the least dampen our spirits. Everyone just wanted to get out of town, measured by the 7 car convoy already at the Piekenierskloof Pass outside Piketberg. Garies was the fuel-stop that we headed for and by then the rain had subsided, the spirits were high and everyone was looking forward to the laid-back gravel road drive to Hondeklip Bay, but first we had to get back on the N7 outside Garies. Typically, West Coast style, not much traffic and 6 km later, we were heading towards the coast. That is when the 29 Meg came alive and all the humour, quizzes and jokes came on air and the group started bonding. Who is going to forget the joke from Lara about the "Hasie in my blasie"? Karstens and his deep voice gave character, Andy and his factual information came from the front of the convoy, while I was assigned to sweep!!

We had the privilege of photographing an awesome shipwreck, The Aristea and picnicking close by.

A quick tour through the small West Coast Town, with its own Police Station and many arty residences, allowed us to advance to Koiingnaas, where our I.D. inspection at the mining town boom made us accept that this was the start to an exceptional trip!

Parallel to the coast, we drove 55 km towards our sleepover called "Die Houthoop". Our host, Veronica with her sparkling lively blue eyes made us feel very welcome! Die Houthoop is a true gem and highly recommended! (We actually not sure if we should share this with everyone because we would like to keep this to ourselves ! Andy ) We were assigned to separate bungalows and soon the vehicles were unpacked, the kids could run and play and we gathered at the 60 year old Houthoop for a braai and spread of note! The "Mosselsop" required a couple of refills and our group really started talking and soon new friendships were made.

Next morning, at 07h45, we all started our 4x4's and headed back south to Noup, a small diving bungalow set-up along the beach, we met our tour guide, Dudley.

After a quick briefing, the approximate 25 car convoy spread out on the beach jeep-track, Andy remembering the information from Dudley he received via a small UHF two-way radio and then relaying the message, without factual distortion, back to us via our vehicle's 29 Meg. On this trip we had many woman drivers take over the vehicles control.

That evening we all huddled together around the campfire and braaied together. Great 'span-bou' took place over here and everyone clicked. Next day, new adventure: sand dune driving, rated 3 - 4 at places! We saw the amazing red Strandveld Lily in great abundance. Soon we were in the dunes and we all could play and display our 4x4 mastery sand driving techniques. Some got stuck. Everyone close by helped with shovels and a snatch rope, new Outdoor Warehouse goodies never used before were given a practical test. Claire showed the boys how it's done on her first outing in the dunes, but then maybe Toyotas are just very capable vehicles!

We woke up and packed 4x4's and then a warm breakfast offered by Veronica and her staff in this very beautiful West Coast beach lapa - "Die Visbeen"

We drove back through the Namaqua National Park, viewing historic prison ruins. We greeted with much emotion and embracing and in a "loose" convoy drove back home against a hefty south-easterly wind.

This is a trip that was superbly organised by Andy and highly recommendable to anyone wanting to participate in any future trips to this area, just ask all the children!

What an awesome trip filled with wonderful memories that will stay with us for a very, very long time!
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Letters from some of the kids on the trip

 

Tina's 4x4 Kleinzee Trip - August 2009
We went to Kleinzee on a 4x4 trip and stayed at a place called "Die Houthoop". You must go there one day!
The bungalow was so nice! There was also a swimming pool. We could run around freely and had lots of fun.
We saw beautiful ship wrecks and flowers.
With love, Tina Mauderer

 

Claudia's Letter - 4x4 Kleinzee Shipwreck trip
4x4 camp - WOW !!!!
This was the Best camp Ever! This camp was one of the most exciting 4x4 camp. We all LOVED it and I wish we could have stayed longer.
We saw lots of flowers, ship wrecks and went dune driving. I LOVED, LOVED it!
It was so much FUN FUN FUN. Just one question:
When can we come AGAIN?
PS: If I went back in time and had one wish, it would be doing the 4x4 trip over again.
Love, from Claudia Mauderer