Biedouw - October 2009 By George & Susan Warren This trip was specifically planned for warmer weather so that we could swim in the river.  However the morning began rather cool and misty as we gathered at the Swartland Engen garage. Fortunately the weather improved quickly and by the time we arrived in Clanwilliam the sun was shinning warmly.  After a petrol-stop in the town we journeyed further over the famous old Pakhuis Pass, build by Thomas Baine in the late 1800’s. Our group of travelers consisted of George and Susan Warren , Eric Smith, James, Janet, Josh and Lauren Cranke, Robbie and Ursula Keene. After a short stop at C. Louis Leipolt’s  grave we eventually arrived at Mertenhof farm where we were to stay overnight for the weekend.  Here we also met up with Jurgen, Michelle, Liza and Robby Steinecke, who had travelled through the previous evening.  Shortly thereafter we left for the 4X4 trail which immedialty begins with a very sharp uphill over very loose ground that has been churned out into deep holes.  With a bit of diff lock help however we all managed up the incline, just to be met by a patch of really soft sand in the midday sun.  With a bit of momentum however t his was also easily negotiated by all .  Thereafter the trail takes an easy route through surprisingly green and colorful “fynbos” for this time of the year until we reached the “potholes”.  These potholes occurred in large flattish sandstone rocks in the riverbed and have obviously been eroded out over years by the action of water and sand.  It reminds me of a mini-version of the Bourke’s luck potholes in the eastern Transvaal.  Of interest was the fact that a lot of the river water runs under the rocks and came out through one of these potholes.  This was quite fascinating to see. Thereafter we took a leisurely drive along the mainly grade 2 route with a few interesting rocky sections, just to keep you awake, until we reached the afternoon picnic-spot next to some very inviting pools in the river.  Some of us were crazy enough to brave the ice cold water of the river and enjoyed a refreshing swim.  Others partook of an unintentional swim, clothes and all due to the slipperiness of the wet rocks! After lunch we continued the route and after a rather steep climb, eventually arrived at a view-point high on the surrounding hills, overlooking the whole Biedouw Valley and Cederberg mountains in the background. After that it was a short 20 minute drive back to the farm. Here we all set up camp on the lawns around the guest house.  The ablutions were adequate with hot and cold running water and flush-toilets. That evening we all enjoyed a communal braai and most of us retired early to bed, after a most enjoyable day. On Sunday morning we packed up and headed back to the Farmers house to say our farewells.  Fortunately our hosts, Barry and Mariette Lubbe were very friendly and sharp-eyed .  As we walked up to my vehicle, Barry noticed a great big nail sticking out of my tyre.  After a quick “snot-stokkie “repair we were soon on our way t o the old Moravian Mission Town of Wupperthal.  After a short exploration of the village and the children cooling off in the water-furrows along the road, we decided to carry on since the tea room was still closed and would only open that afternoon at 12h00pm. From there we took the steep ascent along the 4x4 route via Eselbank to Matjiesrivier with a lunch stop at the waterfall close to Eselbank. We continued along the main route to Ceres with a quick stop at the Cedarberg Oasis for light refreshments.  We eventually arrived at Ceres via Op-die-Berg and the Gydo pass by late afternoon. After everybody had bade each other farewell, we all departed for home, after a most enjoyable weekend. Once again, I would just like to thank everyone that joined us on this voyage of exploration for us. You were all a great group. George and Susan Warren