Koningskop - November 2010 By Terry Harvey It was that time again. Time for the gentlemen of the 4x4 Offroad Adventure Club to take a wild trip up into the mountains. Happy to be invited, I agreed to get up at the crack of dawn the very next morning. There would be camping this time I was told. So up by 5:30 we were, Aviv and I. He would be driver and I would be crew. An hour later we were out of the city and verging toward the wilderness. Well almost. First stop was at Wimpy& along the N7 highway. Quick breakfast and coffee. A few glances came our way, interested by the assortment of 4x4's outside, no doubt. In the chilly morning breeze we went over the details of the trip, and the driving order of the vehicles. Russell would lead. We trusted him and his unique aerodynamic Land Cruiser. All was in order and we left. We took the beautiful Namibia Road, (N7 Highway). 4x4 vehicles are clearly not designed for speeding along highways. The conversation was jerky due to the bumpy nature of the Beast (Aviv's Land Cruiser). I relapsed into quiet, noticing the scenery. Little cars had to pull over as our convoy tried to maintain single file all the way. It was warm, and soon we were passing stretches of farmland. There were pale yellow and green fields, and moutains all around. Then pretty jersey cows, the occasional lone ostrich, and lovely old windmills. Then a sign that said 'ostriches getting laid'. We turned off just after a little town called Piketberg. Somewhere, the tar road discontinued and became a long stretch of red earth. Fine red dust settled on windows and license plates. We bumped along past surprised looking children. Six 4x4's, all single file. Eventually we reached Koninskop(King's Crown). A quaint little campsite, on fresh green grass. We needed to set up camp before the first trail drive. We picked our ideal spot. Noted where the braai was, and contemplated the weather. There was a chance of rain. Good thing we packed a protective covering for the tent. Now if only we knew how to set it all up. It should have been a simple task, but it created much confusion and delay. For everyone. Our neighbours soon noticed us wrestling with our tent and glaring at the instructions. Which weren't instructions at all. One friendly camper came to assist. Then two then eventually six people, and we were still struggling. With everyone's collaborative teamwork the tent was set up at last. Thank you to all who helped. Next followed a moment to savour the fresh air, and chat with one another. Then it was time to embark on the trail. Tires were deflated and everyone climbed into their 4x4's. The vehicles clambered up the trail in order, over rocks and hills and dips. The beast was in it's element and drove uphill, over jagged rocks with ease. Despite feeling jostled about I liked the sensation of such powerful movement. The weather was still clear and warm, so we could see everything. We were up in part of the Cederberg mountains, and no one was in sight. Just us and the exquisite rock formations. Astonishingly beautiful. Like no where else on earth. We cruised smoothly for quite some time, and then a rather large hill appeared. Cautiously, and one vehicle at a time we climbed. When almost everyone was at the top we paused to wait for the second to last driver. Naturally, as is Murphy's Law, something had gone wrong. That vehicle was stranded. Trying to make it up the hill. But she'd seen better days and was letting her drivers know that this was to be her last excursion on such rocky terrain. Everyone leaped out of their 4x4's to investigate. It appeared there were serious technical difficulties with the wheels. All the gentlemen ran back and forth, fetching tools and bars, while the ladies stood by enjoying this manly display. The problem was temporarily fixed, but sadly Leah and Richard had to turn back to camp. They made it back safely. The rest of us continued on. I gazed out the window feeling perfectly safe to be driven along the edges of cliffs. I knew I was in competant hands. Large orange coloured rocks were balancing in unique ways that seemed impossible. We wondered how these rock shapes came to be. There were orchards in the distance below the mountain, and sprinkles of yellow and purple flowers all around. Then some greenery, some rooibos(red bush), and grey mountains further off. Russell was our guide up the next big hill. We had just arrived at the very top of the hill when he suddenly jumped and waved his arms dramatically. We stopped. Russell held out his hand from where a Locust jumped onto our window. Plump, bright red and black. It scrabbled around a bit. Russell then scooped it up and tossed it safely back to the ground. He cleared us and we drove carefully so as to not squish the creature. There is some debate about the events which followed shortly. The end result is that the locust did not survive the next set of powerful wheels. Russell was devastated to say the least. We arrived at our viewpoint. The rock was smooth to touch but not slippery. Perfect for gripping with bare feet. Wonderful for climbing. Then a most unexpected sight. The view was stunning. It was the height of beauty that day. The drive on the way down was less challenging but equally pretty. Back at the campsite, it was a good time to climb a tree since it's been so long. If you enjoy a challenge like Russell the appropriate thing to do was join him in a freezing cold pool. Evening time, and everyone was around the fire. Time for supper, and then some stories and playful banter. Followed by roasted marshmallows, then bed. It was dark enough for stars, but overcast. That night it rained. I loved the rhythm of the raindrops on top of my tent........ It was much later when I saw stars. An early rising the next morning, and we packed up for the next trail drive. A search for San rock art was the mission of the day. We couldn't believe our luck. Perfect warm weather one day, then the possibility of a muddy drive the next. We went on a different trail, but there was no mud, just damp red earth. Fresh scent all around. On the way up an eagle-owl was spotted, sitting purposefully on a rock. In a burst of black and white wings it flew away. We drove through some narrow spaces then stopped to look at San rock art. A reminder that people once lived in these mountains ages ago. We wandered through eroded rock to see the red paintings. We saw a handprint, and a painting of something resembling a large buck. The paintings have been beautifully preserved. A real handprint in the sand nearby suggested that baboons were not far off in these mountains. All too soon, the time had come to leave the beautiful, quiet Cederberg mountains. So rich with amazing history and geography. I felt lucky to have experienced them. We drove back down in the pouring rain. This was a much cherished experience. Thank you Aviv, Russell and all the warm people of the Club.