Buffelspoort - February 2011 By Viv Le Seur Our planned Rubicon Trail journey was once again disrupted by the weather! The Poort had been very dry for months, but the Monday prior to our trip, 3 weather systems came together around Driefontein area, causing a flash flood down the trail. Whilst the farmers rejoiced, our numbers were reduced to 6 vehicles when we departed to ride the alternative Blue Mountain and Slanggat routes. Spending 2 nights in Die Poort camp with fantastic hosts Rudi & Marion Nel made for a more relaxing weekend, not having to break camp on Saturday, but we missed the Rubicon. Friday evening group braai was pleasant, and Saturday morning Rudi lead us up the Blue Mountain, which is the track originally made to install and service the Eskom power lines over the Klein Swartberg. The group consisted of Steve & Sue-Ann Edwards with Kyle & James, Patrick Sasha & Kayla Holloway, Haddon & Kathleen Steer, John & Jo Fincham, Hilton & Dylan Joffe, and our Pajero with daughter & son-in-law Kim & Gawie. Blue Mountain is precipitous and required cautious driving at times, but it offers delightful views of the farmlands, mountains and eventually a cliff-top view of the last 2 km of the Rubicon, including the ‘Swimming Pool’. From there it was obvious the no vehicle will be able to get through the Poort for a couple of months. The sand bank exit was a lake, with the usually crystal clear Pool a muddy mess! After a quick lunch in camp Rudi took the group through the family farm, riding with Hilton and managing to get him stuck in a ditch. This was an informative drive, picking figs and pomegranates and watching the milking, which was really enjoyed by the children. Rudi, Marion and daughter joined us for a braai that night, with plenty of old vines to stoke the fire. Haddon entertained us by singing and strumming his ukulele. John & Jo had spotted a Black Eagle perched on the mountain behind the camp long enough for us all to view, and later went on a successful owl hunt. Sunday morning found John & Jo keen to continue their bird logging, ending up with a list of 52 species for the weekend, and others decided to miss the planned Slanggat Trail. That left Hilton with Rudi & Dylan, the Holloway family and us to tackle the demanding [grade 4?] climb. For the adventurous and experienced driver this is another Buffelspoort trail not to be missed! We found that this 5th time up presented us with an ever-increasing challenge caused by weather and vehicle erosion [and nothing to do with ageing]. Once at the viewpoint we were again reminded why we come back! That awesome horseshoe view 450 metres below remains almost unbelievable, and makes one yearn to be down there on the Rubicon Trail. Our homeward trip through back roads to Montagu was relaxing and uneventful except for us losing a back tyre just after hitting the tar. Thanks to Hilton & Dylan for helping and following us back without a spare. Also to the group, well done and thanks for being with us.