Hike – Wolvekloof, Franschhoek – 12 March 2016

Joined the Mountain Club of South Africa (Paarl/Wellington) on a hike to Wolvekloof, just outside Franchhoek. What a hike, highly recommended for anybody but be aware, if you not fit and do not like boulder hopping then stay away.  No need for lots of water since there is water all along the hike, but make sure you pack in something to swim in since the swimming pools are just great, cold but great.

Also be aware that you will need to have a 4×4 to get to the starting point of the hike.  We were 12 people with some cars and 2 4×4’s.  The drive to the parking area where we left the cars was not that great but if you take it slow then it will be ok.  We left the cars at the parking area and all got into the 2 4×4’s for a 6km ride up the  mountain on a small narrow track.

We drove past Berg River Dam with the 4×4’s which hardly had any water in it, it is very dry in this part of the world at the moment.

And then we were off
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From now on it was just hopping over boulders and sliding down rocks.   Along the way was lots of small waterfalls and  cliffs all around with vegetation.

Eventually it was time for a breakfast and a nice swim.

After breakfast, the last stretch was ahead to get to the waterfall with beautiful scenery.

We reached the waterfall in time for lunch and well deserved swim.  Seeing the waterfall and just standing and feeling the water fall like little stones on your head made all the effort to get there worthwhile.  It is just magic.

Then it was time to hit the way back down which went much faster, like a magnet dragging you down.  The hike from where we left the 4×4’s and back to it is roughly 5km but it will take you 7 to 8 hours to complete.

 

 

District 9 — is the hype warranted?

District 9 opened this weekend in the States and it is of interest to South Africa .. if I have read correctly it takes place on our shores. From what I have read, it was a real low budget movie in terms of what movies cost.  It costed around $30million to make and took around $36million during the first weekend … not bad going.

I quote from Slashdot:

“Slashdot covered “District 9” back in July. I was originally excited to see this movie for its exhibition of exoskeleton robot “mechs” (see images and video at Hizook.com ). After watching the film this opening weekend, I can honestly say that it was an amazing science fiction movie! Everything was spot-on: the plot, the human elements, the alien elements, the technology, and the seamless blend of special effects with real camera capture. This film should vault Neill Blomkamp into sci-fi stardom, on par with George Lucas and the Wachowski Brothers (of Matrix fame). This is certainly a must-see movie — easily the best movie of the year.”

That is saying a lot and if it true then it is sure one movie not to be missed.  Cannot wait for the 28th to go and watch it.

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Drives of a Lifetime

National Geographic put together a list of what they reckon is drives one should take. Quoting from them:

 Sometimes it’s the journey, sometimes it’s the destination—and sometimes, it’s both. National Geographic Traveler has scoured the globe for the world’s most beautiful, interesting, and off-beat road trips. Dive in to get drive directions, quizzes, photos, and more.

They included drives in Italy, Canada, Hawai, America and much more.  However I could not find any from South Africa.  Here I immediately think of paces like the Sani Pass.  Are there any that you think should be on this list?

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SA Elections 2009 — done my part

I got the mark to prove 🙂

Went voting at Kido Kids in Van Riebeeckshof at around 9:15 and was done in about 20 minutes.  Everything went as smooth as clock work, even for voters from other districts and provinces (they could only vote national). The only party I saw at the station I voted at was the DA as shown in this picture.

For those that has not voted yet, use your constitutional right and go and vote.  Remember by not voting you also loose the right to criticise and/or comment about anything South African. 

More photos here:  My Photo Gallery

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Cricket — how good to wip the Aussies!!

Came across this on a Aussie blog:

One must now come to terms with the fact that they are now a member of the 2nd best cricketing nation in the world. Some marketing slogans may have to change.

He was obviously talking about the Australian cricket team. Eat your hearts out Australia and in a couple of weeks you will also be number 2 in the 5 day game.  And I loved one of the comments to the post.

Haha. Let’s face it, Australia got walked over.

The obvious solution is to ban RSA from international cricket again.

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DTP #3: Cape Town today

Yes I know I said that it will be Daily but due to unforeseen circumstances it got to way less than Daily. 

This is the sunrise this morning as taken from my house …

Sonop

And this is the view from my office of beautiful Table Mountain …

Tafelberg

How can one not love staying in this wonderful part of the world.