Chris Meistre

We had to setup our yearly 4×4 Night Challenge that will take place in December.  This competition normally takes place from 17:00 until the next morning around 03:00.  It involves driving along a 4×4 route and doing little events at certain points and answering questions along the way.  Doing it at night just adds a different type of excitement to it.  You get tired, you struggle to see things clearly, and that forces you to concentrate harder.  Our event last year was great and we had a lot of excited adventurers join us.

So on Friday afternoon we were to spend the next 24 hours driving and setting up the route.  It was also decided beforehand that instead of taking the “normal” way home after setting up everything, we’d take on a 4×4 trail that will lead us home that we haven’t done before.

Bernadette and I also decided we’ll take along our little dachshund on our adventure to try and get him used to driving around with us.  Normally he is very hyper in the car, but I figured after an hour or so of driving he’d calm down.  Haha, were we in for a surprise.

At around 15:00 we met at Padlangs and had a nice lunch there.  Tux, the dachshund, was very active while we were sitting there.  We tried to keep him calm because we knew he was just excited and confused as to why he is coming along with us.

From Padlangs we started on our route.  I had let down the tyres to assure a smoother ride, and was glad to see I was right when we hit the first piece of gravel road that we would take.  Although the road was corrugated and full of holes, the ride was relatively smooth because of the flatter tires.  Barto mentioned on the radio that from here on, we’d probably only see cars about in 24 hours.  This is something that made us feel at ease.

At our first stop Bernadette wanted to first put on Tux’s leash before letting him run around the mountain top where we had stopped.  She was a bit weary when I said we won’t be putting it on, and I could see her very worried look as I took him out the car and let him run around.  He is quite well behaved and listens to us when we call him, so she was soon at ease.

We stopped quite often for the rest of the night to get things to ask the people to do in the competition and set up questions for them to answer.  Each time Tux would get out and run around with us.  When it started to become really dark, we had difficult seeing him at times because he is pitch black.  But you could always hear him sniffing somewhere.

During most of the ride though, you could see he wanted to sleep, but really wanted to stay awake and not miss any of the action.  This led to him whimpering for long stretches at a time.  At around 2am we pulled into our camp site.  I was surprised to see other people in the camp site, because the owners told us we’d be the only people there.  We were a bit concerned because Tux would bark at any strange noises or movements.  Luckily he was quiet.

We knew we’d get to the campsite when we were tired, so we didn’t bring our camping gear.  Instead we opted to just have a mattress in the back on the bakkie.  This proved to be quite funny because the mattress was too big for the back and had to be scrunched up a bit in order for us to lie down.  There was just enough space for Bernadette and myself to fit in next to each other and Tux laid at our feet.  Soon we were all asleep.  I was woken up by Tux’s growling.  I think he must’ve woken up and wondered where the hell he was.  I then got him to lie on top of me and we fell asleep like that.  We were woken up by birds chirping a few hours later.

We got cleaned up and ate before heading off home happy that we had setup the event and we had enough to keep people busy for a number of hours.  As we decided beforehand, we headed towards the 4×4 trail that would take us in the direction of home.  From the distance and what I’ve heard other people say about the trail, I thought a max of 2 hours and we’d be done.  I forgot that you shouldn’t listen when people talk about 4×4 trails… it’s not always accurate

It ended up being about 4 hours driving, but it was through one of the most mountainous and beautiful areas we’ve been through.  For most of the way a 4×2 would get through, but at times 4×4 would be needed.  Bernadette drove for most of the time to allow her arms to rest a bit because Tux was in her arms on the passenger seat for the whole stretch of driving the previous day.  At one point Tux and I got out and we walked a long way ahead of the vehicles.  He enjoyed this very much.

As soon as we hit the tar road, he was a lot calmer and actually fell asleep for the way home.  I think he must’ve been quite tired, because he slept for most of Saturday and Sunday.

EC Offroad Adventures organised an event to Brakkeduine 4×4 Sand Trail. Lexi, our bull terrier, wasn’t feeling good and because of medication we had her on, we decided that Bernadette would stay home with them just in case something happens. I took the opportunity to take our other doggie, Kodi, with on the outing.

I thought about it carefully before finally deciding to take him, because I didn’t really know how he would react around so many people and being in the car for such a long time. But, nothing ventured nothing gained, so off we went.

I had to leave early on the Saturday morning, so I made sure that all the doggies ate early in the morning already. To distract the other doggies, we gave them chew treats while I got Kodi into the bakkie. When he noticed that he is going to come with me he got very excited. Even while excited though, he listened to me and stayed on the passenger seat.

There were DVDs to be dropped off at the video store and diesel to be put in before we could head towards the 4×4 trail though. I took this time to see how he will behave, by leaving him in the bakkie while the fuel attendant was busy while I went into the shop. When I came out he was still sitting there with a big smile on his face.

While we drove off in the direction of Humansdorp I shared the muffin I had just bought with him. The drive is about an hour, and you could see he was getting a bit bored and a bit worried about why we’re driving so long. He is used to 2-3 minute drives to the beach to run around.

Just before Humansdorp I pulled off the side of the road so that he could relive himself. I thought he’d be scared by all the cars rushing by, but he didn’t even take notice of them.

Our next stop was at the Humansdrop Engen Garage. This would also be the meeting point for everyone joining us on the outing. I was about 30 minutes early, so I parked the bakkie and got Kodi out on the leash and walked around Humansdorp with him.

The people joining us for the outing then started to arrive, and Kodi didn’t like all these people around him so he opted to go back to the bakkie and wait for me. Once everyone was there we headed off for the 30km trip to Brakkeduine. When I got into the bakkie Kodi had discovered the cookies Bernadette had packed for him. He didn’t rip open the packet though, and was just staring at it.

The road towards Brakkeduine was quite bumpy, but he didn’t seem to mind. He did seem to take notice of all the cows that we were driving past, probably wondering what type of dogs they were.

At Brakkeduine I let him out again while I got all the people to sign the forms before we could start on the outing. He took this chance to stretch his legs a bit on the soft grass at the camp sites.

We took the drive through the bush and once we got onto the dunes Kodi’s eyes lit up. He loves going to the beach, and probably recognized the dunes as being a place where he can run and go wild. At the first obstacle we stopped and I let him out. You could see he was very excited and darted off in a direction, turned around and raced back to me. He repeated this a few times while I was walking towards where the action was happening.

The guide had decided the drive so far had been too boring, and wanted to try out a different route. This turned out to be quite a challenging part of the trail and thus more interesting. We stood around and checked all the 4x4s for quite some time, all the time with Kodi hanging around me. Once the action was done we were heading onwards again.

Kodi looking on

Kodi was getting used to this 4x4ing thing, because I noticed that as soon as I started revving the bakkie higher in anticipation of climbing a dune, he would brace himself against the back of his seat. He behaved him very well throughout the trail.

When we got to the Langbult, there was a long time that he had to run around and be outside the bakkie. By then it was already very hot so soon after arriving there he chose a shady spot to go relax in while watching all the 4x4s attempt the Langbult.

Colt at Langbult

Then it was my turn to try it, and he got into the vehicle to join me. Once again he braced himself just before we got to the dune and sat still as we made it up the dune and, for the 2nd trip in a row, actually completed the obstacle. Normally the Colt runs out of power on this dune, but the last 2 times at Brakkeduine, I’ve been able to drive it out. It used to be my Achilles heel.

Kodi at Brakkeduine

From here the only part left was the Roller Coaster, where you need quite a bit of speed to get up a very steep sand dune. We did this with relative ease while Kodi was sitting on my lap this time.

Some vehicles were a bit over eager to get over the dune.

Boring

Getting some airtime

We took a slow drive back to the camp site, and once there the owners of the trail invited us onto their boat for a bit of a cruise down the lake. I wondered how Kodi would do on the boat, so we decided to stay a while longer and go on the cruise.

He got on with me, took a seat next to me, laid down his head in my lap and sat like that for the duration of the cruise. He was obviously very very tired from not being able to have taken his naps during the day.

On the drive back home I let him sleep on my lap, but he was just like a child, didn’t want to miss a thing. His head kept nodding off, but as soon as his eyes closed he’d open them again, just to make sure there isn’t something he missed.

At home, he just went to the couch and fell asleep. So next time, we’ll try and see how one of the other doggies behave!

We decided to go and have a look at a 4×4 trail we always drive past in and out of the Baviaanskloof.  It’s called Twee Water 4×4.  I haven’t been able to find any information on it, which made it appeal to me even more.

When we arrived at 12:30 to meet the trail owner, he was still about 20 minutes away, so we decided to let down tires in the meanwhile.  As we didn’t know what the terrain or trail is like we decided to play it safe by having the maximum traction if we do need it.

He arrived at around 13:00 and after explaining to us briefly what the trail would entail we headed off into the kloof.  At the first entrance he took us, the road had been blocked by about 3-4 trees that have fell into the road.

A few trees in the way

He would clear it up later so we decided to enter the trail in a different entrance and do it a bit differently.  The first part of the trail is a rocky uphill, and once we were on top I could see this can going to be an interesting trail.

Looking around you down into the valley and on the sides of the mountains in the distance you could clearly see how the trail dips down into the valley and rises out again a number of times.  The terrain was quite sandy with a lot of loose rocks all over the places.  On most of the uphills it took careful wheel placing to find the grip to get up.

All the friends

We had the most amazing views over the area.  One the one side we could see the Gonjah 4×4 Trail going and on the other side part of the Osseberg 4×4 Trail.

At one hill Barto tried to go up in the Triton, but because of the deep ruts he couldn’t get up.  I think the trail owner was a bit worried when Barto attempted it.  The next time we get to the trail though, we’ve been told the ruts will be filled up with rocks to allow us to get through.  I am sure though that Barto would’ve been able to make it if he didn’t have to consider the people sitting on the back of the bakkie.

Barto on the hill

The owner went to go show us the camp site as well, which looks very neat and tidy.  They even have a donkey for hot water and flushing toilets.

The trail took us about 2 hours to drive, and we estimated that with a group of 8-10 vehicles it will take around 4 hours to complete.  I can really recommend going on this trail.  There are a few sections that are a bit overgrown, but we were assured this would be sorted out by the time we bring a group of vehicles with EC Offroad Adventures in September.

Just before going down

Going down

The views

Barto came up with the idea to go and do Offcamber Adventure‘s 4×4 Trail at night time again.  We’ve done it previously, as well as other 4×4 trails at night, and for some reason it just appeals to us very much.  It all started a while back when we just decided to try it to see what it’s like.

It appeals to me because I like doing things that are considered abnormal, or that other people are scared of trying.  It’s adds more excitement to our already exciting lives

So with Barto going and me not being able to resist him, he decided to invite some of EC Offroad Adventurers with us.  I’ll be honest when I say I didn’t think that anyone would actually join us.  I was surprised when people started contacting us showing interest in what we’re going to do.  Great!  More people that are adventurous

At the end we had 4 vehicle joining us this evening.  Some old and familiar faces, and some new ones as well.  None of the people joining us had ever done this before, and you could see everyone was keen to do it.

Barto drove the trail earlier in the day to check for any problem areas, and decided that we’ll do only a section of the trail.  Being the first time for people doing a trail in the dark, we didn’t want it to be too hectic.

At just before 20:00 the 6 vehicles (colt v6 double cab , colt 2.8 diesel clubcab, triton 3.2 clubcab, triton 3.2 double cab, land rover defender 110, pajero 3.2 lwb) left and headed for section 4.  By this time it was already pitch black and very cold.  My brother had joined me on the trip as a co-driver, and he seemed very excited to be going on a trip.  It was nice having someone there that doesn’t know very much about 4x4ing asking questions and listening to me rambling on about all the stuff we do and why we do it.  It was also nice having someone with me that opens and closes the gates for a change

The first section takes us down into the valley and towards the first river crossing.  The last descent into the valley has a few holes that have caused a step-like affect in the road, with a big hole at the bottom of the valley that is almost hidden from view.  We stopped before going down to make sure the vehicles only went down 1 at a time with Barto showing at the bottom where the hidden hole is and I helped the people at the top to take the right line over the steps to avoid hitting their vehicles.  Everyone went down without incident.  The next stop was at the descent into the river bed for the first river crossing.  Here we got out again to explain how to approach the drop into the river and the river crossing before guiding everyone over safely.

Then it was the lovely drive along the river bed.  This place looks awesome during the day, but at night time with the lights falling on all the trees and grass around you it just looks like something out of a movie.  We then reached the 2nd and last river crossing.  I pulled my vehicle slightly out of the normal driving line and shone the lights on the river down the valley.  You could see the steam rising from the river.  On previous occasions Bernadette and Barto would play here with their cameras taking awesome photos of the steam coming off the water.

The next obstacle ofter ascending out of the valley was the launch pad.  The 4 of us attempted and succeeded in this obstacle that needs a bit of momentum while 2 used to the by pass to meet us on the other side.

The last stretch back to the end point was a nice relaxing drive in silence, just listening to the sound of nature around us.

Read the official report.

We wake up this morning to the sounds of people already busy packing up tents and their gear.  Bernadette heads off to the showers while I pack away our stuff and get ready to go.  When I’m done I quickly head to the showers as well for a shower that is at least a bit warmer than the previous morning.

After we greet everyone, we head off into Nieu Beathesta’s direction.  Our aim is to go and have a look at the Owl house.  Bernadette had been there before, but I haven’t, and ever since I saw it on TV I’ve been wanting to check it out.

Just before we get into the town, we land behind a tour bus.  Our fear is realized when they stop in front of the Owl house and people start pouring out.  We decide to go and have breakfast first before going into the small place with so many people.  We end up having a nice breakfast and a few cups of coffee.  It’s during this breakfast that I realize how time is not a factor for people staying in small towns like this.  They take their time and never seem rushed.  How lucky for them.

Eating Breakfast

In the Owl House I remember all the things that have been said about the lady that did all the sculptures.  People believed her to be mad and disturbed.  I can easily see why when you walk through the place.  There is a very strange feeling to this place.  She started with all the designs because she decided one day that she has had enough of her gray and dull life, and wanted to do something about it.  She spent a LOT of time decorating her house, with all the walls covered in little glass pieces as decorations.  I cannot begin to imagine how much time it took her to do it.  Walking through the garden it is clear that there was something different or special about this lady.  She definitely saw things differently than “normal” people would.  Was something perhaps haunting her mind?  Check out all the photos on our personal photo gallery.

From here we stopped off at the Labyrinth.  Initially I wanted to walk through it and experience what people say they experience when you do.  In the end we opted to rather go and try the locally produced Karoo Beer.  After a welcomed drink, we headed off towards PE.  It’s sad, but a fact of life, ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO AN END.