Exploratory Hike
25 March 2012
Comments and Photos courtesy of Keith Ashton
As you all know we are keen and have been looking to add new hike venues for the club, so Dave Sclanders decided to investigate and explore the areas around Fort Nottingham as it is many years since we have done hikes in this area.
After Dave's recent contact with Fort Nottingham and investigations, it was decided to do a recce of the area, which we did on Sunday 25 March. We were joined by other keen committee members and leaders so our small group consisted of Dave Sclanders (leader), John Fourie, Christie Exall, Brigitta Simpson and Margaret and Keith Ashton.
After a chat with local resident and owner of Els Amics (Roy Tabenor) we set off to explore the beautiful countryside high above the village. The views from the top ridge were outstanding and we were able to look down into the Kamberg area and beyond as well as aerial views of Fort Nottingham and surrounding country side.
We had a relaxing lunch near the beacon before searching for and finding a different way down to the village following which we visited the very interesting museum (full of history and artefacts from Madagascar) - the museum housed in the old "Fort Nottingham' circa 1856.
Then it was back to see Roy Tabenor and his Els Amics Restaurant (now only open for lunches on Sat and Sun and special occasions) for drinks and a discussion of our hike.
I opted for a very welcome quart of Windoek Draft but others could not resist Roy's cassata which looked and tasted delicious - it should be noted that Roy is dedicated to the village and to conservation of the area.
Included here are some photographs of our hike and to whet your appetite for joining Dave when he leads a hike in the area for the club.
A view towards Kamberg - Kamberg Mountain and The Pimple clearly seen in the middle
Our group striding out towards "The Beacon"
Enjoying a rest and lunch near "The Beacon"
Looking down to the village from a vantage point
On our approach back to the village some cows wanted to join us - Roy has his own herd of cows in the area
Entrance to Fort Nottingham Museum (the Old Fort)
The sign speaks for itself
John says "take that" Christie and behave yourself. - The "Vice" Chairman has spoken
Brigitta (our Newsletter Editor) still manages to pose seductively after the hike (One of our Calendar Girls)
Now this is the way to end a hike - Christie, Dave, Margaret and Brigitta (Keith behind camera and John looking for other "Vices"
Who could resist this cassata after a hike - well done Roy.
Dave's altered decoration of his cassata so it did not get mixed up with the others