The trip from Witsand to Mokola turned out to be another
full day driving. The road we took to
Postmasburg is a rather terrible dirt road that get’s progressively worse as
you get nearer to town. To make matters worse some of the shorter roads to the tarred
R385 has been closed off by the expansion of the mining business in the area
(Kuma Iron Ore). This resulted in the
Navigational device losing us several times as it did not recognise the
road. There was also a tense moment when
we hit a ditch and all the door mechanisms released the locks as if preparing
for accident conditions.
From Postmasburg we drove to Koopmansfontein. My great-Grandfather is buried on a farm in
the area and we wanted to get foto’s of the gravestones (macabre I know). Although Jaco helped us with GPS coordinates
for the farmhouse, we only discovered that the Tom-Tom does not allow the entry
of longs and lats when we reached town – Fantastic planning! All other technology, PC’s, Tablet and
cellphones failed us as there is NO RECEPTION in the area. Just when you think technology can do it all.
The SAPS in the area turned out to be super helpful. One of the patrol vehicles approached us as
the Filling Station to chat about our visit to town and where we are
going. After telling them our story,
they quickly mobilised their connections in town and at the station. One of the guys knew a farmer in the area,
about my Dad’s age, that has been there for years. The guys from the SAPS drove with us, to
introduce us to Kobus Weideman, as well as do a impromptu farm visit. After a week in the Northern Cape we knew
the people to be extremely friendly and helpful, however, Oom Kobus and he’s
wife were in a league of their own.
They invited us into their house, offered tea and coffee,
dug out old maps and spend a pleasant 45 minutes chatting to us about the old
days and possible mutual family and acquaintances.
Oom Kobus went to Delportshoop Boarding School around the same time as
my Dad (he is 4 years older). He’s paper
maps also proofed to be far more efficient that our techno toys and he quickly
found us Kareboom as well as indicated the new owner of the farm.
Unfortunately we ran out of time farm-hunting and as we had
another 200km to go to Mokola had to abandon our search and press on.
Definitely recommend the park, easily accessible, lot’s of
game and a very relaxing atmosphere.
xx - Park photo's