Yes, we all know that our beautiful country is blessed not only with spectacular scenery but also with amazing weather. It is no wonder then that Gliding in SA is right up there with the very best in the world leading to a number of world records being set in the country. The terrain particularly in the Karoo and the Northern Cape spawns outstanding thermals and this coupled with uncrowded skies and the aforementioned sunny blue skies, makes for an outstanding gliding environment.
Gliding is to powered aircraft as yachting is to motorboats. Launching of the craft can be performed by one of two methods: Aero Tow or Winch Launch. Using the former, a tow line attaches the glider to a tow plane which then takes off and, upon reaching a suitable altitude, uses an auto release mechanism to detach the two. A Winch Launch uses a ground based engine to power a winch which is connected to the glider. The winch pulls the glider towards the engine at high speed until it reaches sufficient speed to be launched into the air.
Once aloft, the most immediate sensation is the eerie silence except the swoosh of air around the glider and the sense that the glider is motionless until glancing at the terrain below. Several clubs such as the Magaliesberg Glider Club based at Orient in the Magaliesberg offer flights to the uninitiated. How long does it take to become a pilot? That will depend on a number of factors such as other flying experience, innate flying ability etc. Joining a club and the SSSA are the first steps required before qualified instructors take a pupli under their "wing"!
http://www.sssa.org.za/
http://www.mgc.org.za/page.php?9
Friday, January 1, 2016
Monday, December 9, 2013
A Lot of Hot Air
It is early in the morning. Very early. In fact it is still dark (and cold) as we headed northwest of Johannesburg to Skeerpoort in the Magaliesberg for a sunrise appointment with a hot air balloon pilot who was taking us on a flight. Arriving at the launch site, we were greeted by a choice of fruit juice, coffee or tea to accompany a rusk or other such snack.
After a briefing about the flight and what to expect, we signed our lives away and then proceeded to the field where the colorful "envelope" was laid out attached to a large wicker basket resembling a large picnic basket. A gas flame was being used to heat the air inside the envelope which gradually filled out until it lifted vertically above the gondola into which the passengers and pilot clambered. The rope anchor tethers were cast off and slowly, silently the balloon lifted up into the still morning air.
Steering a hot air balloon is tricky and comes with experience. Essentially, wind or breezes blow in different directions at different altitudes and the experienced pilot uses the gas flame to heat the air to ascend and taps off to descend! Sounds simple? Huh. Drifting silently over the Magaliesberg and Skeerpoort mountain ranges is indescribably peaceful and beautiful.
In what seemed to be no time at all, our pilot brought the balloon gently back to earth in a field where transport was waiting to convey us back to the club house where a sumptuous breakfast including champagne awaited the hungry passengers. Groups of between 2 and 18 passengers can be accommodated and special events such as game viewing or team building can be arranged. A young friend even arranged a "proposal of marriage" flight (she accepted!). Flights also take place over the Waterberg and Pilanesberg.
The first manned flight took place in France towards the end of the 18th century. New records have continued to be set in recent times with Richard Branson co-piloting a trans-Pacific high altitude balloon in 1991 but the longest duration and distance record was set in 1999 by Bernard Piccard when he circumnavigated the world.
http://www.balloon.co.za/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_air_balloon
http://www.hotairballooningsa.co.za/
http://www.air-ventures.co.za/
After a briefing about the flight and what to expect, we signed our lives away and then proceeded to the field where the colorful "envelope" was laid out attached to a large wicker basket resembling a large picnic basket. A gas flame was being used to heat the air inside the envelope which gradually filled out until it lifted vertically above the gondola into which the passengers and pilot clambered. The rope anchor tethers were cast off and slowly, silently the balloon lifted up into the still morning air.
Steering a hot air balloon is tricky and comes with experience. Essentially, wind or breezes blow in different directions at different altitudes and the experienced pilot uses the gas flame to heat the air to ascend and taps off to descend! Sounds simple? Huh. Drifting silently over the Magaliesberg and Skeerpoort mountain ranges is indescribably peaceful and beautiful.
In what seemed to be no time at all, our pilot brought the balloon gently back to earth in a field where transport was waiting to convey us back to the club house where a sumptuous breakfast including champagne awaited the hungry passengers. Groups of between 2 and 18 passengers can be accommodated and special events such as game viewing or team building can be arranged. A young friend even arranged a "proposal of marriage" flight (she accepted!). Flights also take place over the Waterberg and Pilanesberg.
The first manned flight took place in France towards the end of the 18th century. New records have continued to be set in recent times with Richard Branson co-piloting a trans-Pacific high altitude balloon in 1991 but the longest duration and distance record was set in 1999 by Bernard Piccard when he circumnavigated the world.
http://www.balloon.co.za/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_air_balloon
http://www.hotairballooningsa.co.za/
http://www.air-ventures.co.za/
Monday, December 2, 2013
Mrs. Emmarentia Geldenhuys' Estate
Take 81 hectares of prime real estate just 6 kilometres from the Johannesburg CBD, build a 7.5 hectare dam, plant some 30 000 trees and 4 500 roses and what do you have? The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and the Emmarentia Dam, a favourite destination for canoeists, cyclists, joggers and dog walkers alike. Not to forget picnickers.
Back in 1886, a Mr. Louw Geldenhuys bought part of the historic Braamfontein farm and created the Dam named after his wife to be, Emmarentia. Upon his death, it was bequeathed to the City who used part of the land to develop some sports fields while the rest was left as indigenous grasslands. It was only in 1968 that the City Council agreed to develop the Botanical Gardens, a long time after they had gone out of fashion internationally.
The Rose Garden was terraced and planted with a wide variety of roses set amongst a number of ornate fountains. A herb garden is planted with many species that are used for both traditional medicinal, beauty and culinary purposes. In addition, a succulent garden has been developed over the years and now numbers over 2 500 plants, the most extensive on the continent.
The Gardens belong to a network of similar gardens around the world that exchange seeds each year and a number of the trees have been grown from these seeds. Some of these are quite rare and endangered in their native habitats.
Refreshments are available from a tea terrace while the arboretum hosts exhibitions eg the annual Orchid Exhibition and talks. It is also an ideal area to host events such as kite flying competitions as well as musical performances. It is a great family destination and conveniently located.
http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/johannesburg_botanical_gardens_and_emmarentia_dam/
http://www.jhbcityparks.com/index.php/conservation-contents-95/botanical-gardens-contents-96
Back in 1886, a Mr. Louw Geldenhuys bought part of the historic Braamfontein farm and created the Dam named after his wife to be, Emmarentia. Upon his death, it was bequeathed to the City who used part of the land to develop some sports fields while the rest was left as indigenous grasslands. It was only in 1968 that the City Council agreed to develop the Botanical Gardens, a long time after they had gone out of fashion internationally.
The Rose Garden was terraced and planted with a wide variety of roses set amongst a number of ornate fountains. A herb garden is planted with many species that are used for both traditional medicinal, beauty and culinary purposes. In addition, a succulent garden has been developed over the years and now numbers over 2 500 plants, the most extensive on the continent.
The Gardens belong to a network of similar gardens around the world that exchange seeds each year and a number of the trees have been grown from these seeds. Some of these are quite rare and endangered in their native habitats.
Refreshments are available from a tea terrace while the arboretum hosts exhibitions eg the annual Orchid Exhibition and talks. It is also an ideal area to host events such as kite flying competitions as well as musical performances. It is a great family destination and conveniently located.
http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/johannesburg_botanical_gardens_and_emmarentia_dam/
http://www.jhbcityparks.com/index.php/conservation-contents-95/botanical-gardens-contents-96
Sunday, December 1, 2013
A Wetland of International Importance
Picture the scene. A spectacular Highveld sunset complete with storm clouds in early summer and the sky black with swallows flying in to roost among the reeds. Not just for a few minutes but continuously for about an hour! That equates to several hundreds of thousands if not a million plus birds!
Tranquil and peaceful come to mind as the best description of the Marievale Bird Sanctuary located in the Nigel area about an hour's drive south east of Johannesburg. Many people particularly overseas, go to extraordinary lengths to seek out solitude which just happens to be one of the attributes of this pretty reserve.
Set amongst farmland and the mine dumps of the former Marievale Gold Mine, this important Bird Sanctuary is on a flood plain of the Blesbokspruit River which eventually empties into the Vaal River system. Covering approximately 1 000 hectares, Marievale has been designated as a "Ramsar" wetland which means that it is of international significance and importance. In 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, an intergovernmental convention was agreed outlining a framework to protect wetlands and their resources around the world.
Several bird hides overlooking the four pans provide endless opportunities for photographers and birding enthusiasts while those who enjoy walking or strolling, will find the flat terrain not at all arduous. A delightful and well maintained picnic site boasts neatly trimmed lawns, toilets, braais and thatched shelters. Overnight accommodation is available on the property in the form of two comfortable cottages.
Although Marievale is a Bird Sanctuary and obviously is an important birding destination, it can be enjoyed by anyone who likes to be out of the hustle and bustle of town. For the birder, some rare and unusual birds can be observed but Cape Clawless Otters and Suricates have made this home as well. Entry is free of charge.
http://www.birdingroutes.co.za/gauteng/sites/gbrbs1.12_marievale_sanctuary.html
http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/marievale_bird_sanctuary/
Tranquil and peaceful come to mind as the best description of the Marievale Bird Sanctuary located in the Nigel area about an hour's drive south east of Johannesburg. Many people particularly overseas, go to extraordinary lengths to seek out solitude which just happens to be one of the attributes of this pretty reserve.
Set amongst farmland and the mine dumps of the former Marievale Gold Mine, this important Bird Sanctuary is on a flood plain of the Blesbokspruit River which eventually empties into the Vaal River system. Covering approximately 1 000 hectares, Marievale has been designated as a "Ramsar" wetland which means that it is of international significance and importance. In 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, an intergovernmental convention was agreed outlining a framework to protect wetlands and their resources around the world.
Several bird hides overlooking the four pans provide endless opportunities for photographers and birding enthusiasts while those who enjoy walking or strolling, will find the flat terrain not at all arduous. A delightful and well maintained picnic site boasts neatly trimmed lawns, toilets, braais and thatched shelters. Overnight accommodation is available on the property in the form of two comfortable cottages.
Although Marievale is a Bird Sanctuary and obviously is an important birding destination, it can be enjoyed by anyone who likes to be out of the hustle and bustle of town. For the birder, some rare and unusual birds can be observed but Cape Clawless Otters and Suricates have made this home as well. Entry is free of charge.
http://www.birdingroutes.co.za/gauteng/sites/gbrbs1.12_marievale_sanctuary.html
http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/marievale_bird_sanctuary/
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Reach for the Stars - Sutherland
Oh no, not another post about something that is not in Gauteng. Oh yes! Sutherland may be some 1200kms south west of Gauteng but with so many driving to and fro to the Cape via the N1, it is definitely worth seriously considering stopping over for a night or two at this little known but very interesting little town.
Opposite the turn off to the historical Victorian settlement of Matjiesfontein is the R354 which leads to Sutherland situated some 110 kms away almost 1500m above sea level in the Roggeveld Mountains. Vying with Molteno as the Capital of Cold (about -18c!), it was chosen some years ago to be the Capital of Astronomy thanks to the lack of light pollution and its position relative to the Milky Way.
Sutherland is a busy little town catering to a constant flow of astronomers from around the world and, of course, tourists. Lets take the astronomers first. Following the R354 east of town for approximately 15 kilometres a plateau is reached and it is here that more than 20 telescopes have been built. One telescope is unmanned and is operated over the internet from the Korean university that owns it!
But undoubtedly the star attraction is the South African Large Telescope or SALT, the largest optical telescope in the southern hemisphere with an 11 metre mirror comprised of 91 hexagonal mirror panels. So sensitive is this giant telescope that a candle on the moon can be detected, not that SALT is used for such mundane events. Because their body temperature and humidity could affect the mirrors, the astronomers sit in a separate control room using computer screens for observation!
Less than two hours drive from Sutherland lies the town of Calvinia, the area that has been chosen to host the hub of what will become the most powerful radio telescope in the world, the Square Kilometre Array or SKA. One of the factors that influenced the international board to award the buidling of SKA to South Africa, was the expertise and the international reputation that has been developed at Sutherland over the years. The SKA is that important that it warrants a separate post on its own but it can be read about by following the URL quoted below.
Sutherland is not just about astronomy though. On the way to the observatory plateau lies Saltpeterskop, the youngest volcano in the southern hemisphere. Located on the edge of the Tankwa Karoo means that the unique flora of this region is easily accessible and to make it even easier, the owners of Kambrokind B & B (our favourite) have compiled a directory giving exact directions and descriptions of some examples. Surprisingly, the cold climate is also ideal for propagating tulip bulbs (by a Dutch company) and the fields, when they are in flower prior to being lifted, provide a stunning sight.
An interesting museum houses exhibits depicting the personalities of the town and the area. Visits can be arranged by appointment. On the outskirts of town is the cemetery, the headstones bearing evidence of skirmishes between the Boer and the British forces. Unusually, two headstones bear the same name. A soldier died in a flash flood and was buried in a communal grave but was later re-buried upon being awarded the Military Cross. A novelty is a ride around the town on a donkey cart and even a game of golf can be enjoyed.
In nearby Fraserburg, the "Honeymoon Garden" is an area of rock with adult and juvenile dinosaur footprints embedded in it. Well preserved examples of corbelled houses can also be seen in the vicinity.
A variety of accommodation options are available from farm houses to luxurious B & B's and guest houses. Somewhat unexpectedly, there are some excellent restaurants that could hold their own in the Metropoles, in town as well.
Both daytime and night tours of the observatory can be arranged but booking in advance is essential. SALT is used for the night time star gazing but an equally impressive alternative is Sterland on the edge of town. Jurg and Rita, the owners of Kambrokind have created a telescope 'park' with three 16 inch computer controlled telescopes which provide spectacular viewing accompanied by interesting talks and explanations.
All in all, if driving to or from Cape Town, Sutherland is a fascinating and unusual stop over destination
www.sutherlandinfo.co.za
http://www.saao.ac.za/about/visting/sutherland/
http://www.discoversutherland.co.za/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutherland,_Northern_Cape
32°22′46″S 20°48′38.5″E
www.skatelescope.org
Opposite the turn off to the historical Victorian settlement of Matjiesfontein is the R354 which leads to Sutherland situated some 110 kms away almost 1500m above sea level in the Roggeveld Mountains. Vying with Molteno as the Capital of Cold (about -18c!), it was chosen some years ago to be the Capital of Astronomy thanks to the lack of light pollution and its position relative to the Milky Way.
Sutherland is a busy little town catering to a constant flow of astronomers from around the world and, of course, tourists. Lets take the astronomers first. Following the R354 east of town for approximately 15 kilometres a plateau is reached and it is here that more than 20 telescopes have been built. One telescope is unmanned and is operated over the internet from the Korean university that owns it!
But undoubtedly the star attraction is the South African Large Telescope or SALT, the largest optical telescope in the southern hemisphere with an 11 metre mirror comprised of 91 hexagonal mirror panels. So sensitive is this giant telescope that a candle on the moon can be detected, not that SALT is used for such mundane events. Because their body temperature and humidity could affect the mirrors, the astronomers sit in a separate control room using computer screens for observation!
Less than two hours drive from Sutherland lies the town of Calvinia, the area that has been chosen to host the hub of what will become the most powerful radio telescope in the world, the Square Kilometre Array or SKA. One of the factors that influenced the international board to award the buidling of SKA to South Africa, was the expertise and the international reputation that has been developed at Sutherland over the years. The SKA is that important that it warrants a separate post on its own but it can be read about by following the URL quoted below.
Sutherland is not just about astronomy though. On the way to the observatory plateau lies Saltpeterskop, the youngest volcano in the southern hemisphere. Located on the edge of the Tankwa Karoo means that the unique flora of this region is easily accessible and to make it even easier, the owners of Kambrokind B & B (our favourite) have compiled a directory giving exact directions and descriptions of some examples. Surprisingly, the cold climate is also ideal for propagating tulip bulbs (by a Dutch company) and the fields, when they are in flower prior to being lifted, provide a stunning sight.
An interesting museum houses exhibits depicting the personalities of the town and the area. Visits can be arranged by appointment. On the outskirts of town is the cemetery, the headstones bearing evidence of skirmishes between the Boer and the British forces. Unusually, two headstones bear the same name. A soldier died in a flash flood and was buried in a communal grave but was later re-buried upon being awarded the Military Cross. A novelty is a ride around the town on a donkey cart and even a game of golf can be enjoyed.
In nearby Fraserburg, the "Honeymoon Garden" is an area of rock with adult and juvenile dinosaur footprints embedded in it. Well preserved examples of corbelled houses can also be seen in the vicinity.
A variety of accommodation options are available from farm houses to luxurious B & B's and guest houses. Somewhat unexpectedly, there are some excellent restaurants that could hold their own in the Metropoles, in town as well.
Both daytime and night tours of the observatory can be arranged but booking in advance is essential. SALT is used for the night time star gazing but an equally impressive alternative is Sterland on the edge of town. Jurg and Rita, the owners of Kambrokind have created a telescope 'park' with three 16 inch computer controlled telescopes which provide spectacular viewing accompanied by interesting talks and explanations.
All in all, if driving to or from Cape Town, Sutherland is a fascinating and unusual stop over destination
www.sutherlandinfo.co.za
http://www.saao.ac.za/about/visting/sutherland/
http://www.discoversutherland.co.za/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutherland,_Northern_Cape
32°22′46″S 20°48′38.5″E
www.skatelescope.org
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Museum of Military History
"Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few". Winston Churchill's famous tribute to the RAF following the Battle of Britain in 1942 came to mind when visiting this much overlooked but interesting Museum. All of us have been impacted by these two horrific World Wars and it behooves us to remember those who gave their lives in pursuit of freedom from tyranny and to realise what was involved.
Located in a tranquil setting next to the Johannesburg Zoo in Saxonwold, the Museum reflects the military connection as the facilities are spick and span with neatly mown lawns and whitewashed stones. Covering primarily the two World Wars, the exhibits also incorporates displays of 19th century swords, arms and uniforms as well as the Angolan Border War and the Umkhonto we Sizwe conflict. All of these show the involvement of SA personnel.
Although a military historian had the foresight to collect WWl memoribilia in the 1920's, it was only after WWll that the "SA National War Museum" was established and opened by Jan Smuts. Sadly by then, many of the WWl artifacts had disappeared but what remains is very interesting and is maintained in great condition.
Aircraft, tanks, armoured personnel carriers, small arms, medals, uniforms and medical equipment form part of the extensive display. Some of the exhibits are rare e.g. the Messerscmidt 262 jet night fighter is the only one of its kind in the world. A Crossly personnel carrier in running order is similarly the only one in such condition in the world. Other interesting aircraft include an ME109, a Spitfire and a Hurricane plus the more modern Buccaneer and Mirage. And then there is the famous Centurion tank as well as Russian, German and even Italian armoured vehicles. Plus a German one man mini submarine.
Part of the Museum's mandate is to perform ongoing research as well as to educate the public by means of tours for schools as well as the general public. A series of interesting lectures are conducted from time to time covering specific battles and other related topics.
The complex houses a library, shop coffee shop as well as various lecture halls and function rooms that can be hired for various events. Definitely worth a couple of hours visit - and not just for those interested in war!
Entry fees are laughably low.
www.ditsong.org.za/militaryhistory.htm
Located in a tranquil setting next to the Johannesburg Zoo in Saxonwold, the Museum reflects the military connection as the facilities are spick and span with neatly mown lawns and whitewashed stones. Covering primarily the two World Wars, the exhibits also incorporates displays of 19th century swords, arms and uniforms as well as the Angolan Border War and the Umkhonto we Sizwe conflict. All of these show the involvement of SA personnel.
Although a military historian had the foresight to collect WWl memoribilia in the 1920's, it was only after WWll that the "SA National War Museum" was established and opened by Jan Smuts. Sadly by then, many of the WWl artifacts had disappeared but what remains is very interesting and is maintained in great condition.
Aircraft, tanks, armoured personnel carriers, small arms, medals, uniforms and medical equipment form part of the extensive display. Some of the exhibits are rare e.g. the Messerscmidt 262 jet night fighter is the only one of its kind in the world. A Crossly personnel carrier in running order is similarly the only one in such condition in the world. Other interesting aircraft include an ME109, a Spitfire and a Hurricane plus the more modern Buccaneer and Mirage. And then there is the famous Centurion tank as well as Russian, German and even Italian armoured vehicles. Plus a German one man mini submarine.
Part of the Museum's mandate is to perform ongoing research as well as to educate the public by means of tours for schools as well as the general public. A series of interesting lectures are conducted from time to time covering specific battles and other related topics.
The complex houses a library, shop coffee shop as well as various lecture halls and function rooms that can be hired for various events. Definitely worth a couple of hours visit - and not just for those interested in war!
Entry fees are laughably low.
www.ditsong.org.za/militaryhistory.htm
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Borokalalo - "The Place Where People Relax"
Borakalalo Nature Reserve in the North West Province is a fisherman's paradise, encircling as it does the large Klipvoor Dam. This 13 000 hectare reserve was proclaimed in 1984 and the terrain consists of Kalahari woodland and bushveld while Riverine forest borders the Moratele River.
Besides fishing (permits are available at the entry gate), Borakalalo is a superb birdwatching destination with a list in excess of 350 identified species. A hide has been erected at a small dam providing a relaxing spot to idle away the time while watching the movements of a variety of birds. Some highly desirable 'ticks' that have been seen on the river include the elusive Finfoot and the White Backed Night Heron.
Walking is permitted in a number of areas either self guided or with a Park's guide. And then there is an extensive list of animals to be seen from white rhino to buffalo and the rare roan antelope plus other plains game. A pretty picnic site with braais and ablutions is located on the shores of the dam while the gravel roads are well maintained and easily negotiated with a normal sedan car.
Located among the trees on the banks of the river, is an attractive and well laid out camp site. Other accommodation options are available in permanent tents at two sites. Not as large nor as crowded as bigger sister Pilanesberg which is not far away, Borakalalo does get busy during school and public holidays. Only 60 kms north of Brits, this peaceful reserve is easily accessible from both Pretoria and Johannesburg.
http://www.parksnorthwest.co.za/borakalalo/
http://www.borakalalo.co.za
Besides fishing (permits are available at the entry gate), Borakalalo is a superb birdwatching destination with a list in excess of 350 identified species. A hide has been erected at a small dam providing a relaxing spot to idle away the time while watching the movements of a variety of birds. Some highly desirable 'ticks' that have been seen on the river include the elusive Finfoot and the White Backed Night Heron.
Walking is permitted in a number of areas either self guided or with a Park's guide. And then there is an extensive list of animals to be seen from white rhino to buffalo and the rare roan antelope plus other plains game. A pretty picnic site with braais and ablutions is located on the shores of the dam while the gravel roads are well maintained and easily negotiated with a normal sedan car.
Located among the trees on the banks of the river, is an attractive and well laid out camp site. Other accommodation options are available in permanent tents at two sites. Not as large nor as crowded as bigger sister Pilanesberg which is not far away, Borakalalo does get busy during school and public holidays. Only 60 kms north of Brits, this peaceful reserve is easily accessible from both Pretoria and Johannesburg.
http://www.parksnorthwest.co.za/borakalalo/
http://www.borakalalo.co.za
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