#gouritz

[sandyhookhistory]

“(Tues) March 9, 1943 – Disaster” (1 of 3) Folks, today’s tally is so bad, it has to be split into THREE Parts… Leading off, 80 YEARS Ago, Today – ships are going down or getting hit all over the world. Here, we’ll cover two individual sinkings and one small convoy attack. Leading off, 108 miles northeast of Iceland, the American steamer “SS Puerto Rican” falls to U-586 (VIIC) as she straggles behind Convoy RA-53. In a raging storm with an air temp of 30 below zero, her lifeboats are all frozen to the ship. Only one is launched, and it capsizes. Death comes quickly in the freezing water… only eight men make it to a life raft. In two days, only one man, wearing a dry suit is left alive, and found by the Royal Navy. Ashore in a hospital, he loses both feet and most of his fingers to frostbite. 64 Dead, One Survivor. A world away, the Norwegian freighter “Tabor” is sunk by U-506 (IXC) 230 miles off Gouritz, South Africa, in the raging, cold sea between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Her survivors suffer miserably in three boats, with several dying of exposure. They make landfall, one per day, from the 17th to 19th. All told, 12 dead, 34 Survivors. In the warm Mediterranean, U-596 (VIIC) closes in on Convoy KMS-10, follows the Algerian coast, enroute to Algiers. 25 miles off Tenes, her torpedoes find, but only damage a pair of British steamers, the “SS Empire Standard” and “SS Fort Norman” (no photos of either ship). There are no fatalities to either crew of 68, and 60, respectively. The two ships proceed on to Algiers with the Convoy. Up next… No Rest For The Wicked – More horror for Convoy SC-121 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲 (at Fort Hancock, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpldbm2gllo/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[craiglotter]

This little tortoise refused to stay and pose for me, continually scurrying away every time I approached it. (There are loads of these little guys in the area) #tortoise #dirtroad #gouritsmond #gouritz #decemberholiday #southafrica #anexploringsouthafrican (at Gouritsmond)

[workatplay-photography]

Vanwyksdorp delivering. #gouritz @gouritzbiosphere #landscapephotography #southafricaletsme #travellife #tourism #landscape #farminglife #visualsgang #visualsoflife #vanwyksdorp #meetsouthafrica #design #southafrica #photography #workatplay #travel #afritravel #beauty #agameoftones #stellarstories #createcommune (at Van Wyksdorp, Western Cape, South Africa) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwrw6Lun7VZ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=2kq4k5b3his2

[bestersbridalboutique]

💍🔥Bombshell Bride Annamari' 💍🔥 Wow Annamari' looked absolutely breathtaking. Her custom designed and made bridal gown was dripping with diamante & beaded lace appliques with Tulle skirt. Venue: Gouritz Valley Weddings & Events Hair: Shade Meyer Make-up: Bianca Mua Roode Bridal gown: Besters' Bridal Boutique Photos; Liezel Volschenk Photography (at Besters' Bridal Boutique) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8QMlXGnp11/?igshid=ve3x00hs4ss4

[4x4community]

Gouritz Mouth: The "West Coast" of the Garden Route?

http://dlvr.it/RMNGqc

[portervillefarmersmarket]

RT @DoroLef "Self-drive #SouthAfrica. Klein Karoo: It is wild, it is beautiful and it is tranquil. Places to visit in the Gouritz Cluster UNESCO Biosphere Reserve #travelchatsa https://t.co/miQID02POT" https://t.co/eFZc78xxwh #travel #TravelChatSA #wedotourism #Blogger

RT @DoroLef "Self-drive #SouthAfrica. Klein Karoo: It is wild, it is beautiful and it is tranquil. Places to visit in the Gouritz Cluster UNESCO Biosphere Reserve #travelchatsa pic.twitter.com/miQID02POT" https://t.co/eFZc78xxwh #travel #TravelChatSA #wedotourism #Blogger

— Porterville Market 🌱 (@PortervilleMkt) June 10, 2018

from Twitter https://twitter.com/PortervilleMkt

[pushingmorebuttons]

Protection Measures to Follow When Hiring a Car Pull Dolly

Occupying a slim coastal aircraft from the Gouritz River near Mossel Bay in the west to the Storms Stream mouth east of Plettenberg Bay, the Garden Course meanders for 350km over the N2, their main arterial road. While often set alongside the River Region in Britain, the Yard Route's weather is far more temperate. Summer temperatures average 27 Celsius and the winter average is 14 Celsius in the daytime. The route by car Mediterranean climate and natural splendour are complemented by outstanding amenities catering for probably the most diverse and critical of travellers. Character lovers is going to be in the their element. Hikes over the craggy coastline takes you through excellent forests and rural beaches with shimmering rock pools and waterfalls over the way. The favorite Otter Walk is a five time walk that uses the coastline from Storms Lake Mouth to Nature's Area in the Tsitsikamma National Park. It's essential to book properly in advance as places are limited. If climbing is not for you personally, there are many other ways to experience the organic splendour of the Yard Route from horseriding in the Plettenberg Bay mountainside to paddling canoes across the Robberg peninsula. More sedentary choices include packed safaris offered by a variety of game lodges and dolphin and whale seeing vessel trips. Naturally, the Backyard Option offers something for everyone and their accommodation is equally varied. Whether its a wooden tree house in indigenous forest, surrounded by apes and chicken life, an austere seaside house, or a sunny penthouse suite, you'll find that which you are looking for and therefore much more. A well known option to begin to see the Yard Course is to employ a vehicle in Cape Town and travel up the shore, stopping at charming seaside villages along the way.

[mfaeda2013-blog1]

How exactly to Discover Cheap Travel Offers on the Internet

Few coastal stretches on earth can state the sweetness of the Garden Path, so named for the lush, natural, indigenous woods, golden beaches and speeding rivers. An abundance of bird species and wildlife are available here and the area's excellent beaches, lapped by azure seas, are house to closes, dolphins and whales (the latter from August to April to calve in the hot Indian Ocean). Occupying a slim coastal plane route by car  the Gouritz Water near Mossel Bay in the west to the Storms Lake mouth east of Plettenberg Bay, the Garden Path meanders for 350km along the N2, their main arterial road. While usually compared to the Lake Section in Britain, the Garden Route's weather is somewhat more temperate. Summer conditions average 27 Celsius and the winter average is 14 Celsius in the daytime. The region's Mediterranean environment and natural splendour are accompanied by exceptional amenities catering for probably the most diverse and discerning of travellers. Nature fans is going to be in the their element. Hikes across the craggy coastline takes you through beautiful woods and remote beaches with shimmering rock pools and waterfalls along the way. The most popular Otter Trail is just a five time rise that follows the coastline from Storms Water Mouth to Nature's Pit in the Tsitsikamma National Park. It's important to book effectively in advance as places are limited. If walking isn't for you, there are lots of alternative methods to see the natural splendour of the Backyard Course from horseriding in the Plettenberg Bay mountainside to paddling canoes round the Robberg peninsula. More sedentary possibilities include packed safaris made available from a number of sport lodges and dolphin and whale watching ship trips. Naturally, the Yard Option offers something for all and its accommodation is similarly varied. Whether its a wooden tree house in indigenous forest, surrounded by monkeys and chicken life, a rustic beach house, or a sunny penthouse suite, you'll find that which you are searching for and so much more. A favorite choice to see the Garden Way is to hire a vehicle in Cape City and get up the shore, stopping at charming seaside villages along the way.

[thedunwells]

Methods Needed to Prevent Being fully a Prey of Vehicle Incidents

Occupying a thin coastal plane from the Gouritz Lake near Mossel Bay in the west to the Storms Water mouth east of Plettenberg Bay, the Yard Path meanders for 350km along the N2, their main arterial road. While frequently compared to the River Area in England, the Garden Route's environment is far more distance between cities . Summer conditions normal 27 Celsius and winter months normal is 14 Celsius in the daytime. The region's Mediterranean weather and natural splendour are complemented by exemplary amenities catering for the absolute most diverse and critical of travellers. Character fans is likely to be in the their element. Increases along the craggy coastline takes you through perfect forests and remote beaches with shimmering stone pools and waterfalls across the way. The favorite Otter Walk is really a five day hike that follows the coastline from Storms River Mouth to Nature's Pit in the Tsitsikamma National Park. It's important to guide properly beforehand as places are limited. If walking is not for you personally, there are many other ways to see the organic splendour of the Backyard Way from horseriding in the Plettenberg Bay mountainside to paddling canoes round the Robberg peninsula. More sedentary options include packaged safaris offered by a number of sport lodges and dolphin and whale seeing ship trips. Needless to say, the Yard Option offers anything for everyone and their accommodation is equally varied. Whether their a wooden tree home in indigenous forest, surrounded by apes and bird living, an austere seaside home, or a sunny penthouse suite, you will discover everything you are looking for and so significantly more. A well known choice to see the Garden Option would be to employ an automobile in Cape City and drive up the coast, ending at charming seaside neighborhoods over the way.

[envirograph]

Karoo dam is dangerously empty

Threat of job losses on farms as drought bites

Fish skeletons litter the dry ground of the Gamkapoort Dam.

Originally published by GroundUp on 8 September 2016. Republished on Envirograph on 11 July 2017, so some information is out of date. This piece was about a dam in South Africa’s Western Cape province.

If the rain doesn’t come soon to fill the Gamkapoort Dam near Calitzdorp, jobs on the surrounding farms may be lost.

Since early 2016, for the first time in 24 years, the dam on the southern edge of the Great Karoo has been mostly empty, according to the honorary bailiff, Fox Ledeboer. The dam irrigates 2,000 hectares of farmland around Calitzdorp.

The light summer rainfall did not replenish the water that farmers used up, and by early May all that remained were a few dirty puddles and a fish graveyard. A couple of weeks ago some rainwater came in. If the dam were to be opened, this water might just make it to Calitzdorp before running out again, says Ledeboer.

About 70 farms depend on the dam for 95% of their water supply, mostly during the summer months, according to Ernie Fourie, a local farmer and chairperson of the Gamka Rivier Irrigation Board, which represents 44 registered farm owners reliant on the dam.

Because this region of the Karoo typically gets most of its rainfall in summer, the dam remained empty throughout winter. It is now heading into the 2016-17 growing season without enough water for the farmland it irrigates.

If the dam remains empty or water levels are too low for it to be opened, this will put strain on small local farms to grow enough produce and pay their workforce. The bigger farms employ up to 50 workers, usually a combination of permanent and seasonal workers.

The farms mostly grow maize, lucerne and vegetables including carrots, onions, butternut and cauliflower.

Only the barks of sentinel baboons break the silence at the dam. In better times, when there would be more signs of life, the dam could hold 42 million cubic metres of water, giving the farms a two-year supply, says Ledeboer, who has maintained the dam since 1992.

Fourie says there is not much that farmers can do if the dam remains dry. ‘Like in other areas of the country when it is dry, [farmers] can do nothing. They can’t plant any crops because they can’t irrigate them,’ he says. ‘We’re hopeful that it will rain but if this doesn’t happen, then it will be a big problem.’ Asked about any contingency plan, Fourie said there is none. ‘If it’s not raining, there’s no water.’

The Gamkapoort Dam, which covers an area of 620 hectares, is dry.

Johan Arnoldus, a farmer known in the community as Gols, uses water from the dam for crops which he sells at markets in Oudtshoorn, George and Port Elizabeth. If the dam remains low, Arnoldus will have to rely on the little rainwater that flows from the mountains - not enough, he says. His main worry is not being able to pay his eight permanent workers or take on seasonal workers.

Jan van Staden, Senior Manager of Water Resources at Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency, an operational arm of the Department of Water and Sanitation, that manages water resources across large parts of the Karoo, says that ‘the latest weather predictions are confirming possible rains in September’.

Van Staden told GroundUp on 1 September that the dam was 7% full. ‘If the dam is not filling up there will be water restrictions for the irrigators depending on the level of the dam.’

Ledeboer says that the 7% figure doesn’t reflect the actual water level as most of that is silt. Fourie says that the dam needs to be about 15% full in order for it to be opened.

Why the dam has dried up is not clear. Ledeboer believes it was the recent El Niño, a recurring climate event that results in drier (and in some areas, wetter) than normal conditions across the world. The 2014-16 El Niño, which dissipated in May, was among the strongest on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the USA.

However, Dr Peter Johnston, a climate scientist at the University of Cape Town, told GroundUp that the impacts of an El Niño drought would be most seriously felt in the eastern and north-eastern parts of the country and Zimbabwe and Mozambique – regions which would otherwise experience summer rainfall. There is no consensus of scientific evidence that south-western parts of the Cape would have a drier than normal winter during an El Niño, Johnston says.

The Gamkapoort Dam is situated right at the edge of these two zones, making it unclear if El Niño is a cause of the lack of water. Local climate variation factors may have had more of an effect. Nevertheless, climate factors are more likely to blame rather than functional integrity of the dam, which Ledeboer says is in intact. There are also no signs that rivers would not flow properly into the dam, given enough rainfall.

Should summer not bring enough rain for the whole growing season, Calitzdorp farmers dependent on the Gamkapoort Dam will struggle to make enough income and pay their workforce. And with agriculture being a big part of the Karoo economy, alternative forms of employment for farm workers may be hard to find.

[sincapoutdoor]

New Post has been published on http://www.sincapoutdoor.com/travel/gateway-to-paradise/

Gateway to Paradise

Welcome to Mossel Bay: an idyllic coastal village and harbour situated between Cape Town and Port Elisabeth. This town is proud to be the historical capital of Cape Town’s, world-famous Garden Route. It also features in the Guinness Book of Records as having the mildest all-year climate; second only to Hawaii. Both South Africans and Europeans regard Mossel Bay as their ‘secret’ holiday destination; whether your desire is for bustling summer holidays, or lazy winter retreats – you can enjoy this perennial Mediterranean climate all-year round.

Mossel Bay is a town with a rich history. The first recorded meeting between the Europeans and the local inhabitants of Southern Africa took place in Mossel Bay in 1488. An explorer, Bartolomeu Dias anchored in a bay, which he called Aquada de Sao Bras (watering place of St Blaize). In 1601 a Dutch navigator, Paulus van Caerden renamed it Mossel Bay, because mussels had become a welcome addition to the diet of his crew. The first trading also took place here in 1497 between Vasco Da Gama and the local inhabitants. Later this town became a busy export harbour for wool, ochre and ostrich feathers.

The warm Indian Ocean surrounding Mossel Bay is home to world-famous mussels and oysters. Gourmets rate them as some of the best in the world. Incomparable seafood and 24km of unspoilt coastline make this village a holiday haven.

What to do in Mossel Bay

Endless game drives put you in contact with the Big Five at the numerous game reserves. Ride on elephants through the Botlierskop Game Reserve; take a boat trip to nearby Seal Island; the home of about 3000 Cape Fur seals, and an ideal spot for dolphin viewing and whale watching. For adrenalin junkies, there is bungee jumping, bridge swinging, abseiling and South Africa’s favourite thrill, shark-cage diving. You can scuba dive and shipwreck dive or go horse riding on the beach. For the less adventurous, there is an 18-hole golf course to enjoy. The Oyster Catcher Trail is an eco cultural hiking trail along the coast, starting from a Khoi San cave in Mossel Bay and ending at the Gouritz River mouth. Finally, for a truly unique way of whale watching, embark on a helicopter flip over the town and magnificent bay. Special Events

Mossel Bay offers seasonal festivals and events, such as annual flower shows every September and October. Everyone is looking forward to the Mossel Bay Off Shore Yacht Race 2006: from the Royal Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town to the Mossel Bay Boat and Yacht Club.

Culture

Mossel Bay is proud of its rich cultural diversity and well-preserved buildings and houses, crafted from honey-toned local stone. Khoi-San artefacts, dating back more than 80 000 years, were found in the famous Cape St Blaize Cave.

The best place to experience the existing culture is at the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex. This complex consists of the Maritime museum, Shell Museum & Aquarium, Granary, famous Old Post Office Tree, Etno-botanical garden, Munro houses and fountain. Here you can visit the impressive life size replica of Bartolomeu Dias caravel; the ship in which he sailed into Mossel Bay. The cultural section focuses on the heritage of the town and district. The Shell Museum houses imaginative shell exhibitions and portrays the history of the use of molluscs by man. Live animals exist in their natural habitat in aquaria. One of the most popular attractions is the Post Office tree. In 1500, Pedro de Ataide left an important letter in a shoe or iron pot under a large tree. In 1501, Joao da Nova found this letter, and the first “Post Office” came about. More than 500 years later, you can still come and post your letter here!

The Ethno-botanical Garden is a collection of plants that occur naturally in the Mossel Bay area and which, were used by the Khoi, San, Coloured, Xhosa and European settlers for shelter, food and medicinal uses, as well as for their superstitious beliefs and magic practices.

Restaurants

The best part of any holiday is surely the exotic and authentic food that will accompany your stay. Mossel Bay is no exception! For those looking for a taste of Africa, there is the open-air restaurant in the Khoi village. Foreign-flavoured fare includes Thai, Cuban, Portuguese, and Italian.

Sample some of the finest seafood at the many seafood restaurants on offer, and don’t pass up the chance to indulge in wild Mossel Bay oysters and Mossel Bay sole!For an outdoor romantic encounter, why not take a picnic basket up to the Light House where you can admire the crashing Indian Ocean below.

Beyond its obvious attributes, Mossel Bay has a certain pathos, which is evident in the landscape, and the friendliness and warmth of its people. Mossel Bay leaves an indelible mark on visitors who holiday there; just as the old stone buildings form part of the landscape, you cannot stay here and not feel part of the place.

Author Bio Visit Mossel Bay Tourism for all your tourism information, accommodation enquiries and details of Mossel Bays’ many attractions.

Article Source: ArticleGeek.com

[dieepic]

@Regrann from @pvcdesigns - View from the bottom - @stefan4kruger coming in for landing on his first Base 👍⛅ #basejumping #basebrothers #gouritz #bridge #beachlanding #oldschool #railbridge #gopro #hero4black #dieepic #jointheteem #worldwideactive #wohza #sportsmob #adventure #adventureculture #Regrann (at Die Epic)

[workatplay-photography]

I dub thee my beer bench. #gouritz @gouritzbiosphere #landscapephotography #southafricaletsme #travellife #tourism #landscape #visualsgang #visualsoflife #meetsouthafrica #design #southafrica #photography #workatplay #travel #afritravel #beauty #agameoftones #stellarstories #createcommune (at Rooiberg Lodge) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwpLX_-HSWJ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=btfe7b1vzcjc

[workatplay-photography]

No words. #gouritz @gouritzbiosphere #landscapephotography #southafricaletsme #travellife #tourism #landscape #farminglife #visualsgang #visualsoflife #swartberg #meetsouthafrica #design #southafrica #photography #workatplay #travel #afritravel #beauty #agameoftones #stellarstories #createcommune (at Dysselsdorp, Western Cape, South Africa) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwmhHBwHNQQ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=xgpm0vdudgge

[craiglotter]

Last day for us here in the quiet little seaside village of Gouritz. Technically our holiday should be at an end, but thanks to a technical fault in our Hyundai Accent, I've booked us a night or two in George to get it fixed at the Hyundai Service Center over there. That's one way to extend one's holiday I suppose! :D #decemberholiday #boardwalk #holidays #river #gouritsriver #gouritz #gouritsmond #hessequa #southafrica #anexploringsouthafrican (at Gouritsmond)

[craiglotter]

A NG Kerk (church) without a steeple always looks a little strange. Nevertheless, I love the look of this little church here in Gouritsmond. #ngkerk #church #gouritsmond #gouritz #southafrica #anexploringsouthafrican (at Gouritsmond)