SKI-ING at FONTEINTJESBERG near Worcester

CAPE TIMES - 1933, July 8

When I saw pictures of people skiing at FONTEINTJESBERG in the Hex River Mountains, I wondered if this "ski resort" still exists.

THOMAS HUT at Disa Dell on the north-eastern flanks of Brandwacht Peak of the Hex River Mountains forms part of the ‘classic’ Hex Traverse to Ceres, the Hex River Valley or Waaihoek. The Hut was built in 1930 thanks to the combined efforts of the founding members of the Ski Club of South Africa and the Worcester Section of the Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA), who realised that the slopes of the FONTEINTJESBERG were good for skiing after a heavy snowfall. 

Hugo Myburgh and Miss Beatrice MacLachlan – though less skilled – had both been to “real” winter sports in Switzerland. 

The hut was officially opened after the first snowfalls in the area on 7 August 1931 and was used mostly by skiers, but in 1934 the municipality feared contamination of the stream supplying water to Worcester so they closed access. The MCSA later managed to convince the municipality to allow them access once again. Since then, many improvements have been made to the hut, including the addition of an outside toilet, a stoep and a pergola.

Miss Molly Brown was a very daring novice, and quickly acquired a mastery of the impediments on her feet, while Mr. William Harnett struggled manfully to maintain an upright position. 

The view from the top of Fonteintjesberg is unforgettable, as was the fire we found at the Bain’s Kloof Hotel on our return journey – where we heard of the arrival of Miss Molly Brown’s nephew, Mrs. Frank Dunckley’s baby.

CAPE TIMES - 1933, September 12

Read more about THOMAS HUT and FONTEINTJESBERG at 

https://www.mcsacapetown.co.za/thomas-hut/

http://za.geoview.info/fonteintjiesberg_nature_reserve,187731002w

https://www.hikingsouthafrica.co.za/hex-traverse-thomas-hut-to-pells-hut/

https://www.gaiagps.com/hike/south-africa/western-cape/fonteintjiesberg-nature-reserve/

Well-known Passes in South Africa: 1928 - 1939

SIR LOWRY’S PASS

CAPE TIMES - 1928, August 18

It may be of interest to note that SIR LOWRY’S PASS was called GANTOUW by the Hottentots, which comes from “kani” (an Eland) and “daos” – i.e., the Eland’s Paths. This would be very appropriate, for it showed that the natives followed the tracks of the eland to get over the other side of the mountain.

In the year 1710 a Junior Merchant in the service of the Dutch East India Company, named Van Putten, climbed the Old Hottentots Holland Pass; near the summit he sat upon a small mound of sandstone which he called his Castle of Rypermonde, and which you may with ease identify. As he idly watched the ascending wagons he was struck by the resemblance of the surrounding rocks to lions, griffins, cats and baboons, even kings crowned and on horseback. One little pile of rocks – which lies just north of the wheel-worn track and slightly above his Castle – he thought like “Erasmus Desiderius (1536 – 1622) with his square cap and long coat as he is depicted in Rotterdam in metal on the Market-square.” (Read more about Erasmus Desiderius, Groote Markt of Rotterdam, blue-bloused peasants in clogs selling cheese in the article on the left.)

CAPE TIMES - 1928, July 11

In July 1928, the Metropolitan Motor Cycle Club held a reliability trial to SIRLOWRY'S PASS, starting from the Pier in Cape Town.

CAPE ARGUS - 1939, February 26

GYDOO PASS  

On the newly constructed GYDOO PASS, a few miles beyond Ceres and Prince Alfred Hamlet. Near the summit are extensive apple and pear orchards.

CAPE TIMES - 1933, July 28

FRANSCH HOEK PASS

Overlooking Fransch Hoek, with the Drakenstein Mountains in the back – the long-wheelbase Dodge Six climbing the new Pass.

CAPE TIMES - 1933, July 29

BAIN’S KLOOF PASS

Over the Re-constructed Road through Bain’s Kloof: More motorists than ever are expected to use this road leading to the Union’s finest touring area – the Southern Cape – now that the surface is in such good condition.

CAPE TIMES - 1933, August 30

SEVEN WEEKS POORT PASS, Ladismith

Seven Weeks Poort near Ladismith (Cape), is attracting more and more tourists. This picture gives a glimpse of the unusual mountain scenery in the Poort.

CAPE ARGUS - 1939, February 15

MICHELL’S PASS

Michell’s Pass approaches the town of Ceres from the south-west, connecting it to Tulbagh, Worcester and the Breede River Valley. The road pass was planes by Charles Collier Michell and constructed in 1848 by Andrew Geddes Bain.

CAPE ARGUS - 1939, December 12

VILJOEN’S PASS

Glory of the Cape

Looking back on the fertile valley of Elgin from Viljoen’s Pass.

Wild Flower Shows in Western Cape, 1933

CAPE TIMES - 1933, August 19 & September 2

CALEDON FLOWER SHOW

The most wonderful display of Wild Flowers in the World will open on Saturday, September 16, 1933, at 1 p.m. at the Caledon Show Grounds by Mr. A. Devine, Mayor of Paarl and President, C.P. Municipal Association.

Attractions

There will be a Floral Car Parade at 2.30 p.m., Rugby Match (Caledon vs. Moorreesburg) at 4 p.m. and a Dance in the Town Hall at 8 p.m. (Droomer’s Orchestra). Refreshments obtainable on Show Grounds.

Travelling Facilities

For particulars apply Thos. Cook & son and S.A. Travel Bureau, Cape Town.

The S.A. Railways are running SPECIAL TRAINS on day of Show, 7/6 First Class return Fares from Cape Town (3^rd Class 5/-). See Posters at all Railway Stations.

P.J. Steyn and J.A. Krige, Hon. Secretaries.

Phone 34. Box 33, Caledon

CAPE TIMES – 1933, September 2

TULBAGH FLOWER SHOW

The Flower Garden of the Cape Show will be held on Saturday, 23^rd September, 1933.

Opening Ceremony by Dr. D.F. Malan, M.P. (former Minister of Interior), at 2 p.m.

Excursion fares from Cape Town and all stations up to Worcester and South thereof, including branch lines.

Special Motor Fares from Cape Town.

For particulars apply to the South African Travel Bureau, sole Agents, 52, St. George’s Street, Cape Town.

Refreshments obtainable on the Show Grounds.

CAPE TIMES – 1933, September 2

CERES FLOWER SHOW

The Ceres Wild Flower Show is to be held on Monday, October 2 (Wiener’s Day).

The widespread interest in the event is shown by the innumerable inquiries received from people as far afield as Johannesburg.

The Bain’s Kloof Pass is now open to motorists, and a special train will be run from Cape Town to Ceres for the Show, with the usual excursion facilities to travelers at the intermediate stations.

CAPE TIMES – 1933, August 19