Stargazing in my backyard
A few weeks ago, one of my best friends came to visit. Consequently, I decided to do the more touristy thing and go stargazing – one of the main activities in Sutherland, but for some or other reason I just never took the time to take part in.
So, we had a beautiful meal at one of the fanciest restaurants in town (email me if you’d like the name), and after half a bottle of sparkling wine, we heard the clock strike 8pm – so we had to chase to get to Sterland for our stargazing session in town – (you can also do a tour at the Observatory itself).
Arriving a little late, we peeped through the window of Sterland’s rondavel and was relieved to be invited in, and with a sherry in hand, the tour began. The tour started with some interesting footage and explanations, in order to understand the basics of our Universe. We were also enlightened by a DVD of the town, which was interesting…
Afterwards we were taken outside to put into practice what we’ve learnt. With a very strong laser pointer, the stars and planets we saw inside on a screen, was now pointed out in the very beautiful and clear sky. And one by one, we could have a look through the telescope. This proved a challenge to some, especially to those with glasses, as it’s not that easy to get perspective through the telescope’s eyepiece. But once we all got the hang of it – what we saw was breathtaking. We saw the ring of Saturn, clusters of stars (which names I have forgotten), and the most amazing little thing just above one of the Southern Cross’ points, a cluster of stars with three bright coloured stars making up what is called the ‘jewellery box’.
The cold of the evening crept in, but the excitement helped us to ignore it.
A perfect evening for stargazing – and saw the most beautiful things, in my own backyard!
By: Jolene du Plessis | Published: 06/10/2010
RE: Rhenoster Valley Guest Farm
My recent stay at the Rhenoster Valley Guest Farmwas the longest continuous stay by any visitor in the five years or so that the farm has received guests. Friends had asked me whether I feared getting bored in such an isolated place without electricity. NOT A CHANCE! When I departed, I still had a mental list of veld hikes I wanted to undertake and walking-accessible places I wanted to visit. This place is fantastic for walking. You can proceed over farm roads or the open veld. In either case, expect to see spectacular scenery, animals (including the elusive vaalribbok) & surprisingly varied plant life. Then there’s the farm’s fascinating history & the relics associated with it. There’s also the timeless Karoo’s peace and quiet, possibly no more pronounced anywhere else in this vast land. Finally, there’s the aura of the Olivier family’s generations-long history as custodians of their land. Even as a visitor, you can share in this heritage. Avail yourself of the opportunity.