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Winter – a time when folks curl up under a blanket, next to a fire or heater, and hibernate until the warmer Spring sun decides to show itself. Not us – not the men of Ysbeertjie!
Last year was my first venture into this lekker group of okes, who decided to do an annual camp during the Winter months. Last year, we went up the West Coast, settling in Lambertsbaai (read here) where we ate too much, enjoyed a trip to a secluded braai spot and just had fun.
This year, due to the amount of rain we had, we managed to settle on – what turned out to be – a gem of a place called Leeuwenboschfontein between Montagu and Touwriviers.
The morning started off dark and wet. As I hit the N1 with wipers going and lights on, the only thought on my mind was reaching the Engen One Stop to meet up with the guys before convoying through to our breakfast stop at Nuy on the Hill.
At Nuy, we settled down for the traditional welcome speech, done by JC this year because Jonno (our organizational hero) had to pull out at the last moment. Once JC had had gone through the customary what not to do list – in both Afrikaans and English – we were treated to a delicious breakfast burger and coffee.
We even sang to Shameless Shaun for his birthday before climbing back into the vehicles and heading out into the hinterland. We made a pitstop in Montagu so that some extra provisions could be bought at the Spar.
We arrived at Leeuwenboschfontein (henceforth known as “The Spot”) under sunny – but cold – skies. We checked in, trundled down to our camp spot, marked out out territory like male dogs and proceeded to setup.
With all the rain we were spoiled to be camping “at the water’s edge”, convenient for “fall-over” Craig who brought out his rods for some fishing fun
Friday evening was a blast as we were treated to a whiskey-tasting, ribs, chilli poppers, toasted saamies (toasted sandwiches on the fire for you foreigners) steak and chips (special french fries for those not in the know).
As Barry Hilton would say, “we ate ourselves stukkend” with plenty left over. We all took bets on how long it would take Craig to fall over this weekend – it did not take long, much to raucous laughter from the rest of us.
Saturday morning greeted us with semi-clear skies, not a breath of wind but a very cold chill in the air as we all crawled out of our tents to go and watch the Springboks decimate the Wallabies in Brisbane. We gathered in the hall at 06:30 where the hosts had wonderfully got a fire going.
We opened some beers and sat down to watch the opening match of the Rugby Championship. This set the day on the right tone as the Boks thumped the Wallabies for their first win on the Australian East Coast since 2013.
We were treated to an awesome lunch with Braai Boikie cooking us delicious ribs, potato bake and salad. The afternoon was spent lazing about, catching some fish and taking a brief drive up the mountain.
Saturday night was a DYI food evening, but since we had so much left over food from Friday night and Saturday lunch, we decided to warm up the food over the coals and munch again.
Sunday was my favourite – although nervously anticipated – as we saddled up and headed up the mountain on our 4×4 trip. At the top of the mountain was a “lapa” where we would braai and enjoy the view.
Eugene’s day did not start off well as he awoke to puddles of water in his tent after the evening rains.
The trip started off gently as we meandered up the sloping hills. Then we reached the first “obstacle”, a rock climb with a sign that said “first gear, low range, diff lock”. Ok, so Mr Bangbroek started off gently and, with some trepidation, made it up and over with not too much fuss.
We continued meandering up the hillside until we got to a steep climb that took us near to the top. The gradient was lined with wire meshing for added traction. Although this did not help me much as I was “that guy” that found life difficult to start with.
My first attempt was met with spinning back wheels. My second attempt resulted in some of the wire meshing being lodged under the front of the “Tuna”. After removing this, I sauntered back down the hill to give myself enough space to generate momentum – advice given to me by my co-pilot Jeremy.
I engaged first gear – should have been second – got the revs up and hit the hill, kept left as directed by Terry, closed my eyes and kept the foot down – I made it! Much to cheers from the guys that I had held up!
Once we all made it up mountain, the view that greeted us was spectacular. We got the fire going, through on some meat and once again, stuffed ourselves. Eugene, who had to time his departure due to prior commitments, decided to walk back down the mountain so that he could pack up and head back home.
The bugger made it in 1 hour! #Impressed
Once we finished our food, we headed back down the mountain – I did not get stuck this time – so that we could get our potjies (food cooked in black pots over coals) going. I was making a pork pot, Jeremy made chicken with noodles and Jandre was making a beef pot.
Normally my pots take around 6 hours but I had to put the fast forward on and get it done in under four hours. Jeremy’s pot took two hours and was delicious. Mine (no one has complained of food poisoning yet) tasted ok.
I did not get to taste Jandre’s but reports came in that it was good. The evening was spent playing beer-pong, listening to music and just chatting.
Evidence was produced that some buggers decided to make a long night of it, only coming to bed just before 3am – so all-in-all it was a damn fine evening.
Monday greeted us with semi-clear skies again, a blessing in packing up. We warmed up some food, packed up our camp and departed with hearty goodbyes, promises of getting together more often than just once a year and ideas for 2025.
On the way home, Cassie, Stephan, JC, Jeremy (and his mini-me) and myself, decided to stop at the Du Toit’s Kloof Lodge for a lunch (yes, we ate some more) and beer and to wind down the wonderful weekend.
It was a lovely spot, enjoyed with a wonderful burger and hearty laughs. Home time was realised when we went through the tunnel and hit the tollgate.
Aah, another Ysbeertjie has passed. Many memories made and new friends too. I look forward Ysbeertjie 2025 – actually no, I look forward to YGT – as Cassie put it – Ysbeer Get Togethers! Meeting up more often with the families.
*You okes really make this an event to look forward to.
Regards,
#F#%kMeGeorge
