ONE of the events included in the recent fabulous Paarl Ommiberg Round the Rock Festival, was the “Challenge the Rock with Charles Back” on a route that he walks daily.
The walk was aimed at those who are “seriously fit” and I confess that I was shown to fall short of that category! However, it proved to be an unforgettable experience.
At 7 am on a perfect Paarl morning, we were met at Fairview’s goat tower by Chris, Paulette, Marlene and Bruce and travelled by tractor to meet Charles and his charming wife, Di, at the Manor House, which dates back to 1722.
From there, armed only with our supplied water bottles, naïve determination and accompanied by the Backs’ three lovable dogs, we set off, led by Charles who was the vanguard all the way. It was, as the advertisement so succinctly described, “a challenge”!
The weather became very warm and some members of the group headed back to the farm to a lavish Goatshed breakfast.
Along the way, Charles told us the history of the farm and surrounds and that the upper region of the property has been returned to Cape Nature as a reserve.
Work is underway to clear the area of alien vegetation, a mammoth task, to allow the natural fynbos and its inhabitant bird and insect life to return, as some already have.
The view from the top was awe-inspiring, with the patchwork valley nestled between majestic mountains, with the rump of Table Mountain in the distance.
Having been given the option, a few of us took the shorter route to our meeting destination, Christmas Camp, while Charles led the rest of the intrepid walkers up further and close to Paarl Rock.
A few who found the going just a little too tough were cheerfully driven the last short way. Christmas Camp is so named as, many years ago, farmers from the surrounding area would gather there at Christmas time, camping out under the wild olive trees.
Hot and weary, we were greeted by the sight of a sumptuous breakfast al fresco prepared by Andy, the chef at the Goatshed. What a delight it was to rest in the shade and share this meal together.
Finally, it was time to head down again. With Charles Back in the front, we began our descent, each at his own pace, chatting as we went, until we finally arrived at the Manor House once again.
There we were issued with “medals”, Fairview’s own redeemable coin, which we could exchange for one of their legendary cappuccinos. We also received a kid-sized bottle of their famous Goats do Roam red.
Rather reluctantly, we climbed aboard the tractor once more and Jeff our driver took us back to the goat tower. With some additional training, I shall take up The Challenge again next year.
Oh, and I think I shall hang on to my “medal” – as a token of a memorable morning. To the Fairview team I say, “cheers, till next time”.
