Paarl on Darwin trail
2009-10-01
IN 1836 Charles Darwin (scientist and father of the theory of evolution) spent 18 days in and around Cape Town. In 2009, the year that we are celebrating his Bicentennial, the importance of his visit to the Cape aboard the HMS Beagle is being reassessed. The actual route he followed has been plotted and forms what is now designated as the Darwin Trail (a map is available at tourism bureaux). Charles Darwin was 27 years old at the time. Of the thirteen ports where HMS Beagle called on its homeward voyage from South America to England, it stayed longer at the Cape than anywhere else except for the Galapagos Islands. Simon’s Bay was the original port of entry on 31 May 1836. Darwin then set out for Cape Town by way of Wynberg, Claremont, Observatory and Sea Point. He then went on a four day excursion, accompanied by an English speaking Hottentot guide that took him first to Paarl. Darwin crossed the sandy Cape Flats and on 4 June went up onto the vast granite boulder that is Paarl Rock. The significance of this massive granite outcrop showed conclusively that the catastrophic geological event that produced the melting and fusion of rocks posed a question that geological orthodoxy could not convincingly answer. “After riding about three hours, we came near the French Hoeck Pass. It is one of the prettiest places I saw in my excursion. The pass is a considerable work, an inclined road having been cut out along the steep side of the mountain.” Darwin travelled over the pass, and spent the night at the tollhouse on the other side. From there he went to Houwhoek, crossed Sir Lowry’s Pass and then travelled back to Cape Town. The establishment of the Darwin Trail, with the informative Darwin Map will provide many new insights into the man and that historic visit in 1836. For Darwin, it was an opportunity for some important observations and significant meetings that made a meaningful contribution to his scientific thought. For more information on the Darwin Trail Map phone 021-683-5814 or visit www.africagenome.com, or www.capetown.travel.
More
News
|
