If you are willing to take a more or less 6km round trip eastwards along the beach at Glentana you will reach the mossed skeleton of the floating Port Natal dry dock resting on the beach since 1902.

—– oOo —–

HISTORY OF THE WRECK:

It was stranded after the tow rope from the steamer Baralong parted during a tow operation from Durban to Cape Town. The dock was a Clark Standsfield self-docking design and built at CS Swan & Hunter’s yard at Wallsend (Yard No. 279). It was oredered by the Natal Government for the Harbour Commissioners of the Port of Durban.

It was to be the first floating dock introduced into South Africa. The dock was launched on the 6th of October 1902, and it was originally intended that the Dutch Smit Tugs, used to tow out the Bermuda dock, would be engaged to tow the dock to Durban, but they were not available (busy in Bermuda), so the towing contract was awarded to Bucknell Brothers to use one of their Cape trading steamers. The tow cost £8000, and the dock was insured for £72,000 for the tow. The steamer Baralong left the Tyne, with the dock in tow, under the command of Captain Mamillen with 66 officers and men, 16 of whom were on the dock under Captain Gow. After a passage of 50 days, the dock arrived at Cape Point, South Africa.

On October 30th 1902, the steamer and dock set off for Durban, but in the evening of November the 1st a strong North-Westerly gale and heavy seas were encountered. Baralong and the dock headed for Mossel Bay, near Cape St. Blaize, but the port towing line parted (an 18 inch manilla hawser), leaving the dock to the mercy of the wind and waves. An attempt was made to re-secure the dock, and this the crew succeeded in doing with a flexible wire hawser, but this also gave way. The Mossel Bay harbour master, Captain Dryden, put out in the small tug Morning Star, but the seas were running high and the tug had to return to shelter. Dryden tried again with a larger vessel, the steam trawler Undine, but the dock was close inshore now. HMS Monarch, based at the Cape Naval Station also tried to give assistance, but without success. It was therefore decided to give up further rescue attempts and leave the dock to its fate.

The dock beached itself in a creek at Glentana, Mossel Bay, and was lifted so far up on the beach that the men on board were able to walk on shore. Attempts to retrieve the dock were made later, but it was firmly embedded in the sand and surrounded by rocks, and so it was abandoned.

George Parkes, a local entrepeneur, bought the salvage rights to the dock, and dismantled it as far as possible, removing all of the machinery, pipes etc. What was left of the dock was left in its resting place, and remnants are still there to this day. Interestingly, the medicine chest from the dock is in the Millwood House Museum. Knysna, South Africa, and some iron railings outside the Anglican Cathedral, and a flight of iron steps in York Street, both in the local town of George.

—– oOo—–

The above is an extract of a paper available on the internet.  You can read the full story at:

http://wrra.co.za/images/stories/PDF/Hikes/Glentana%20-%20Beach%20Shipwreck%20Walk%2018%20July%202016.pdf

IMPORTANT:

Have a look at a tides table when you plan your walk, because as you can see from the link above some sections of the walk can become treacherous during high tide.

GPS coordinates:   S34º03.09017  E022º20.06083

The post A CENTURY OLD WRECK appeared first on TRAVELBUCKET.

# 1  DOLPHIN’S POINT

Maybe it is time to stop at Dolphin’s Point on the N2 to admire the scenic old train bridge that spans the dark waters of the Kaaimans river and enjoy the sweeping view towards Leentjiesklip.   While standing at the viewpoint in the late afternoon you may have a surprise glimpse of the dolphins returning from their feeding grounds.

CAUTION:

This is at times a high mugging area – please be vigilant when moving around in this area

Cost:  Free fresh air!

# 2 THE CHOO-TJOE

The Transnet Museum with its trains from yester year revokes memories from my childhood when I fell asleep on the rhythmic clic-clac of the train’s wheels.  This outing will keep the children, and the child in you, busy for some time.  Also consider a power van outing!

Cost:  A small entrance fee is charged.

# 3  ROMANTIC BY HEART?

Do you have a romantic soul?  Sip a sundowner and take a moonlight hike on the unspoilt beaches at Glentana.

Cost:  Pack your own picnic basket

# 4  STRAWBERRIES & CREAM

Although this one sounds like Wimbledon it is right on our doorstep and far cheaper than the England option.  Here you can pick your own strawberries,  find your way in a maze and afterwards enjoy some of the strawberry treats on offer at the little coffee shop on the premises.  Spend an enjoyable day out at Redberry Farm in Blanco!

Cost:  Yes

# 5  THE WRONG CONTINENT?

Take the road to Wilderness Heights and find the view point at the map of Africa tucked away in Remskoen Street.   You will also find the local paragliding launch site nearby.

Cost:  Free

# 6 A COZZY, COKE AND KAYAKS

Feeling adventurous?  Put on your cozzy, hire a striking yellow kayak and meander the waterways of the Garden Route.

Cost:  Free if you take your own or hire one at Eden Adventures

# 7 CATCH UP ON HISTORY

Do a bit of research and catch up on the interesting history of our town.  A visit to the museum at the top of York Street will provide some interesting insight to a bygone woodcutters era.  Also read my blog Historiese George (Afrikaans only) for interesting tit bits.

Cost:  Entrance to museum is free

# 8 SAASVELD FORESTRY COLLEGE

Follow the signposts to NMMU’s Saasveld campus and the first Forestry Institute in South Africa where bush buck roam between buildings and students.  Maybe Lady Luck is on your side  and you will be afforded the opportunity to spot the elusive Knysna Loerie displaying its red wings in flight.

Cost:  Free –  you only need to sign in at the security gate of the campus

Follow the following link to learn about the fascinating history of this institution.

https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC4XC7C_saasveld?guid=feee9580-02cb-4d94-821c-fdda8ca42568

# 9  EXPLORE SOME MOUNTAIN PASSES

Follow the N9/N12 and stop to enjoy the lush green mountain sides to the north and on a clear day, looking south,  you will see the sea in the distance.  Or if you are not in a hurry take the old Montagu Pass (gravel) which links Herold and George and enjoy the scenery.

Cost:  Free

# 10  ENJOY SOME BEER TASTING

Waboomskraal is famous for its hops farmers who supply most of the hops to SAB for your special brew.  Nowadays, as is the trend,  smaller breweries are popping up everywhere.  Also try our local Robertson Brewery in town!

Cost:  Not for free!

# 11  WHAT ABOUT SOME WINE?

There is not many wine farms around in the Garden Route , but on the north facing slopes of Cradock peak you will find the gem of Herold Wines with stunning mountain views! This is a perfect place to get away from the beaches when you had too much sun.  My favourite wine?  Skaamp Skaap.  (In English it will translate to something like Shy Sheep …)

Cost:  Yes, you pay for the wine tasting 

# 12 HOP VALLEY FARM STALL

Clocking in at number 12 is this very popular roadside farm stall on the N9/N12. After being served by the friendly owners you can enjoy your scrumptious pizzas under the vines on the veranda or you can have it as take way if you are in a hurry.  This is a famous stop for locals and holidaymakers alike.

We are proud of our town so do your part and keep it clean!

The post WHAT TO DO IN GEORGE appeared first on TRAVELBUCKET.