GC441X0 Fish traps / Visvywers (Traditional Cache) in Western Cape, South Africa created by johannfourie

This cache has been archived.

Knagur Green: Due to no response from the CO after the request to maintain or replace the cache, I am archiving it to, stop it showing on the listings and/or to create place for the geocaching community.

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Knagur Green
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GC441X0 ▼

A cache by johannfourie Message this owner

Hidden : 1/2/2014

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Ancient rock pool fish traps, built by the Khoisan up to 3000 years ago, visible at low tide.

These traps are still being regularly maintained, extended and utilized by a group of local enthusiasts.

Five minutes from Stilbaai with parking close to the beach. Good afternoon for kids and adults alike.

PLEASE NOTE - THESE CAN ONLY BE SEEN DURING LOW TIDE.

The fish traps that have been in existence for a few thousand years, are a valuable part of Still Bay’s historical heritage. Fish traps were the easiest and most logical way used by Stone Age people to catch fish.

Most of the fish traps are shaped in half moon and vary in size. Early cave dwellers noticed that fish got caught in the natural tidal pools as the tide receded. Enlarging these pools by packing stone in strategic areas was logical extension of the idea.

On dark nights the fish do not notice when the tide starts going out. When the water has retreated from the traps, leaving the fish stranded, they may be caught by hand.

Packing the walls of the fish trap is a precise job and today only a handful of men are capable of doing it. The seaward side slopes gently to make it easy for the fish to swim into the trap. The internal face is vertical and clear debris and slit, so the “vywer” can be drained quickly and trap the fish as the tide recedes. Nets and other equipment have made it easier to catch the fish trapped inside than earlier throughout the centuries.

In the past, a “vywer” was handed from father to son, who then became responsible for its upkeep. The owners later formed a corporation and the catch is now divided amongst them. More than twenty of these ponds are still maintained along the shore about half an hour’s walk from Stilheuwels on the Stilbaai/ Jongensfontein walking trail.

Each pond has it’s own name, often reflecting its efficacy for example, there’s “Alleroudste” (oldest of all an still regarding as the best ever), “Wonderwerk” (miracle), “Niksvanger” (nothing cacher), “Krom Knie” (crooked knee), “Sny Brood” (Slice of bread) and a host of others. Record catches in one harvest include 26 Musselcracker in “Roodt se vywer”, 98 Elf in “Vlei”, and Mullet in “Groot Vywer”. Other species regularly caught include Kabeljou, Beam, Blactail, Blue Hottentot and Zebras. A number of active locals ensure that this fishing tradition continues and the best time to see the ponds in action is during the winter months, for winter is prime harvest time!

SEE GALLERY FOR FISHTRAPS LAYOUT AND PHOTO AT LOW TIDE. HAVE SOME FUN ANSWERING POINTS OF INTEREST WHILE EXPLORING:
1. How many years ago were these build
2. What's the the record for the most 'Harders' caught in the 'Groot vywers' pool
3. Which pool is regarded as the best

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Hfrq gb tebj fbzr gvzr ntb...

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)