The radar station was the first one built in South Africa, and
possibly one of the first in the world. Work on the permanent
buildings commenced in January 1944 and was completed towards the
end of that year. Strictly speaking, the site now falls into the
60-year clause and should be considered a Heritage Site, though it
doesn’t seem like SAHRA has done anything about it yet.
Therefore, when exploring, please don’t damage the buildings
and don’t remove any artefacts (mainly rusted bits of
metal).
The trail starts at the top of Bay View Road (S 34° 3.128’
E 18° 20.162') where you can park your car. Turn right off Harbour
Road just before the last bend on the way to the harbour, then
right into Karbonkel Road, and right again into Bay View Road.
Follow this road to the boom from where you begin your walk.
The trail is along the old track that was used to ferry supplies
to the radar station. It should take you about an hour and a half
to reach the top, some short rests included. There is very little
shade along the way, so try to plan your walk for early morning or
late afternoon.
As always, when walking in the mountains, take the necessary
precautions: the weather can change very rapidly, so take something
warm to wear. Take a charged cell phone and note the emergency
phone number on the sign at the boom where you start your walk.
Take at least a litre, preferably two, of water to drink. Let
someone know where you are going, and when you plan to be
back.
Enjoy the view back towards Lion’s Head and Table
Mountain, the latter appearing much as it does from the Blouberg
perspective, except that it seems the cable car station is built on
the wrong end.
The cache is now a 2-litre ice cream container. The original
contents were: • mini stapler with extra staples •
Chinese multi-purpose knife • Strelitzia bookmark •
canvas wallet • small wire dog • notebook and pencil