Johannesburg Centre, Astronomical Society of Southern Africa

SUTHERLAND 2004

ASTRONOMY TOUR

Port Elizabeth
Cango Caves
Prince Albert
Sutherland

5 - 12 September 2004

Construction of the world’s largest single optical telescope for the South African Astronomical Observatory, known as the South African Large Telescope (SALT), will soon be completed at Sutherland.    A tour organized under the auspices of the Johannesburg Centre of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa now offers a unique opportunity to visit SALT during the final stages of construction.

Besides the visit to Sutherland, the one week tour incorporates two relaxing overnight train journeys, a day to visit interesting places and the People’s Observatory in Port Elizabeth, a scenic bus tour through the Garden Route, the spectacular rock features of the Cango Caves, an ostrich farm at Oudtshoorn and an evening visit to a private observatory at Prince Albert.

Here is the itinerary:                                ..........and here is the entry form

Sun 5 September:

We depart from Johannesburg station at 13h15.   A first class block reservation has been made with additional space allowed for storing telescopes.   Coupés are available for couples who desire privacy, but these are few and will be allocated on a first booked first served basis.   The catering on the train is limited to fast foods, and those of us who are not satisfied with it can of course bring their own padkos.

Mon 6 September:

Arrival at Port Elizabeth is scheduled for 09h15.   The bus collects us at the station and is at our disposal until 21h00.   A number of bus seats will have been removed to allow space for transporting telescopes.  Places of interest that we may visit during the day include the dolphinarium, the campanile, several museums, or should some prefer, a day on the beach.

In the afternoon we meet with the Port Elizabeth People’s Observatory Society, who have invited us to visit their observatory.

Accommodation will be at The Willows, a municipal resort near the main attractions, and will be self-catering, like all other accommodation on the tour.

Tues 7 Sep:   We leave the wind in The Willows early in the morning and Mr. Toad drives us through the Garden route.   The bus will stop at a few scenic places such as the Big Tree in the Tsetsikama, Storms River Mouth, Nature’s Valley, Knysna and Kaaiman’s River Bridge.  We cross Outeniqua Pass into the Little Karoo and overnight at the Cango Mountain Resort.   An impromptu star party is more than likely.

Wed 8 Sep:

The caves are first on the agenda, followed by a visit to an ostrich farm.   There are many other tourist attractions around Oudtshoorn to consider, depending on the time at our disposal.   In the afternoon we pass the distorted rock formations of Meiring’s Poort, where the brave can take a dip in the pool beneath the water fall.   We visit Albert Jansen’s private Prince Albert Observatory that evening.

 

Thu 9 Sep:  

Our trek through the Great Karoo brings us to Sutherland by noon.   Accommodation is on the guest farm Blesfontein, which has been widely recommended.   It offers six chalets, sleeping four people each.   There are a 15cm and a 20cm refractor available for those who have not brought their own telescopes.

Late afternoon we depart for the observatory, where we will be treated not only on the astronomical aspects, but also the construction of the observatory.   This will be of particular interest to those of us who have been involved in building telescopes.

Fri 10 September:After all the hectic travelling, we spend the day at leisure on Blesfontein, possibly making a short trip into the village.   In the evening we have our final star party.

The SALT telescope at Sutherland.

Sat 11 Sep:  In the morning we visit the volcano site Salpeterskop near the observatory.   Our train departs from Matjiesfontein in the afternoon, but we will be there a bit earlier to visit the historical village, before parting from our Port Elizabeth friends, who return by bus.

Sun 12 Sep:  Arrival at Johannesburg is scheduled for 12h16 and Pretoria for 14h00.

The Damage:   The cost of the tour, including all travel, accommodation and VAT is R2,600 ex Johannesburg; R2,620 ex Pretoria; and R1,700 ex Port Elizabeth.   This excludes meals and entry fees.

How to Enter:   The entry form must be completed and mailed or handed to me, together with your crossed cheque or copy of bank deposit for R1,000 by no later than 15 July 2004.   Cheques must be made out to “ASSA Johannesburg Centre”.   Money can be deposited into this account, number 1921013761 at Nedbank.   The branch is Park Plaza, code 192142.   Please use identity “SUTOUR” followed by your initials and surname.   It is essential that persons who make direct deposits inform me, as I do not administer this account.   The balance of the fee is due by 30 July.

What to bring along:   Since all accommodation will be self-catering, a small cooler box can be handy.   We will stop at supermarkets to stock up.   Bring warm clothes for Sutherland and, if you bring a telescope, tie-downs to secure it.

Contact details:
Etienne van Zyl:        e-mail: e_land@absamail.co.za 
Tel.     011-622-4564
Cell.    083-770-7560
P O Box 75251,
Gardenview,
2047.

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