Having spent the night at the Tube ‘n Axe on Friday 09 February 2024, members of the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve, together with the Vice-Principal, staff and students of Athénée de Luxembourg, a wonderful school in Europe, joined up with Joslin Bauer’s Earthlings to walk the Green Trail Route in our Plaatbos Forest. Joslin, STORMS NPC’s Director of Youth and Community Development, was unable to make the event, so Jimmy Wayland had the privilege of walking in her stead. Emo from Storms River Adventures volunteered to get the Earthlings to and from the event, while putting his excellent field guiding skills to full use.
This combined group of 45 people were in awe of our beautiful surroundings, and rightly so, as Storms River Village is incredibly fortunate to have such pristine indigenous forest right on its doorstep.
The gelling of the Earthlings with their newfound Luxembourg peers was a sight to behold. New friendships and the sharing of personal contact details became the norm. Joslin’s Mother, Ingrid, prepared delicious sandwiches and drinks for the group as they exited the Plaatbos Forest. As so much fun (and too much time) was had in the forest, the post food and beverage became a hurried affair. Grab and go was necessary, as our visitors’ next engagement was to kayak up the gorge of our incredible Storms River.
Next year, they have committed to a longer stay in Storms River Village. “Bon voyage” to our incredible international and Cape-based locals – until we meet again, same time and same place next year!
– Written by Jimmy Wayland
