GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Wessa's Coastal Geology Tour is back by popular demand on Saturday 11 November.

The self-drive day trip, from Mossel Bay to Hoekwil, gives a glimpse into the past under the guidance of experts Paul Rixom, Peter Ginn and Gavin O'Connell-Jones.

Our famous Garden Route, apart from being scenically beautiful, has fascinating coastal geology and land-forming processes which the untrained eye may not spot.

The evidence of the changing position of the South African coastline and the power of erosion over millions of years will be explained. Certain sediments were formed during the early breakup of Gondwana and the evolution of the first South African coastline.

The development of the modern coastal dunes and their fossil predecessors and of the coastal lagoons will give a greater appreciation of the natural beauty of the area.

The paleontological treasure of the area as well as mineral stores (gold and offshore gas) will be discussed.

The entire drive is a wonderful illustration of a range of sedimentary and coastal erosion processes, with some igneous granite intrusions adding spice to the mixture.

The tour is well-organised with route directions giving the stops (eg. Groot-Brak, Herold's Bay, Victoria Bay, etc.) where each small group (maximum of 20 persons) will stop and perhaps walk a short distance.

Bring refreshments, a picnic lunch and camping chairs.

The tour starts at Mossel Bay at 08:00 and ends in the afternoon at the viewpoint on the road up to Hoekwil.

A fee of R100 per person is payable at registration on the day.

Donations over and above for Wessa's educational funds are always welcome. Booking is essential at wessageorge@isat.co.za.

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