George's 7th wonder: Bloudam

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GEORGE NEWS - This legendary spot is regularly visited by teenagers and young people. It is off the grid and is regarded as one of George's best-kept secrets.

The Bloudam is a quarry hole that can be reached either from the Witfontein Nature Reserve side or through the Montagu Pass, turning off near the Toll House.

In December, the visitors there struggled to find parking for their vehicles, and it was apparently a common sight to see several groups of people around the dam, lighting braai fires or jumping metres down into the water from one of the cliff spots.

"The visitors don't bother us at all; it's a lovely swimming spot," said Timothy McDonald, owner of the neighbouring farm.

According to him, the Bloudam is the property of the Department of Public Works. "The quarry was handed back to the department a few years ago, after the rehabilitation had been completed by the French company Lafarge. They mined quartz and rock," he explained.

"Lafarge pulled their guards when they signed the property off to the department. After that, all the fencing was stolen."

VIDEO - A pristine location to relax with friends and families. Video: Michelle Pienaar

The entrance to the Bloudam.

According to McDonald, the Department of Health also visited the site and was concerned about the lack of toilet facilities.

As for security, McDonald said there have been a few vehicle break-ins. "It is important to realise there is no supervision when people visit the Bloudam. It is entirely at your own risk, and not exactly legal."

You need a 4x4 to travel the last 100m stretch to the Bloudam. What a view!

Safety concerns

A member of Blanco's neighbourhood watch, Des Carolus, believes people - especially tourists - overestimate the safety of the area.

According to him, there have been five mugging incidents over the past year that he is aware of. "People come with expensive cameras and cellphones. They are not properly informed about the risks; they think it is completely safe," he said.

"The problem is there are young gang groups - children between 11 and 14 years old - who threaten the tourists with knives and rob them. These cases are not reported to the police because the visitors don't want the drama and inconvenience. They would rather just replace their belongings."

Carolus is concerned about the large number of teenagers who visit the spot without parental supervision or protection.

During George Herald's visit to the Bloudam last Thursday, 19 February, two young men stopped by in their 4x4. "I come here at least twice a week. We absolutely love this place," one of them, who wished to remain anonymous, said. "It is clean, pristine. The most amazing place in George. Please don't take our fun away."

A popular jumping spot on the cliff.