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09 July 2018


No 26 POST – YSTERVARKPUNT LIGHTHOUSE

The Ystervarkpunt lighthouse is situated within the Gourikwa reserve, near the Gouritz river mouth. The area was originally owned by the Atomic Energy Corporation, but sold to private interests in about 2010. Originally destined to be the site of a nuclear power station, the site has a number of AEC built structures, including fisherman’s cottages, a small slipway and of course the lighthouse. Significant investment in terms of upgrading the buildings is currently underway.


We planned to spend one night in the reserve. After reporting to reception we headed for our accommodation, a fisherman’s cottage. Our first sighting of the lighthouse was across a small bay. Our accommodation turned out to be the cottage to the right of the lighthouse in this picture.


The cottage was well equipped and very comfortable.

The lighthouse was built in 2006 and replaced the original lattice structure built in 1964. The lighthouse is in very good condition.       
We were blessed with excellent weather, to wit the absence of white horses in the background. The proof photo of “we were there” was secured by means of John’s tripod.
 
Of course, this area is a nature reserve and the inhabitants are quite tame. This is the less common Cape Mountain Zebra.