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.
