It was thought at one time that the manganese deposits at Rooiels might be viable. In 1930 an experimental shaft was cut into the mountain side, and construction was begun on a small jetty on the coast below. However, the ore grade was found to be uneconomic. Added to this disincentive was the fact that landowners did not have mineral rights. Transportation was also a major issue, as all heavy equipment had to be carried round via Houw Hoek pass, or by sea. Up to World War II just a footpath existed from Steenbraas river to Rooiels. It was only in 1942 that Jack Clarence, a Rooiels landowner, aided by Italian prisoners of war, built the road that we now drive and enjoy, and know it as Clarence Drive.

On the last rise, just before you drop down to Rooiels, look out for some dark rocks and an old tunnel on the hillside above you, and the ruin of a small jetty on the rocky shore below you.


Music by: E Grieg from the Peer Gynt suite
Hall of the Mountain King by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/roy ... l?isrc=USUAN1200072

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Hope you enjoy.

See more of my video clips on my YT channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChLj4JQJePMHCXGdUCR353A

Have you been inside?

DAFlys Posted at 11-18 00:49
Have you been inside?

No but I have met a young lady who is a geology student who has. She reported that there are more than one orifaces and there is nothing much inside - besides I might just be ambushed by Bolg and his goblins, or worse - Shelob!

Droffarc Posted at 11-18 01:09
No but I have met a young lady who is a geology student who has. She reported that there are more than one orifaces and there is nothing much inside - besides I might just be ambushed by Bolg and his goblins, or worse - Shelob!

You mean there are many entrances to the cave?

DAFlys Posted at 11-18 01:10
You mean there are many entrances to the cave?

'T aint no cave mate! It was a mine, you can see the hardened yellow sludge at the entrance, from the excavations and there would likely be one or more shaft for ventillation.
I am not in a condition to go climbing the mountain side any more so have not been to see for myself.

Droffarc Posted at 11-18 01:26
'T aint no cave mate! It was a mine, you can see the hardened yellow sludge at the entrance, from the excavations and there would likely be one or more shaft for ventillation.
I am not in a condition to go climbing the mountain side any more so have not been to see for myself.

Ah OK,   I see.

That looks easily accessible from the roadside?  Great use of the zoom feature

Nice spotting!

Montfrooij Posted at 11-19 02:04
Nice spotting!

Ja, one drives right past it without seeing, mainly because you are concenytrating on your driving  

Droffarc Posted at 11-19 06:57
Ja, one drives right past it without seeing, mainly because you are concenytrating on your driving

That happens quite often when I fly with my drone.
(that I spot something I never knew was there)

Nice video.  Why didn't you go inside?

Very nicely done Droffarc.    Interesting find.

DowntownRDB Posted at 11-20 05:10
Very nicely done Droffarc.    Interesting find.

Thanks Downtown

Montfrooij Posted at 11-19 07:17
That happens quite often when I fly with my drone.
(that I spot something I never knew was there)

The HOLE point! Exploration from a different angle.

scubaAnn Posted at 11-19 16:04
Nice video.  Why didn't you go inside?

You mean climb inside, no longer able to do such physical things - those days died when my ankle was crushed.
Fly in? very difficult angle and too close to the road and passing traffic

Droffarc Posted at 11-21 04:29
The HOLE point! Exploration from a different angle.

That's my whole point indeed

Droffarc Posted at 11-21 04:49
You mean climb inside, no longer able to do such physical things - those days died when my ankle was crushed.
Fly in? very difficult angle and too close to the road and passing traffic

I'm just messing with you.  I wouldn't of done either.  Nope...nope. nope

scubaAnn Posted at 11-21 10:30
I'm just messing with you.  I wouldn't of done either.  Nope...nope. nope

Learned in the navy - always err on the safe side - always dive with a buddy except when you don't have one. Gave my instructor two or thee heart attacks on that score  

Diving from a boat - is it still required to fly the flag?
Is it acceptable when already in the water using scuba to do a duck dive? If we did that the tank would clonk us on the nut, and flap your flippers in the air trying to get under?
Just asking....

Droffarc Posted at 11-21 10:54
Learned in the navy - always err on the safe side - always dive with a buddy except when you don't have one. Gave my instructor two or thee heart attacks on that score  

Diving from a boat - is it still required to fly the flag?

Yes.  Need a visual flag flying on the boat when any divers are in the water!  I don't have to worry about that clunk of the tank.  

scubaAnn Posted at 11-21 11:38
Yes.  Need a visual flag flying on the boat when any divers are in the water!  I don't have to worry about that clunk of the tank.

Remember this next Thursday - Diverse Alarums....

Droffarc Posted at 11-21 12:11
Remember this next Thursday - Diverse Alarums....

I cant remember whats happening in 24 hours but will try.

scubaAnn Posted at 11-21 18:50
I cant remember whats happening in 24 hours but will try.

Dont worry, I can't remember the future iether, and the past is a little hazy too

Droffarc Posted at 11-22 00:41
Dont worry, I can't remember the future iether, and the past is a little hazy too

Yep but the body pains sure spark a memory where those came from!

Droffarc Posted at 11-21 04:18
Thanks Downtown

You're very welcome Droffarc.    Hope you are having a great week.