Kango Caves

Title – Kango Caves
Date – August 1996
Location - Oudtshoorn - South Africa

Originally used by the Khoi San people as shelter on the plains of the Klein Karoo in South Africa the caves were ‘re-discovered’ in 1780 by a local farmer who was the first to dare to venture inside and discovered the magnificent chamber now named Van Zyl’s Chamber in his honour. The caves have with the help of modern technology been completely explored and lights have now been installed to show it off, in all its grandeur. Spanning some 2.5 km in all, the entire cave is not open to the public as the damage caused to the crystalline structures by the hot and CO2 rich breath of tens of thousands of tourists has to an extent ruined the original beauty of those parts of the caves that are open. But it is still well worth a visit and for the more adventurous traveller there is a trail that gives you a feel for what it is like to be a real cave explorer, as you crawl on you hands and knees to visit some of the more remote chambers that are awe inspiring.

Our intention at Beyond The Blue is to help people achieve their goals when it comes to travelling the world and experiencing new countries and their peoples. We train individuals through our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop to give them the knowledge and confidence to stand tall and achieve their objectives where ever in the world this may take them.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com

Image – ©Peter Mayhew

Pitching the Tent

Title – Pitching the Tent
Date – August 1996
Location - Kalahari National Park – South Africa

Pitching a tent is not an art form, but knowing where to pitch it can be a decision you really regret in the morning if you get in wrong. Here we pitched the tent inside the compound set up to keep the wild animals (you spend all day trying to spot) and the people away from each other. It has to be said though, that after seeing the size and power of the African animals, these two perimeter fences hardly seem capable of providing much of a defence.

We did very much the same in Kruger National Park where although the fences are slightly more substantial, getting up in the middle of the night to see a hyena patrolling the fence only 3 meters away from the front of your tent is no sleeping aid.

Taking a tent on your trip can be a way of helping your budget stretch that little bit further and it can offer a sense of freedom allowing you to have the confidence that even if you can’t find a place to stay, there is always a way of getting out of the rain.

Beyond The Blue run Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop where we consider the Travel Equipment needs for your trip. We examine the areas of tents from two sides; are you taking part in the type of trip where you will need it or are you just adding 30% to the weight of your backpack?

Sometimes there is a fine line between the advantages and disadvantages of your equipment choices. We will help you to decide on the pros and cons of these decisions so that you can set off with the confidence to know, you have made the right decision.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com

Image – ©Peter Mayhew

Cheetah

Title – Cheetah
Date – August 1996
Location - Kalahari National Park – South Africa

The Cheetah is the fastest land animal on the planet, of that there is no discussion. It has evolved to survive as a solitary animal for most of its life and therefore can not rely on any help in catching its prey, which have evolved along side it with the intention of evading capture in these powerful jaws. But with the speeds that the cheetah can reach of some 40 mph in its first three strides alone and reaching a top speed of 70 mph, it is truly the king of speed.

The name of this magnificent evolutionary creation comes from the Hindi word meaning ‘Spotted One’ and in the tall grass of the savannah these marking can make it almost disappear, allowing it to stalk it prey before unleashing the awesome speed.

At full sprint the Cheetah can only sustain it’s pace for a short period of time and after 500-600 meters it rapidly runs out of steam and even if unsuccessful has to return to the shade of a tree for a well earned rest.

At Beyond The Blue we believe that there is a need for common sense to prevail throughout all your travels. One of the most common mistake people make is in rushing their trips and trying to fit in too much in too short a time frame. This might allow you to tick a few more boxes or a few more countries in your world atlas, but it can mean that you never get the chance to actually experience the places you are visiting. On our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop we caution about planning too much for too short a period of time and we can offer you advice and guidance on which destinations would most suit you and what time frames you should consider for you plans. We are also very keen to emphasise the need to plan in some times to just have a break and relax. Remember you are on holiday and that is meant to be a time for rest and relaxation before you return to your home.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com

Image – ©Peter Mayhew

Springboks

Title – Springboks
Date – August 1996
Location - Kalahari National Park – South Africa

The Springbok is one of the symbols of South Africa. Adopted by the national rugby team as their emblem, they are truly majestic animals. The origin of the Springboks name comes from the Afrikaans word ‘Bok’ for Deer and the ‘Spring’ refers to the distinct habit this animal has in evading predators. The Springbok like many of its cousins stays in groups and believes in the concept of safety in numbers, but when the herd is attacked by a lion, cheetah or leopard it will race away like a large school of fish trying to confuse the predators. To add to this they have the remarkable ability to seemingly jump straight in the air to avoid obstacles or the jaws of the chasing cats. The springbok can run at more then 80 Km/h and jump more then 10m in a single bound, which makes you realise why the Cheetah had to become the fastest land animal on erarth in order to survive.

Beyond The Blue is a training company that runs Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop to help people to prepare for their trips to new countries, where ever that might be in the world. We help people to jump the hurdles that are placed in front of them during the planning stages and when travelling in your chosen destination.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com

Image – ©Peter Mayhew

Rhino Gathering

Title – Rhino Gathering
Date – August 1996
Location - Kruger National Park – South Africa

The chances of seeing a large group of White Rhino like this are slim, but if you get lucky as we did then it’s a sight to blow you away. We had the good fortune of arriving in the dry season and after a long period without rain. This made the bush dry and many of the leaves had fallen off the scrub and trees making it easier to spot game and forcing animals to share when they came across a water hole. The resulting concentration of animals at these locations was something you would simply not see at any other time of year.

Choosing when to go on you holiday can be the difference between the success and failure of your trip. Many countries have a wet and a dry season or the further north and south you go from the equator, they have the more familiar four seasons, but to differing degrees. Beyond The Blue provides as part of our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop detailed information about the countries you are planning to visit; through our Destination Advice, we examine the climate of the countries you are intending to visit. This will help you in the planning stages of your trip and ensure you avoid the months when even the locals want to leave town.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com

Image – ©Peter Mayhew

Wine Land

Title – Wine Land
Date – August 1996
Location - Stellenbosh – South Africa

Dusk in Stellenbosh is one of those great pleasures in life; sit back in one of the ‘New World’s’ finest wine areas, a glass of Merlot in hand and enjoy the glory and drama of this fresher part of Africa. Taking a little time in this area and exploring the wineries and taking the compulsory wine tasting tour, is a must if you can fit it into your schedule.

Sometimes even on the budget trips it’s worth planning in a few days luxury. A region like this is a fantastic place to spend a little more on your accommodation and find a nice bungalow or guest house room to enjoy a little ‘civilisation’ in the rugged and wild land.

Beyond The Blue employs only experienced travellers to deliver our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop, we employ people who love travel and who want to share their experiences. We know that the odd little bit of luxury is a welcome break when you are on a tight budget and on a long trip. Our instructors travel on a budget when the needs demand it, but also appreciate the other end of the scale when the opportunity arises. We welcome any individuals to attend the course, whether they are planning to go first class or third class or a bit of both.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com

Image – ©Peter Mayhew

Elephant

Title – Elephant
Date – August 1996
Location - Kruger National Park – South Africa

Elephants never forget or so they say, so show them the respect they deserve and steer a wide berth. Read the signals they send and when they lift their trunk and flare their ears, you know you are not far enough away. Annoy them and with a memory like that you’ll never be safe there again.

Having a good memory helps you learn and you don’t have to learn from your mistakes, you can learn from those things you do right as well. At Beyond The Blue we believe in making the learning process as easy as possible because when you need the skills we teach the most, you will probably be under the greatest pressure. On our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop we teach low-impact personal safety techniques that do not require strength to be effective; they are easy to learn and even more importantly, easy to remember.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com

Image – ©Peter Mayhew

Rhino & Calf

Title – Rhino & Calf
Date – August 1996
Location - Kruger National Park – South Africa

This Rhino Calf feeding was an amazing sight, something so gentle built into the frame of a Sherman tank.

Several days after this encounter we were driving back to camp after a long day’s safari and on a day so hot, that even the air-conditioning couldn’t keep up. In our haste for the cold beer that awaited us in camp, we were going a little faster then the speed limit in the park, nothing excessive probably just 10 miles per hour. Turning a corner we came across a fully grown male white rhino in the middle of the road. Originally facing away from us it seemed to spin on it’s axis and was looking right into my eyes as I skidded to a stop. Within 10 meters of my car was this rhino, weighing in at some 2 tonnes and with the ability to run at 30 mph. Fortunately reversing seemed to leave him feeling he had won without needing to prove it by crushing the hire car.

Beyond The Blue consider the need to be able to read body language as part of our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop. We teach how to read the signs in other people in order to avoid conflict situations in the first place, but we also caution that you should not make judgements based purely on the way someone looks. Many people have very different side to their characters and your ability to read the signs will keep you safer throughout your trip.

Warning signs in people can be read in their body language, physical warning signs like the speed limits are there for a reason, the people that put them up know the reasons and you have to trust them, as they are inevitably right.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com

Image – ©Peter Mayhew

Table Mountain

Title – Table Mountain
Date – August 1996
Location - Cape Town – South Africa

Table Mountain is one of the worlds great monuments, towering over the beautiful city of Cape Town it defines this country. Known for being shrouded in a blanket of cloud, climbing to the top makes a great day trip, but many will get to the base and be able to think of nothing else but 'Cable Car'?

This is one of those choices you have to make, spend a little more and as some people would say ‘cheat’ and take the cable car up and down; be more adventurous and walk back down; for those with a little energy walk up and decide later if you want to walk down or take the cable car. Which ever route you decide on has the same outcome, you get to the top and have the chance to view the stunning scenery that surrounds Cape Town and enjoy the cold breeze in the middle of a hot summer.

At Beyond The Blue we believe that the important thing is to achieve your goals and not to compare those of others to your own. It doesn’t matter how you get to your destination, it matters that you get there. Our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop will help you to complete your journey safely whether you are going to Texas or Timbuktu and it doesn’t matter if you are going by limo or rickshaw, we’ll guide you to the start line and beyond.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com

Image – ©Peter Mayhew

End of the Road

Title – End of the Road
Date – August 1996
Location - Augrabis Falls National Park - South Africa

Roads differ in standard all over the world, in some places where you least expect it perfect roads appear, in some places the dirt tracks are quite reasonable and others are simply not worth driving on. Here in Africa, a common sight is for the road to end and a river to appear; this scene is duplicated throughout the world.

Driving in these conditions can be very exciting, certainly different if you are coming from the UK where these river fords are very uncommon. But learning how to drive on dirt roads, snow and ice, beaches, cross country or across rivers fords is not something they teach you when you get your drivers license. So how do you drive in these conditions?

The simple solution is for you not to drive. Take a guide or get a local driver.

Beyond The Blue is not a driving school, we don’t cover aspects of driving conditions on our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop, but we do discuss dynamic risk assessments and how to reduce risks. So when you are faced with difficult driving conditions check with locals on how to manage the conditions and then drive more cautiously then they advise. Before crossing a river ford remember to stop and check the river’s depth and flow speed, if you are in any doubt of the safety of crossing then don’t and wait for a local to turn up and advise you further or turn around and seek advice from the nearest habitation. If neither of these is an option as you are in a remote location, then there is even more reason not to cross, as help may not follow for a long time if you get it wrong.

Please visit our website at http://www.safegapyear.com/

Image – ©Peter Mayhew

Leopard Cub

Title – Leopard Cub
Date – August 1996
Location - Kruger National Park – South Africa

Spotting this leopard cub and its brother was a real treat. The mother was nowhere to been seen, but the cubs stayed with us for over half an hour, playing just the other side of the bushes by the side of the road.

Once you see the leopard you realise how effective their camouflage is, blending perfectly into their background. Then you realise how much more of a privilege it is, to actually have seen them.

Using all the senses available to you gives you an advantage and allows you to protect yourself better from all the dangers around you. Our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop at Beyond The Blue helps you to understand the signs around you and the effectiveness of your own senses in being safe throughout your planned trip.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com

Image – ©Peter Mayhew

Jackass Penguin

Title – Jackass Penguin
Date – August 1996
Location - Boulder Beach - South Africa

The Jackass Penguin of Boulder Beach is perfectly suited to its name. Watching them play on the beach and in the surf is a great way to spend an afternoon on a long trip along South Africa’s south coast.

Beyond The Blue knows the value of time and how to ensure that individuals plan breaks into their itinerary. Through our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop we help individuals to plan their trips and we encourage people to remember that as much as it is worth trying to see as much as you can when you are in a new country, it is just as important to remember, you are on a holiday and that including time to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures is important.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com

Image – ©Peter Mayhew

Stumble Inn

Title – Stumble Inn
Date – August 1996
Location - Stellenbosh - South Africa

Hostels are a great way to keep the cost of you trip down when travelling the world. Countries like Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have great networks of hostels and they can be found in most towns. Not only are they cost effective, they are great places to meet other travellers and they welcome people of all ages and all nationalities. The best information you’ll get is from people who have been there before; with many travellers going to similar destinations hostels provide you with a fountain of information about the good the bad and the latest news.

Our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop is the first step that will get you to your destination country and we will give you a head start when you get there. We provide up to date Destination Advice, but local information can change on a day to day basis, so we will also tell you how to make the most of the other information sources available to you.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com

Image – ©Peter Mayhew

Cape Point

Title – Cape Point
Date – August 1996
Location - Cape Point – South Africa

How many people have seen this identical picture taken with their family members or friends in my place?

Cape Point is the most southerly location in Africa and a Mecca for tourists. No visit to South Africa is complete without walking to the point and looking towards Antarctica the next landmass on the horizon. The area itself is a National Park and the fauna and flora is as remarkable, as the point is rugged.

Going where other people have been before is not a bad thing, some people feel they always have to go one better then the last person. Travelling is not a competition it’s a very personal experience and this experience can be as good when visiting Las Vegas or Kazakhstan. Our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop help candidates wherever they choose to go in the world

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com

Image – ©Peter Mayhew

Kylie

Title – Kylie
Date – August 1996
Location - Oudtshoorn – South Africa

Take advice but don’t copy others. Cheetahs are dangerous animals and normally if you get this close you are in all sorts of trouble. This big cat was part of rehabilitation centre in South Africa and as part of the breeding programme since a cub she is well used to interacting with people. That itself doesn’t make stroking them safe, but the risks are reduced by the handlers being there, just out of camera shot.

This sounds like common sense advice, but just a few weeks before we arrived in South Africa three tourists were killed when they got out of their car in Kruger National Park, so they could have their picture taken in front of a pride of lions that were lying in the shade of a tree near the road…

Beyond The Blue run Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop to help individuals travel the world safely and avoid some of the obvious and not so obvious dangers.

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com

Image – ©Peter Mayhew

Croc.

Title – Croc.
Date – August 1996
Location – South Africa

Throughout Africa and Oceania these living dinosaurs still rule the rives, lakes and estuaries. Traditionally confused with floating logs, crocodiles are still responsible for deaths every year.
But to do them justice we need to put the figures into perspective; it is believed that 100’s of people die from crocodile attacks world wide each year with the majority being in impoverished areas and areas of political unrest. In Australia for example the average deaths recorded each year is less then one person.

The number of road death in the world vary depending on which statistics you believe, but the experts put the figure between 600,000 and 1,100,000 with over 10 million other people injured. Each year 1600 people die on Australia’s roads alone

The conclusion; In Australia you are one thousand six hindered times more likely to die on the road then by a crocodile.

Our advice; Drive safely and when you see a Croc….

Don’t get this close!

Beyond The Blue runs honest courses that try and get those attending our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness workshop to see past the sensationalist headlines and the myths about the dangers that are out there and focus on the ones that we are involved in every day, but seem to manage to ignore until they affect us personally. How many people put off trips to Australia because of spiders, snakes and crocs? How many decide to leave the UK because over 3000 people die in road traffic accidents every year?

Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com

Image – ©Peter Mayhew