Ringing out from our blue heavens

Sutherland has to be one of the best-known small towns in the country – if it’s not for the observatory with its huge telescopes, it’s because this Northern Cape town is often named in weather forecasts as one of the coldest places in South Africa.

Of course, camping and cold aren’t good friends, so you don’t expect campers to head in their droves to a place like Sutherland. In addition, the village actually only consists of a main street with a hotel, a few shops and a number of guesthouses. But winter time is the best time to stargaze, which is why Sterland is such a popular campsite.

You’re pleasantly surprised. Not only is it a lovely spot, but there are also quite a few telescopes barely 100 m from your stand from where you can observe the skies.

IT’S EASY to get to Sutherland – from Gauteng and from the Cape. You take the N1 and drive… and when you get to Matjiesfontein, it’s time to turn off. Perhaps you feel like stopping at this historic village and its famous Lord Milner hotel.

Then it’s time for the last shift. Drive back over the N1, and barely an