Campbell on the N8

Our journey to the northern Cape ended being an almost 3000 km journey altogether. Time was on our side and we stopped at and for almost every photographic opportunity. It yielded super rewards.

Having travelled along the N8 several times before, I was familiar with some landmarks, which never seems to lose its appeal. On the outskirts of Campbell, is a beautiful old church; although in dire need of repair, it is still being used by the locals for church gatherings. For us, it had been a worthwhile stop, offering a good bit of photographic opportunities.

As we returned to our vehicle, I noticed a line of heads across the road, from one side to the other. Intrigued I approached. The heads belonged to the children of Campbell, spending a hot summer’s day in their pool, which they enthusiastically showed us. Although it was self-made, it was beautiful, green water and all, and it was situated in the most charming indigenous surroundings. Bear in mind that temperatures in these parts soar up to the 40’s.

And this is how they do it….., they plunge into the green waters, little ones at the shallow end, as they explain, whilst the big boys proudly display their diving skills into the deep end of the pool. Then, out of the pool – the water being quite chilly – onto the paved sunny street where they all line up to warm and dry their young bodies – a line of happy faces.

And when the street gets too hot, back they dive into their pool – ongoing fun to our delight. Although we did not join them for a swim, we left revived by their joy and enthusiasm.

Further north along the N8, en route to Witsand, we passed another familiar landmark, a small church that was originally built for the farm labourers to worship. But time has taken its toll; it is now dilapidated and part of it roofless. There are no longer doors or windows, just openings, but the presence of a bicycle and a motorbike outside, indicated that the church was still in use.

We approached carefully as not to disturb the worshippers. The priest’s calm and soft voice was comforting as he talked into the microphone and when he noticed us, he humbly invited us in. The state of the building seemed not to matter; the church was most important to this small congregation.

I sure hope those dilapidated walls will stand for another good years to come and provide shelter and a place of gathering for these lovely people.