6th December 1785

[6th December 1785]
6

reden na gerrit smit in de droge ryst cloof
na het middagmaal genoten te hebben reed in 5 quartier sterk rydens te paard te rug om de wagen tot het vertrek klaar te maken. sond hem nog met sons ondergang piketberg zuid hoek om na juffer ras de rietcloof genaamt, sy hadden gedwaald en waaren niet voor den agt uren s’morgens aldaar gearriveert.

seer warm stil
met den avond iets z:o: lugtje
term 82 ­ 99 ­ 90

de piketberg heeft 21 plaatsen rondsom waar van drie plaatsen boven tussen de hoge toppen
op twe groeit goed koorn groentens en vrugten.
n:b: Josias Engelbregt en botman kwamen my nog laat in den avond besoeken hebbende gehoord dat ik in dese streek was, sy sullen alles prepareren om my aan verloren valey te ontfangen.

[6th December 1785]
6

We rode to Gerrit Smit in the Droërystkloof. When we had enjoyed the midday meal I rode back, in one and a quarter hours’ hard riding, to prepare the wagon for departure. Sent it at sunset to Mrs Ras at the southern corner of the Piketberg. Her farm is called the Rietkloof. They lost their way and did not get there before eight o’clock in the morning.

Very hot. Calm.
In the evening the breeze somewhat south-east.
Thermometer: 82-99-90.

There are 21 farms around the Piketerg of which three are situated high up among the highest peaks. On two of them good wheat, vegetables and fruit are grown.
NB. Josias Engelbregt and Botman came to visit me late in the evening, having heard that I was in these parts. They will make everything ready to receive me at Verlorenvlei.