Apparently the shoes belonged to a woman that worked there for many, many years, she was one of the employees that worked there for the longest time, the day she retired she officially left her shoes there at the gate

Hi there. As for your question about the stones next to the fence you are correct. It's also to stop the water washing the sand away when or it it ever rains there so the animals don't escape. Started watching your videos today. We can't stop watching.

We're catching up on videos that we haven't seen yet.

Absolutely loved this video guys! Interesting info and spectacular scenery! And even the accommodation is gorgeous!
Thank you for sharing your drive and experience!

Thank you for sharing your beautiful videos. They really show the other side of South Africa that we don't know.

Started watching your Northern Cape tours today 🎉🎉😎
I'm already loving the Sunderland vlog!!

I like this video dustbugs travel to Sutherland Karoo.  I can't stop watching your travels.(Grace - 8 years old)

The shoes at the Observatory gate belonged to Martha Klein who worked at the Hostel for many years.  I happened to be at her retirement party in 2016 where she said she will leave us a souvenir to remember her by for all the years she was "slaving" at SAAO.  That afternoon people saw the frame with her last pair of shoes she wore while working.  When I was there two weeks ago to install a telescope (see my channel), I happen to notice the shoes are now gone.  I noticed a while ago that the box was busy falling apart.

Stunning video thanks very much! I love that the Observatory box framed and fixed the retired employee's shoes to their gate🙌🏼

Well I have been to places I never thought to see or knew very interesting. Well done!!

I started watching your videos, for the past two days, it's

Goodbye, Horse! Horse: "Chorts" Bwahaahaaaah!!! Priceless.

Sutherland! WoW! ...and Boorgat Pub! Absolutely awesome! 💯

Your neigh was so realistic at first I thought it was the Arabian😂😂😂😂  
Great videos ...  I'm binge watching.

The rocks are probably there to stabilise the fence and also prevent animals digging under it which will cause it to fall over.  Also, sheep and goats will start to crawl under the fences and in that case they're shot.  Farmers do not tolerate fence crawlers as they can lose their entire flock.

Thanks it was very nice. I loved it

I've worked in Beaufort west for 3½ years and I really miss the Karoo. This video's are absolutely stunning and I think I am addicted to them at this stage. Keep them coming.👍🏼

Al my ou paaie waarop ek gery het💕

healthy life

They put those stones under the fences to keep the mice in. They farm Angora Mice .

Karoo farming or ranching tradition. In rural communities, hanging old, worn-out shoes, boots, or horseshoes on a gatepost often symbolizes the end of hard work, a tribute to a beloved farm animal, or serves as a good luck charm. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Because stargazing in the Karoo is an entirely outdoor activity that takes place in freezing nighttime temperatures, locals also view durable boots as a symbol of the resilience and ruggedness needed to survive and farm