, AGE2601
ASSIGNMENT 5 (PORTFOLIO) 2026
DUE 28 OCTOBER 2026
ACTIVITY ONE: PLANNING A SURVEY [10 marks]
Briefing for the Baboon Point Pedestrian Survey Crew
Good morning, team. Before we depart for our seven-hour pedestrian survey of Baboon Point in
Elands Bay, I need to brief you on the terrain, conditions, and necessary equipment. Our objective
is to locate archaeological material, specifically shell middens and cave sites, across the grid shown
in Addendum A (Google Earth, 2024).
The terrain here is exceptionally rugged and varied. According to the elevation profiles (Figures 2.3
and 2.4), we will traverse steep coastal cliffs, rocky headlands, and loose sandy dune fields (Google
Earth, 2024). The satellite imagery (Figure 2.2) indicates we will move through dense, low-lying
coastal scrub and fynbos. As seen in the field photographs, the surface is often covered in thick
vegetation, and the ground is uneven, requiring us to navigate carefully around excavated pits and
natural depressions (Addendum A).
Given the seven-hour duration, physical preparation is critical. Please wear long, durable hiking
pants and sturdy, closed hiking boots with good ankle support. The video transcript highlights the
dangers of inadequate gear, noting that wearing shorts while "freestyling" through dense bushes
without trails is a recipe for injury and discomfort (Video Transcript, 2024). We will be moving
through scratchy brush and over loose rocks, so exposed skin is not advisable. Bring a
wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and at least three litres of water per person. A lightweight
rain jacket is also wise, as coastal weather can change rapidly.
Finally, strict safety protocols apply. As the video transcript explicitly states, "you never walk alone"
(Video Transcript, 2024). Do not split from the group. If you find a site, mark it and call the
supervisor. Ensure you have your field notebooks, a trowel, and a small bucket for any preliminary
surface collections. Let’s stay hydrated, vigilant, and work together to survey this significant
landscape thoroughly (Study Guide, 2024:32-61).
ASSIGNMENT 5 (PORTFOLIO) 2026
DUE 28 OCTOBER 2026
ACTIVITY ONE: PLANNING A SURVEY [10 marks]
Briefing for the Baboon Point Pedestrian Survey Crew
Good morning, team. Before we depart for our seven-hour pedestrian survey of Baboon Point in
Elands Bay, I need to brief you on the terrain, conditions, and necessary equipment. Our objective
is to locate archaeological material, specifically shell middens and cave sites, across the grid shown
in Addendum A (Google Earth, 2024).
The terrain here is exceptionally rugged and varied. According to the elevation profiles (Figures 2.3
and 2.4), we will traverse steep coastal cliffs, rocky headlands, and loose sandy dune fields (Google
Earth, 2024). The satellite imagery (Figure 2.2) indicates we will move through dense, low-lying
coastal scrub and fynbos. As seen in the field photographs, the surface is often covered in thick
vegetation, and the ground is uneven, requiring us to navigate carefully around excavated pits and
natural depressions (Addendum A).
Given the seven-hour duration, physical preparation is critical. Please wear long, durable hiking
pants and sturdy, closed hiking boots with good ankle support. The video transcript highlights the
dangers of inadequate gear, noting that wearing shorts while "freestyling" through dense bushes
without trails is a recipe for injury and discomfort (Video Transcript, 2024). We will be moving
through scratchy brush and over loose rocks, so exposed skin is not advisable. Bring a
wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and at least three litres of water per person. A lightweight
rain jacket is also wise, as coastal weather can change rapidly.
Finally, strict safety protocols apply. As the video transcript explicitly states, "you never walk alone"
(Video Transcript, 2024). Do not split from the group. If you find a site, mark it and call the
supervisor. Ensure you have your field notebooks, a trowel, and a small bucket for any preliminary
surface collections. Let’s stay hydrated, vigilant, and work together to survey this significant
landscape thoroughly (Study Guide, 2024:32-61).
