Archives for October 2021

Strandfontein

We woke up to a bright cloudless morning.  We were going to go for a walk but it was just too hot.  We decided to go later on today.

We had agreed that today was going to be a rest day of just chilling and relaxing and give me time to catch up on my work and try to get up to date with my diary.

It was rather windy so mom decided to sit inside the van and work on her stamps to hand over to a dealer at the auction.  I was sitting outside working on my photos and diary. The heat today was mind blowing.  The weather forecast was going to be 39 degrees with high winds.  I think it might has been higher than 39 but not having a thermometre, we could not test it.  Mom was drying her face and I was trying to find a cool spot.

All of a sudden the wind changed and within seconds it was icy cold.  The wind came up and it turned icy cold and everything changed.  Mom thought I was being a wimp as I was complaining about the cold. Then she put her head out of the van and she then agreed….  Ouch its cold.

We both crawled back into the van, put on long trousers and jerseys and that is where we stayed.  The mist moved in as the day drew to a close.

So sadly there are no photos for today.  Lets hope tomorrow is a better day.

Groenriviermond – Doringbay

After a crazy cold night, we both woke up feeling rather drained. There was no comms, no electricity and a very dark night,  But we were safe and that is all that mattered.  We went back to the light house and there we met Sam and Busi from TransNet.  They took us into the lighthouse right to the top,  Such amazing people.  We said our goodbyes and left.

We had breakfast at the rivermouth and then headed out.  Another long day of sand roads, blazing heat and stunning, stark landscapes.

We are heading for Doringbay for my next lighthouse.  At long last the 2 lighthouses that I have stressed about have been ticked off the list.   Such a relief.

We arrived at Doringbay,  took the photo of the lighthouse.  We could not find accommodation in Doringbay so we headed back to Strandfontein to see what we cold find.  Back at Strandsfontein we found the Municipal Caravan Park which is really an amazing caravan park.

  I think we might stay an extra day.  I’m exhausted and kinda drained from the previous few days of long distances and long days.  Will see how we are tomorrow.

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Kimberly to Witsand

Today we left Kimberly for our trip to Witsand.  I have been here once before and I cant wait to go there again.

While I was planning this trip I found it on the map and decided that I have to include this place into my trip.  I need to take mom to see what I have seen.  I cant wait.

Driving there we had to cross over the Vaal River.  Sadly I was not able to see where the Vaal and Orange join but it was quite impressive.

The starkness of this area was really amazing. 

We turned off to Witsand and all of a sudden I saw the white dunes of Witsand.  An interesting sign of beware of warthogs.

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Bethlehem – Kimberly

Woke up this morning.  What a great night.  Headed to Dining room for breakfast.  Wow, what a breakfast.  We had to take a doggie bag with us.  Today we head for Kimberly and the big hole.

Arrived at Kimberly.  Went to look for a caravan park; the one was closed and they told us to go to the other one.  The other one well, lets just say, we did not feel comfortable there.  So we headed for the big hole to take some photos and then we will head out of town to Riverside Country Club and Caravan park.

The Big hole is now really for the international tourist,  Very expensive, but still interesting.  We were cheeky and tagged onto a guided group.  The guide was really interesting and told lots of stories,  we took our photos, walked around the town and left.

Arrived at Riverside Country Club.  Beautiful place.  Right of the Riet River.  Very peaceful place.  Very accommodating and lovely space.

(I will post more photos on the Big Hole in a few days time. )

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Pietermaritzburg – Bethlehem

After lots of talking, questioning ourselves …  Go, don’t go, maybe we go, maybe we stay …..  Don’t know what to do.  Then I took on a new post with my current employer, what do I do now.  So many questions and very few answers, we finally decided to go and hammer out the top country lighthouses as they are the most extreme and difficult ones to get to.

So the plan is to drive from Pietermaritzburg to Bethlehem (sleep), then to Kimberly – photograph Big Hole (sleep), then Witsand Nature Reserve (sleep 2 nights), Aughrabies Nature Reserve (sleep 2nights), onto Springbok (1 night), then to Port Nolloth.  Then head down the West Coast.

So today we left and decided to take the old R103 to Bethlehem.  We arrived in Bethlehem to find there was no caravan park.  Chatted to a few people and it was recommended we stay at a bed and breakfast – La Croche. 

 

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