The weekend’s tour was absolutely terrific, if you live in the beautiful garden route and have the opportunity to travel the area like we do, we know we have to SMILE; you don't get better than this.
We were 13 vehicles for this FWDCSA (four wheel drive club of South Africa) garden route trip, most of which were guests from the 4x4 Community Forum some from as far away as PE. A self sufficient pioneer expedition where some bush clearing was done, no toilet or shower facilities, if you knew how to use a spade then you did great.
We all arrived at Burchells, Katot’s farm driving in a convoy. I love convoy’s they make me feel a part of a bigger picture. Katot gave his historical run down of the route to follow, the conservancy area and the people we were to meet and those too much of a recluse to avoid.We make our way to Williamsburg Farm where the trail begins; we will backtrack and sleep the night on Burchells, but on the other side of the mountain.
Through the mountains we made our way on a winding track going up steep inclines and down steep descents, through huge engulfing protea over rock and river, feeling like a pioneer waiting for the next turn or obstacle and or a vehicle stuck in the mud, to think that oxwagens used this road long ago!
As we stop and help each other through obstacles you can hear the camera’s going like video games everyone afraid to lose a great shot.
The nights camping was awesome, in the mountain with the full moon so close you could almost touch its smiling face. The smell of fynbos tickling my nose forcing me to take a deep breath, filing my lungs with pure joy. Laughter and the smell of boerewors floating through the air like a gift from the Gods, the mountains closing in around us as the night falls darker and Mother Nature gives us a hug.
Bright and early with the rising of the sun, you can hear the movement of people wanting to embrace the cool morning air, the smell of bacon and eggs entering the tent made me decide to step out and greet the 360 degree view.
Once packed up and ready to go we gathered around Katot for the briefing of the day’s events and off we go into the wild. Following the valley through a side slope and then on to a rather tricky river rock crossing up and down over the valley until we cross the Prince Alfred Pass.
We reach an entrance made usable by Katot with a rather large cutter. We came down through a valley and reached Keurbooms River Game Trails, Hennie gives us the fascinating history of his game farm and packs the children onto his vehicle and we head of through the farm. We approach the river crossing looking down then your eyes follow the steep daunting trail that heads up and out of the river. Once out and onto the Plateau, WOW what an amazing feeling of peace and tranquility, this one day must be where my house will be.
Temperatures reaching 48 degrees Celsius, after hours through the valley we reach an inviting spectacular river beckoning us for a swim, with no twist of the arm we shelter ourselves under the shade of many trees and fall into the water. After lunch a sleep and some book reading we head for the nights camp.
What a treat, while traversing the trail to reach the camp before sundown, we saw Burchells Zebra, Eland, Bushbuck and lots of others (I must learn the names of) and LEOPARD (only joking) wishful thinking, though they are known to visit the farm.
To my surprise we reach a wonderful green paradise, rolling lawns and a quests cottage with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and valley. Here we set up camp on soft lush green tiers and what a delight a bush shower and long drop toilet, very much unexpected.
A large fire is made on the round stone braai area, for a communal evenings chat and entertainment.
Juan’s potije took longer than expected but those who took the time to wait were spoiled to no end. My pot bread being part of the excitement turned out really well considering all I did was stick dough in a black pot and everyone else took care of it. Thanks to Juan who made jam and butter available it made the bread so much nicer.
The talking went on late into the night and early morning, while the moon hung close and took care of the lighting.
A few vehicles left for home the next morning with teenagers having to get ready for exams, a reminder that our bliss was slowly coming to an end.
The rest of us packed up and geared up for the final stretch of our adventure.
Through the forest we go, getting lost was not part of the plan, however we did, stopping to take photos of the baboon man’s house, this huge monstrosity of wattle weave and wire mesh keeping the baboons out of his abode, with vegetable gardens and all, looking nicely self sufficient to me, we take the wrong turn following a few other vehicles that had done the same.
After much speculation from MacGyver next to me, we find our convoy and head out of the forest into the most magnificent protea filled valley with deep ravines and spectacular mountains and hills without a cloud in the sky.
As we drive down the trail opens up to the most sticking wooden house with breathtaking views on a clear day you can see over to the crags of Plettenberg Bay, we have arrived at Dave and Pauline’s whose farm is the most remote.
We all get out greeting them, they welcome us in for a tour of their home and cottages, and we take a peek over their balconies down the ravine, which takes you to the river below. I’m sure the eagles fly here.
We are now heading out of the valley down and down we go heading for the dirt road that will be the end of our Journey together. One of the vehicles has a breakdown, which gets towed for awhile before deciding to start again and continues down the sandy road.
I say my goodbyes, it is always sad to end an adventure with people you may never see again.
MacGyver, Gideon and I finish our day with lunch at Burchells and then head of home.
Thanks to all for a wonderful enjoyable weekend.
Karina
More photo's to follow!!
