Aug 19 Eastern Cape Garden Route

So a business trip up to Jeffreys Bay and we decided to make a few days of it and catch up with friends along the way.

Left Cape Town very early and due to the problems of social unrest on the N2 around Somerset West we were surprised to discover that to Swellendam was merely 7 Km’s more via Paarl, The Huguenot Tunnel – Ashton and down back to N2 at Swellendam. It was bitterly cold and the morning brought patches of thick fog. The other drivers on the road had supreme faith in a benign superior being, hopefully looking after them ! I was over-taken in thick fog patches frequently and even by an Isuzu Bakkie towing a caravan – one dreads to think –

Oh well we survived – We stopped off at the aloe shop on the N2 and it was a welcome break

Once all the maniacs had gone it was an easy drive and we arrived at Ebb & Flo SanParks Campsite Wilderness – always nice to be back here –

The ever elusive Loerie, so difficult to capture, well for me at least !

Peace & Tranquility

Braai Time

And so to Jeffreys Bay, surf capitol of South Africa – what happened to this quiet little village with just a few shacks ?! Unbelievable – it has to be said that Wavecrest, right on the beach, has to be the place to stay; which is exactly where we stayed – for the rest the town is just properties cheek by jowl with no sense of architecture, just a sprawling untidy mass. With the inevitable shopping malls.

The views from where we stayed are fantastic and sorry for all the sunrise pictures but each is special in its own way. That said the morning sun boring into the house must be very unpleasant at the height of summer – air con, which this place had, is a must.

Sunset

Sunrise coming……….

and when it rises it waits for no man……..

And the Moon still up there hanging in.

Sunrise in the house – check those colour tones

Slatted view of the horizon

Leaving Jeffreys Bay and heading for Storms River – Layby

The Ocean at Storms River SanParks Camp

The road out and up from Storms River

Detour down to Nature Garden Village to avoid the Toll booths on the N2, a pleasant drive with lovely views.

Down at The Heads in Knysna

Back at Ebb & Flo – Wilderness

Victoria Bay near George like an English seaside resort only better !

5 Minutes past paradise – Victoria Bay

Victoria Bay from the hilltop campsite

Out Of George down through Pacalsdorp; dirt road down to the sea again, at the Gwaiing River Mouth – 10 people there – really nice & secluded.

Under the N2 at The Kaaimans River

Is this what life becomes ? As we get older its just the boxes that get smaller ? – not for me – New development up in the hills above George – no sense of proportion, just shove ’em all into a Walled & Gated area – dreadful – shocking in fact.

Rent-a-Garden – you ring we bring LOL

Last Night at Ebb & Flo – Wilderness down on the beach –

It’s a birds life……..

It has to be said that this was a lovely trip all in all and when the crowds are not around this makes all the difference. A really nice break and some easy business done.

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