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Spots Visited |
A Brief Account |
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This is the unofficial photo gallery and account of the epic 2004 June trip up the east coast. It all began in the final week of June, when Simon and Tali departed Cape Town. After a few days in Natures Valley they were met by Grant, Erik and Rene. The latter three decided on the spur of the moment to depart on Friday arvie, and but for a close pedestrian miss in Knysna the trip was most pleasant. A full day in Nature's Valley was thus enjoyed by all, with numerous games and cards being played. Tali was the first to head home (to fly to Israel), whilst the remaining four headed on past P.E., through Grahamstown to the megalopolis of Hogsback. Brrr. It was chilly. After a frigid night in Hogsback -- where the canasta series resumed (Erik & Rene having to sleep on mattresses as a result) -- we drove to the beginning of the Amatola Hiking Trail. We had thus embarked on our 3-day adventure. Whooppee! The first day saw us climb up through dense forest -- on and on it went -- but we were rewarded with an impressive hut at the end of the day's toil. The hut, however, did not protect us from the bitter cold that persisted. Riks was particularly feminine in his complaining. The cards were gripping, with Si and Grant the ultimate dinner-makers (which was kak). The second day was long, but once again the hut was a welcome surprise. It was nestled in a pine forest, and boasted a lovely indoor fireplace. The canasta comeback also began... Day three was once again beautiful but tiring. A duel with a rogue cow was the highlight of the day, with the showdown occuring during lunch. Cold showers awaited for all at the modern hut. The last day of the hike was arduous indeed -- but good 'ol Mr Malgas came to the party and picked us up from the hut in his bakkie. What a bliksem. After the hike was completed a few more days were spent in Hogsback, before Erik and Grant had to return home to Cape Town to resume studying and working. In this time yet more cards were played, Euro 2004 footie watched and fine meals eaten. Simon and Rene continued on to the Wild Coast (along with Ruth, an Irish traveler), where Cintsa awaited. Well, more accurately: Buccaneers awaited. What a backpackers. Many interesting characters were met, some of which have made a lasting impression on us:
After a few days at this backpacker's paradise (and after we had abused offers of free breakfast and free papsak wine) we headed on to Coffee Bay, with Ruth still in tow. Here we stayed at Coffee Shack, a backpackers with a good reputation but little else. Highlights included the immaculate crayfish dinner and the ocean party. Whilst here we paid a visit to Hole in the Wall which is a wall with a hole in it. The furthest port (excuse the pun) of call was in the interesting town of Port St. John's, where we had hoped to stay at the Kraal, but instead stayed at Jungle Monkey's. Here we got to meet Jock, oops, Jack, and his girlfriend whose name can no longer be remembered. There is a fine hairdresser in P.S.J., for anyone interested: for just R15 your hair too can be pruned out of all recognisable shape. We finally returned home via the Wilderness, where we spent a night at Fairy Knowe. Si was no longer feeling too good, having only eaten sugar the whole day. |
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