TOUR 4 WESTERN CAPE FLOWERS

Our plans are as follows and are based on what we now know and will change as we find FLOWERS

On the road again on 19 August 2007 We head for Bloemhof dam as a one day trip from home.

Update

We left home at as planned at 09h00 and travelled via Potchefstroom until we got to the Rob Ferreira Resort recommended to us by Brother Ivan as it had a Spa.  We arrived to find it under major revamps by Protea Hotels and nothing was working including the ablutions which we only discovered after putting up camp.

Ena slept inside a tent with an electrical blanket and all, toasty warm.  There is an enclosure with Lions just outside the park.  Between the Lions roaring all night and the traffic on the road not much sleep was had by all.  This morning was freezing cold so Ena decided to have a bath.  Chocolate coloured water but at least it was warm. Reuben and |Steph decided to wait for a nice clean shower in Kimberley.

20 Aug   Kimberley

Arrived about 11h00 this morning and put up the side tent etc. All very smart and dandy.  Reuben wanted to pitch Ena's tent again but she said no ways.  She fell all over the ropes too many times last night. 

Reuben went to see the flamingos this afternoon and Steph and Ena had a snooze.

At the highest count they estimate 35 000 flamingos in the dam.  The Kamfer Dam is one of three breeding spots in Africa.  The Dam is also full of other bird life.

We were invited to dinner with Lyn and Pete (in-laws of Ena's daugther Rita).  Pete has a hobby of pickling olives that he started picking up from the sidewalks in Kimberley.  We also found out that apart from the olives also cures ham.

While we were talking and getting to know them we stood around in their lovely new kitchen and watched him and Lyn prepare out supper. Our starter was Parma Ham, Paw Paw with Rocket and Ginger with a dash of Lemon. After starters Pete got up to make herb chicken with mash parsnips or turnips (one of the nips) while we chatted to him from the table.  Lyn dashed off to go and prepare breakfast for the B and B guest.  We were served strawberries and some very fancy cheese for sweets. 

Ena had a coughing fit, Pete offered a puffer or one new lung.  We scored 3 tubs of Pete's homemade olives so we won all the way.

We had lots of lovely wine so we all slept well.

We plan to see the Big Hole and MacGregor Museum (old convent) on Tuesday 21st August. 

21August

Bacon, eggs, toast etc made by Reuben was our breakfast.  Off to the big hole.

 Fascinating stuff, saw lots of diamonds, cut & uncut in the vault.  There is a mock underground shaft (very noisy) with simulated blasts etc.  There is now a walkway partly over the big hole so all pretty  commercial. 

Visited MacGregor Museum (Ena use to attend the Holy Family Convents which is now the Musuem, but that also has changed. Very little convent memorabilia but more evolutionary type stuff.

When we arrived back at the caravan to find we were burgled. Stole mostly Reuben's stuff such as spotlights, Binoculars etc and Ena's cigarettes estimate R7500.00.

We will be off early tomorrow and not sure where we will overnight.

Enjoyed a lovely day except for the loss of a few things.

Reuben took a photograph of the first Namaqua daisy we saw in the Big Hole Caravan Park but we trust that we will be able to show lots more.

22 Aug   Prieska as a stop over only

From Ena

"What can I say about this Karoo.  This is a kite flying paradise.  Wind blows like crazy.  It has three strikes against it.  The grass grows from West to East at a 35 degree angle.  Do not buy Karoo lamb between Douglas and Prieska as you will get mad sheep's disease.  Even the birds are crazy. They build these huge thatched nests courtesy of Telkom poles.  Reuben says they are Social Weavers.  It must be a lot like sleeping at Rob Ferreira. One can only fly a kite from West to East the other way one would break two legs against the bent grass.  There are no trees and only flat topped hills once in a while".

We left Kimberley with a feeling of anger due to the loss of our goodies.  While filling up we asked the local for the best directions to Prieska.  He said "my Lanie" you go straight and you will get to Prieska.  After travelling for about 60 km we came across our next door neighbour of the night before and asked him for directions.  He said it is better to go back unless we wanted to do an additional 140 km round trip.  When we got to Prieska the ladies wanted tea and found the nicest little coffee shop where we think big deals are negotiated.  (This was what we eves dropped).  Reuben was spoilt with a bottle of Prieska's Pineapple Liquer.

We overheard a conversation that Die Bos Caravan Park was a real dive and we dediced not stop over at Prieska and headed for Britstown and finally headed for Victoria West for a stop over.

The locals told us to stay at Paradise Caravan Park on a farm 3 km out of town.  We were met by the owner who welcomed us. Once we had the caravan into position Steph went on an ablution inspection; what a pleasant surprise, neat and clean and everything a weary traveller needed.  We had Geese and Ducks come and inspect our caravan.  The farmer had an aviary of Parakeets and Ring Necks.  Giving the place a nice farm atmosphere.  After setting up Ena's tent and having supper the travellers crashed into bed.

From Ena "We are spending tonight at the Paradise Caravan Park.  I will probable sleep with the geese as they are about 5 metres away from my tent. Sitting in Reuben's dinky Pajero I had both saddle sores and concussion.  Will suck lots of wine so when I am concussed will not notice".

 The following morning we packed up and headed for Loxton, Carnarvon and finally Williston. We decided that we were very hungry and thirsty and found a coffee shop next to the filling station.  We were met by a little girl about 3 years old as well as her mom.  Our orders were placed and very soon the little girl settled down on Steph's lap to find out whether she had any lipstick, lip ice or nail polish.  She advised us to wait whilst she went to pack her things to come with us.  A pleasant lunch was served and we headed for Calvinia and on route to Nieuwoudtville.

23 Aug   Nieuwoudtsville (the bulb capital)

As we neared our destination we saw the clouds build up and realised that a cold front had caught up with us.  When we arrived in town the streets were a mud bath and it was freezing cold and we prayed that the caravan park would at least be dry.  We passed one caravan park that was in a vlei and stopped to check that that was not our park.  Very relieved we headed further uphill to the Municipal Park and parked on the hill.  When we got out of the vehicle we realised that it was freezing with a slight drizzle and wind.  This all made putting up the tent a major ordeal. We tried to switch on the aircon to heat up our van but it kept tripping the circuit breaker and we realised that we were in for a COLD night. Having succeeded with the side tent and Ena's bed made we had a quick supper and crawled into our beds.

"From Ena, Arrived at Nieuwoudtville calls itself the "Bulb Capital of The World".  It is raining, wind howling and I am seriously shivering.  Reub and Steph battle to erect the awning.  I am the peg and rope handed outerer in between shivers. It is seriously freezing.  We have now driven from East to West in this Northern Cape.  If it stood for Parliament would definitely not get my vote. The local matric's had their farewell dance and came out to the park for photo's. All the girls in their backless finery must have been seriously cold but they manfully displayed themselves to be photographed and sipped their Champagne. If the park is the most scenic place then this town is in trouble. There are some daisies and flowers here but nothing spectacular yet".      

 24 Aug

We set off for a farm called Matjiesfontein to see flowers.  What a wonderful and spectacular sight met us as we came over the hill to just see all the colours you could imagine.  We paid our entrance fees and went for a 12 km drive.  It took us more than 2 hours, many photo's as well as ooh's and aah's.

Back in town we decided to have Vetkoek with Curried Mince for lunch and bought some dried fruit and biltong as well. Upon our return to camp we met a couple and their friend who had just arrived from up north.  We were told that they saw beautiful flowers at Skilpad and Springbok.  We told them to go and visit Matjiesfontein and while we were chatting the lady said we should join them for sundowners.  What a nice couple, Andre and Joanne.

"From Ena, Steph cooked supper and it was bedtime once again. All the girls in their backless finery must have been seriously cold but the manfully displayed themselves to be photographed and sipped their Champagne. If the park is the most scenic place then this town is in trouble.

Went to Matjiesfontein and saw the flowers.  They are indescribably beautiful.  My kingdom for a spade.  As we moved from field to field the flowers changed from bulbs to daisies and so on.

We drove for about 10 km and were absolutely amazed at the splendour of all these flowers.  There are enormous slugs about 4 to 5 inches long that eat the flowers.  Hedgehogs also dig for bulbs but seem to be ecologically OK so the slugs must be as well".                

25 Aug

A round trip was recommended by one of the locals which we followed and saw a lovely waterfall and on to the Quiver Tree Forest.  We saw some more flowers but some of them different to yesterday's. 

 We stopped quite a few times and each time a new specie. We tried to visit the local bulb nursery only to be told that it is only open during the week. 

"From Ena, We went to the Quiver Tree Forest and saw more flowers.  Lloyd you keep your Q-trees they are seriously fugly.                                                           

We went for a walk in the park and saw new flowers that we had not seen before near a huge dam. Needless to say the poaching started.

This Namaqua place definitely gets my vote for Parliament.  Tomorrow we head down the pass to Vanrhynsdorp. Now when the Caravan turns renegade I am the first thing it will hit.  Don't know how much stopping power I have.  Met people last night who had travel the opposite way from ours.  We will be going to strange places, Goegab is one I can remember.  Reuben insist we stay at Pofadder, I refused but guess I am just the passenger. 

Reuben googles up a storm in order to download all the pictures for you to see".

26 Aug Vanrhynsdorp  

We tried our luck at the Vanrhynsdorp Caravan Park and were asked whether we had a reservation.  Of course we did not have a reservation so were politely told to move on to Vredendal.

Fortunately it was only another a 60 km hop and very soon we arrived at the Vredendal Municipal Caravan Park. 

The weather report said partly cloudy with light showers but we decided to take a chance without our side tent.  This decision was soon reversed and the side tent went up as one of the light showers arrived. We were relieved that the aircon did not trip the power so we were as warm as toast.  We caught up with all the local gossip in the bathrooms and went to bed to a few more showers during the night.

Ena says :"We had a long dusty trip all of 51 km to Vanrhynsddorp but the caravan park would not have us as we did not bespreek.  We then battled along for another 20 km to Vredendal.  This Western Cape like the North has no trees.  The only one's I have seen are man made.  We are also in the winelands, definitely my kind of country.  Reuben and Steph are off tomorrow to see the sea.  I am having a day off and will contemplate at length and be the security to keep everything safe. 

27 Aug  Lamberts Bay, Clanwilliam, Cedarberg and Klawer

After a pleasant breakfast we left our new found Security Officer (Ena) at home.  We took the dirt road to Lamberts Bay, despite the rain the road was in a very good condition.  Steph showed where she and a lot of ladies spent some time a couple of years ago doing a church outreach.  When we parked at the beach to go for a walk we were met by a Bergie who was keen to sell us some Crayfish which we gladly paid for.  Having seen all of Lamberts we set off for Clanwilliam.  Our first sighting was the Clanwilliam Dam that was 100% full and overflowing, what a lovely sight.  Driving down the main street felt like Dullstroom or Clarence over a long weekend, cars and people everywhere.  We parked in front of the old church to go and see the flower display which is hosted in the church (C Louis Leipoldt's father was one of the Dominees) annually to raise funds for the upkeep of the church. 

It certainly was well worth spending the money.  We had a light lunch at the nursery across the road from the church and then to information, where we were told which route to take to do the Cedarberg Pakhuis Pass.  We then visited the Ramskop Gardens (these are irrigated in the dry season so that one can at least see flowers in the area).  Yet again, well worth it and could even buy some seeds as well as chat to very friendly people.  Pakhuis Pass here we come.  About 17 km up the pass we come across C Louis Leipoldt's grave which had some fresh flowers on it.  When we got to the top of the pass we could see miles into the valley.  We turned back and took a short detour to see a stone formation that look just like a soldiers head. 

A few metres further the shape had changed and was now just a rock.  The rain came down as we set off for Klawer and finally Vredendal.  The Security Officer was happy to see us and everything was safe and sound. 

Ena says: "Reuben & Steph are back.  We had the most beautiful dinner, Steak, Chips and Crayfish. Yum yum and off to bed.  Breakfast at Wimpy thanks to Ena, bought Beanies and visited the wine co-op.  My box said Goiya, a well travelled wine.  Was bought by a well travelled person. 

We will be in Kamieskroon (it exists, my cell phone says so) for the next four nights.  We are next door to the local Police Statsion and Prison.  These oaks are very busy, arrested at least 5 people from the Hotel Off Sales over the weekend.  Across from the caravan park is a small holding, the farmer and his mate walked up the road with about 20 bleating little goats following.  They think they will be lead to their mothers,  but are weaned with no other goats in sight.  My tent is facing the mountains so I will have a wonderful view in the morning.  On the way here sign post left Spoegrivier to the right Handjieskraal and further along a farm called Moedverloren, not surprised not even one tree planted.  To the left of the road miles and miles of flowers.  To the right mountains with strange bear rings almost as though they had Chickenpocks. Another mystery to ponder". 

28 Aug Kamieskroon

Ena says : "Woke up with the Sparrows early this morning courtesy of early leavers and Cocks crowing.  Watched a satellite coming over the mountain and then much later the sun.  Most amazing cloud covers as it slowly arose. Went to Namaqua National Park (Skilpad) and saw lots of beautiful flowers and even stole some. The ladies had a warning set up just for them...beware.

  My brains were 'geskud' within an inch of their lives.  We were told about a crooked toilet next to a rusty lorry and also 'die Jood se graf'.  Rumour has it that the young Jewish gentleman had fallen in love with a 'Boeremeisie' and pappa said 'no ways'.  Distraught he decide to end his life. Thirteen years before the current town was founded. We took the 4X4 route to Soebatsfontein and did not see much more than was to be seen in the main park. On the way back from the park we passed the Kamieskroon Hotel.  We needed empty beer boxes for the flowers that mysteriously appeared in the Pajero (Shorty).  We asked the owner of the hotel about the Jewish grave but he did not know. He said the previous owner's son had just been.  Reuben tracked them down and we set off with them following to find the grave of Aaron Brodie died January 9th 1911.  It is a solitary grave near a big outcrop of rock.  It was and Uncle, Niece and her American husband.  We discussed caravanning, Yanks call them winnibagos.  Kevin, the husband was very interested but South African wife a proper Cougal.  We parted good friends and exchanged e-mail addresses with promises to contact each other".

30 Aug Garies, Hondeklipbaai, Soebatsfontein Garies and eventually turned off on a dirt road and headed for Hondeklipbaai, a old Copper Ore mine.  We stopped off at a memorial that was set up in 1923.  A few kilometers later in a bend in the road we came across a whole lot of Egyptian Geese in the water when Steph got out and strolled amongst the flowers.   She came across a young Tortoise that had burrowed his way underneath a Vygie. He was photographed from all angles and left to go his own way.  Whilst we set of on the shaky road for the sea. 

A few kilometres later we came over a rise and saw the sea and a mist bank rolling in.  By the time we arrived the mist had covered the town and one could not even guess that there was a town.

We went to see the wreck of the Artemis.  We met up with a lady walker strolling along the shore road quite a few km from town.  Had a quick look at town only to find that the place was very derelict.  One of the local touched us for a donation to give his child some food as there were no work to be found.  We had a casual drive back home to check on our Security Guard Ena.

31 Aug Kamieskroon

Ena says : "Went to Leliefontein to see more flowers.  The screwdrivers is getting very slick at liberating flowers.  Have even bought some flowers.  Three March Lilies, Reuben and I will have to arm wrestle for the third.  We arrived back at camp and just relaxed but not for long.  At one of the many gates that poor old Steph had to open and close we came across a wild cat in a snare, the gate was locked and we had no equipment to deal with and had to leave it there and the sight upset us terribly.

The whole of the Netherlands rocked up in hired mobile homes.  The first arrivals had an argument in where the "tou" must go.  No sign of ropes so presumably they were arguing about the electric cable.

No hot showers tomorrow so we will take our dirty bodies off to Springbok where they have a 4 star caravan park.  Tonight I am wearing my black Beanie, a navy and white striped top and brown cords. To improve on Ena's colourscheme Stephani decide to wear her Phuket hat it's something like Joseph's Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Needless to say the hat won the colourful prize. Reuben has told us that it is over 1200 km from Sprinkbok to home.  We have decided to stay in this treeless place as it is far to far to travel.

I am scheming how to buy Karoo Lamb to take home but suspect I have a dog's change and none.

The Hollanders have all gathered for wine and socialising in the T-shirts.  Hope these buggers don't get to rowdy.

Reuben is putting a monetary on all these mobile homes they have GP number plates and estimate about R7.5 million. 

1 September.

After a good shower and breakfast we bid Kamieskroon farewell and set off for Springbok. We again saw plenty of flowers on the way. Ena was after some Karoo lamb so we pulled in at the local butcher and got two big legs for the next family get together. Having done this we set off for the long trip back home. It is 1297km as per the map to home.

The road is rather boring so we all got involved in our thoughts and just saw the kilometers go by. We traveled as far as Augrabies falls and spent the night. Went for a stroll in the evening however it was still so warm that Ena decided to rest up while Reuben went further. Saw a double water fall which I had never seen before. Ena reported that the big Baboons were sitting on the rocks keeping a watch over her.

Having had a nice rest and breakfast we set off for a last look at the falls before our next leg of the homeward journey. The trip was the same as the day before hot and long. We spent the night at a place called "Red sands" outside Kuruman. The sand was red and soft and got in every where. Ena was again in to the aloes and after some begging for the screwdriver  it was  off into the dark  we went to remove them into the caravan. Ena advised that these were specially for Hilton who is mad about aloes.

ET GO HOME

The morning routine was now so slick as we had had plenty of practice and each member knew what was their's to do. Check lights flickers brake lights and off we go on the last leg of what was a fantastic trip and we can urge all to at least do it once in your lift time.

We met with the Johannesburg traffic and all agreed that it was time to turn back. Who needs all the noise and rude drivers and the stress that it causes. At home at last and now we start the clean up and claim from insurance so that we can replenish and start planning our next trip. We hope to go to Namibia , Caprivi Botswana and Zambia and it should start on the 25th Sept. and finish at the end of Oct. You can follow that one in the next report.

Thanks for spending some time with us and good bye for now.