COUNTRIES VISITED Archives - Page 16 of 28

DE BAKKE, MOSSEL BAY

How many times I was wondering about how and where the name “De Bakke” originated as in most older names there must have been some significance in the naming of the place. The other day, while on a geocaching spree, I got my answer and this is the story of this piece of history that survived development: The early farmers of the area used to rest their animals at the large drinking troughs called waterbakke and the stage coaches apparently stopped here to water their horses before taking on the long haul to the town of George or over the Outeniqua mountains into the Karoo. Although rust is setting in, one of these big iron troughs are still to be seen at De Bakke and was used until 1949. Check it out at: S 34° 10.381 E 022° 07.770

AUTUMN

Autumn must be my favourite time of the year! I love the rich tones of autumn, the leaves silently falling to the ground and forming a thik carpet and the rustling of the leaves when the dogs walk over it. In South Africa we have a tendency to rake up all the leaves – which my Malawian gardener is very good at by the way – to have a spotless garden in contrast to the European style where you get a leaf wonderland in autumn. Although I am a hardy South African I rather prefer the European image of a picture dotted with beautiful leafs. Winter is slowly creeping in on us. The days are getting shorter and chillier. Very soon it will be time to get the fire going in the hearth, tuck in with a glass of red wine and a nice book. —oOO— Autumn is a second… Read more >

PRANCING HORSES

The first thing I noticed when we arrived in town is the massive prancing horse, surrounded by red roses, on the roundabout. Welcome in Maranello! As we went in search for a bed for the night – that does not cost you an arm and a leg – your senses are overwhelmed with the red factor on the streets. This is Ferrari territory! Getting an appropriate place to sleep took us a wee bit longer than usual as every so often when a red Ferrari, with that distinctive growl, shoosh past us hubby will freeze in his steps. Then after recovering from his frozen stance we moved a couple of steps forward just to get stopped in our tracks to gawk at another flamboyant red racer with that unmistakable sound. Sensory overload par excellence! The next day we went in search of Pista di Fiorano, the race track which is… Read more >

KAROOBOOM

Hit the road and pay this establishment on the famous Route 62 a visit. Driving in the direction of Cape Town it is approximately 33 km from the ostrich town of Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo on your left-hand side. When you see this old car you know you have found it. Coordinates: 33°33’24.8″S 21°53’07.2″E It was a nice and interesting Sunday morning breakfast run with the Garden Route BMW Motorcycle Club which ended at the Karooboom. The wind was really huffing and puffing when we left George along the Outeniqua pass where we had to hold on to the bikes. As soon as we reached the Waboomskraal valley the wind subsided and it was just a beautiful Karoo day. Today we followed the back roads via Kandelaarsrivier and De Hoop and so did the rain clouds. As we pulled in at Karooboom the heavens opened on us – time… Read more >

THE GOOD OLD PAPER MAP

Why still a hard copy map? Yes, yes, yes I know all the modern technology is available – and I do own a GPS and a smart phone with navigational abilities, but I still love a good old map with all those red lines connecting places. You see this is where the practical me jumps in again. I like it because: There is nothing more rewarding when you are planning a trip than to spread out the map on the table and say that is where I want to go. Yes, yes, I know the GPS shows me where I want to go, but sometimes we get so blinded by tunnel vision focussing on what the GPS tells us what to do that we do not actually know where we are in the bigger picture. Driving in town that is fine, you can just replace/recharge the batteries or plug into… Read more >

MAMILI (NKASA RUPARA) IN THE CAPRIVI

Although Namibia is normally associated with arid and harsh conditions this park has lush green marshes so be prepared for many water crossings on your visit. The water levels vary according to the amount of rain, but even in the “dry season” you will still encounter a fair amount of water with some inaccessible areas. In the “wet season” you will be very limited as to where you will be able to drive due to flooded areas and that infamous black turf. This is a 4×4 only park where off road driving experience is very much needed. No camping is allowed in the park, but there is a community campsite (flush toilets and hot water provided from a donkey, no electricity) situated just outside the park boundary. There are only six campsites, of which one was not in use due to a fire that gutted the structure, when we visited. … Read more >

AT THE WATERHOLE

Plan your trip and times and choose a waterhole where you want to spend some time. The best time to observe the activity at a waterhole is early morning or late afternoon when the animals come for a drink. You may see different animals at different waterholes as the vegetation may differ considerably – be choosy. When approaching the waterhole drive slowly as to make the less possible noise and dust when arriving. If you arrive in a fanfare the animals and birdlife will be gone before you even know it. We are all there to have a once in a life time experience! Be considerate and pick a spot where you will not obscure the view of other people already present. Wait your turn. They were there first and we all want to experience the animals. After all that is what we all are there for. Go prepared. Take… Read more >