COUNTRIES VISITED Archives - Page 18 of 28

100 YEARS OF BMW

The German company, BMW, celebrated its 100th year in the industry around the globe in 2016. The Garden Route’s celebration ride took us towards the Knysna Heads view point for a photo shoot as part of BMW’s worldwide celebrations. The weather in George was gloomy, but we said that we will go so we kept our promise. On the bikes and off we go, we cannot miss this historic gathering because of a bit of rain! It was a nice leisurely ride to Knysna and the weather was holding. We thought that we were a bit early for the event, but on our arrival there were already some guys of the biking community waiting excitedly for fellow riders and friends to arrive. The weather turned out for the worse with some rain coming down, but the never ending stream of BMW bikes arrived in all shapes and sizes. – super… Read more >

A WHALE’S TALE

The whale tale is a land based look out point located in Fromosa Street Plettenberg Bay. It is also known as the Look Out viewpoint. From here you have breathtaking views over some never ending white beaches of Plett towards Keurbooms Beach with the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains as a backdrop. Blessed we are indeed to call this region my neighbourhood! During whale time (normally August – October depending on the mood of the whales of course) you can spot these majestic Southern Rights or Humpbacks frolicking just behind the surf. There is adequate parking near the tale and an easy surface to walk on for strollers and elderly people. To keep the little ones busy a photo shoot at the whale tale is a lot of fun and an alternative option to beach days. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sun and splendour of Mother Nature!

MALACHITE BIRD HIDE

If you follow the sturdy wooden walkway deep into the reeds you will stumble upon this tranquil birding spot on the northern shore of Langvlei in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park. Langvlei is part of the sensitive lakes system and is connected via the Touw river to Rondevlei and Island lake. Most of the times when you go there you will have the whole hide to yourself. Put up your feet, relax and enjoy the view. If you are a keen bird photographer this is a good spot to catch water birds early morning or in the late afternoon. Remember to check water levels beforehand as this will determine how close the birds will get to the hide. On our last visit we were lucky enough to spot some adorable Red-knobbed Coot hatchlings learning the ropes while their doting mothers keep a close eye on them…. Read more >

WHAT TO DO IN GEORGE

While blue skies and sunshine can turn into cooler cloudy weather in no time there will always be something to do in the George area. # 1 DOLPHIN’S POINT Maybe it is time to stop at Dolphin’s Point on the N2 to admire the scenic old train bridge that spans the dark waters of the Kaaimans river and enjoy the sweeping view towards Leentjiesklip. While standing at the viewpoint in the late afternoon you may have a surprise glimpse of the dolphins returning from their feeding grounds. CAUTION: This is at times a high mugging area – please be vigilant when moving around in this area Cost: Free fresh air! # 2 THE CHOO-TJOE The Transnet Museum with its trains from yester year revokes memories from my childhood when I fell asleep on the rhythmic clic-clac of the train’s wheels. This outing will keep the children, and the child in… Read more >

SOME LESOTHO FACTS

A trip to Lesotho country can easily be incorporated into a South African trip provided that you have your own vehicle with a good ground clearance, but preferably a 4×4 as the roads can become treacherous at times. Lesotho is not called the “mountain Kingdom” for nothing. Everywhere you travel you will encounter mountains, mountains and some more mountains in every shape and size. There is no way that you can avoid them when travelling so please take care on the narrow winding roads as you will also encounter men on horseback and pedestrians sharing the road with you. So be considerate. The highest dam in Africa is located here – Katse Dam – which also supplies water to Gauteng in South Africa. Please take care not to pollute any of the streams as this has a ripple effect. Due to the high altitude temperatures can suddenly plummet to freezing… Read more >

THE FINAL GOODBYE …

So the day of saying goodbye to Livingstone has arrived ….. Treasuring the last couple of hours with Livingstone the new super excited owner of our beloved 1962 Series II Landy was picked up in Livingstone (what else?) at the George Airport to meet his new love. Time was really running out …… we need to say a final goodbye. Livingstone was washed one last time by my Malawian garden keeper, who is always very proud to be entrusted with the Land Rover, before turning up for the final photo shoot. We knew that this hour will come, but all the while we were hoping from the bottom of our hearts for the slightest chance of NOT parting with Livingstone. Somehow reality was catching up on us. We were holding thumbs that Livingstone will find a really passionate new owner and we were fortunate enough to find him. Thank… Read more >

AN EMOTIONAL DECISION

This will not be a long post, but rather a reflection to capture the times we had with Livingstone. A very emotional decision was made last night to sell Livingstone. It is time to say goodbye to our beloved Landy. As I am writing this my eyes are filled with tears and my heart with a little bit of sadness … Both my husband and I got so attached to our daily drive with the dogs. Even the dogs associate the sound of the Landy and the jingle of the keys with their daily walk. I hope that we will find the right owner for Livingstone and that his new owner will be a real Landy lover and drive him with the necessary passion and respect. Go well Livingstone, you are leaving your oil marks in my heart ….