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GEORGE BOTANICAL GARDENS

Hello 2017! It is cold and wet outside; unlike our usual summery weather for January. It feels like winter already and my memory takes me back to our walk with the dogs in the Botanical Gardens on a sunny New Years day which was only a few days ago. To be precise five days ago! As we were wandering in the Gardens on the first day of the year I was praying for rain. I have never seen the Gardens so dry in my 20 odd years living in the area. Gone was the typical dampy smell of rotten leaves and fallen trees that I fell in love with. But today, today the rain has arrived and I am grateful. Entry to the Gardens is no longer free. They are now charging a small entrance fee (R10 per person; dogs still no charge) towards the upkeep and improvement of the… Read more >

BITES @ THE BREWERY

Since it is the festive season we all were feeling a bit laid back so we decided to treat ourselves with something nice. And the perfect place for this? At Bites inside the Robertson Brewery in Memorium Street! This is one of the places right on our doorstep, but that we have never visited before. So off we go – not for a beer but for a milkshake. I must admit it does sound a bit strange to have a milkshake at a brewery, but it worked for me. I had a Take a Break (stuffed with some chunks of KitKat), hubby enjoyed a Nutcracker (smothered with Nutella) and the not so little one had an Astrophysics (you guessed it – filled with lots of Astros). Perusing the menu I was quite surprised at all the delicious and tempting dishes on offer. You can indulge in an Elvis Presley breakfast,… Read more >

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 >