Garden Route Archives - Page 2 of 4

BROWN HOODED KINGFISHER TRAIL

Situated on a gravel road close to Island Lake, Wilderness this is an easy to medium rated walk (depending on the water levels) which even the small ones in the family will be able to cope with. The entrance to the walk reminds me about stories of fairies and gnomes, but decide for yourself. We tackled the route in peak summer and even then the lush 2.5 km (5 km return) trail, which follows the course of the Duiwe River, provided enough shade for a nice walk. The entire route is clearly marked with blue markers and is easy to follow. There are a few river crossings which normally are very easy with no need to take your shoes off, but do take care over wet slippery rocks when traversing the streams – unless you want to cool down; which is also not a bad idea! While walking be alert… Read more >

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 >

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 >

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 ….

HISTORIC MONTAGU PASS

The historic Montagu pass is situated in my town’s backyard . When you take the N12 from George towards Oudtshoorn you will find the sign to turn right onto a gravel road. Calm down and don’t be in a hurry when following this road. It is very narrow with only single lane traffic possible and no trailers, caravans and trucks are allowed and just a special warning: it is popular with mountain bikers coming down hill at great speeds! At several occasions we narrowly missed these projectiles. I swear that they do not have nerves or they are so high on adrenaline that they do not think straight …. Travelling with a 1962 Landy we do not have a choice other than to go slow, very slow and enjoy the ever changing views of the Outeniqua mountains covered in all shades of green, purple and pink as the flowers… Read more >

GET a FIX

This little gem is tucked away in a quiet space next to the Botanical Gardens at the top end of Caledon Street, George. This is a child friendly venue where kids have fun (and milkshakes) while moms wander through the nursery and afterwards sip on their coffee. In summer the children play under leafy green trees while the Outeniqua Mountain watches over them, but being winter and rainy a Bedouin style tent was erected to provide some protection against the elements. The menu at Get a Fix is small, but still provides a good choice to everyone. Why do I like it? Because dogs are welcome too here. While you are having your coffee you can hook up your dog’s leash at your table and they will even provide a fresh bowl of water to your best friend. Oh yes, and they have a loyalty card program for their regular… Read more >

THE FOUNDER OF KNYSNA

Knysna is synonymous with the history of woodcutters, silk farmers and gold diggers made famous by Dalene Matthee in her books about Knysna and the forest. And probably the most colourful character of Knysna is the famous (or maybe not) George Rex who was the founder of this pretty little town loved by many. George Rex was rumoured to have been the illegitimate son of George III (Prince of Wales at the time) and a Quaker girl, Hannah Lightfoot. The legend is that he was sent to the Cape Colony to avoid a Royal embarrassment. Rex, who settled on the farm Melkhoutkraal, also contributed to the economy of Knysna as he was a timber merchant and trader and played a major role in the development of the town and the surrounding area. Whilst the grave is no great sight to behold, it can be found close to the N2 and… Read more >

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