So, what is a turn table all about?

Or before we go there, why am I writing about a turn table of all things under the sun?  Because I think it is worthwhile to write about it as it is not something often seen in South Africa.  I discovered this one by accident in the beautiful town of Knysna, next to the waterfront at an almost forgotten spot next to a parking lot.    On your next visit in Knysna head over to this GPS location to see it:  S 34° 02.393 E 023° 02.654 .

According to Wikipedia a railway turntable is a device for turning railway rolling stock, usually locomotives, so that they can be moved back in the direction from which they came. This is especially true in areas with economic considerations or with a lack of sufficient space.

Sadly, this is one of the features that became defunct when the Outeniqua Choo Choo stopped to operate between George and Knysna due to flood damages to the railroad. 

I also think there are not many countries in the world where you still find a train turn table.  Do you know of one?  It will be nice to see where in the world you can still find these structure so leave a location in the comments section and let’s see if we can build a trial of turn tables around the world. 

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It was time to broaden our horizons and travel to Knysna for the experience.  And what an experience it was!    The setting at The Cabin at Simola was exquisite with a view over the estuary to the one side and the haunting beauty of the Knysna forest on the other side, while sipping on some handcrafted gin. Life cannot get any better!

The story of how the husband and wife team of Karel and Chantal started off in Worcester distilling gin in their living room to where they arrived at the name of Phantom for their gin is truly an inspiring story interlocked with all the mysteries the Knysna forest has to offer.  This includes the effort they had put in to create a gin that reflects the dark waters at Jubilee Creek to the elusive Phantom moth, that you will only find when you know where to look for it. This is also the in the logo on the bottles. 

The whole process from start to finish was explained in layman’s terms from how and where they acquire the juniper (worth mentioning that only the best is imported from Italy) and other local botanicals, the distilling process, the colouring of the gin to the pairing of lime, ginger and rosemary. 

To compliment this experience the speaker of the night was none other than the interesting personality of Gareth Patterson, currently residing in the town of Knysna, and an avid wildlife protector and activist.   He reflected on his life and work, starting with his story in Kenya when working closely with George and Joy Adamson.  He also enlightened the audience about his odyssey to uncover some myths and (un)truths about the Knysna forest elephants after the recent Carte Blanche episode on the same subject.  If you listened carefully, and know the forest, he secretly gave away some hints where the elephants roam in the forest.   Gareth is such a down to earth person with an outstanding passion for especially lion and elephant in his heart.   To hear about his passion and personal views on the elephants watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeXm3NvhF_Y 

It was indeed an interesting experience and it is an enriching experiencing to attend their next gin tasting presentation.  Have a look at their website http://www.phantomcraft.co.za.  They are also busy on Instagram and Facebook.  So, head over there and press the like button to receive the freshest news from the gin bottle!

The elusive Knysna elephants, the tannin coloured waters and the rarely seen Phantom moth truly captures the spirit of Knysna!

The expert says:

Gin: You will have less of a hangover the next day if you drink good quality gin

Elephants:  Do not go and search for the elephants, they will come and find you if they want to

—oOo—

The elephant never gets tired of carrying its tuskk — African Proverb

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The Knysna Literary Festival, hosted by Pam Golding, celebrated its 10^th year in 2019.  Although living around the corner from Knysna I never even knew this festival existed.  So, what do you learn?  That you are never too old to discover new things.   Sounds a bit like travelling to me; you keep on discovering new things.

The two lovely ladies of the Travelbucket team was invited to the event where Tony was speaking at the Knysna Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa on Thesen Island in Knysna. The invite to attend was extended as personal guests of him, even though I only met him the Friday before the event! 

Apart from being an author who researches his books extensively he is also very concerned about nature and the conservation thereof.  He works closely with various groups in this field and checks and re-cheks his facts with organizations like Rhino Revolution in Hoedspruit Rhino Revolution who knows their stuff and are passionate about what they do.  Taking the lead and posing questions were Andrew from the Game Ranger Association, accompanied by his dog Tuli (like in Tuli Madonsela) who, is also a celebrity on her own, in what she contributes to the conservation scene.

Like Tuli there are more canine heroes out there.  Did you know that in Skukuza camp in the Kruger National park there is a memorial garden for the hard-working dogs of the Kruger? (Browse the site for more on this).

Even though he is a very  successful writer, and has travelled the world, he is very modest and, as he calls it, “always appreciate it when people show up when he speaks”.  How can you not show up to listen to this interesting character, doing a Parkrun (ending in third place overall) in the morning, rocking up a few hours later and speaks passionately about a variety of topics ranging from dog breeds to the war in Afghanistan, travelling, a Land  Rover and ending up with conservation?   On top of that he still thinks of throwing in some tips on writing as well.

This was also the opportunity to obtain a signed copy of the newly released book “The Scent of Fear”.  It is Tony’s 16^th creation on Africa and its wildlife intermingled with a dog flavor.  A lot of the research for the book was done
with the help of Canines for Africa (www.K94A.org).   I have to catch up on some reading on my next trip!

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However, there are small towns with tons of history dating back hundreds of years.  And then there are churches with unique architecture and some interesting history on the why, what and how it came about. 

With its rich history and influences from the Dutch, French and English, who all reigned South Africa at some period in the early years, you can just imagine the different church styles that came about.   Each church structure tells a story.  One can feast on some fascinating stories that at times can be humorous or a bit shocking, this includes that has been set alight by deranged persons and destroyed by fire, and steeples collapsing. 

Looking up the history of all the churches and paying a visit to it is a travel destination in itself.    

DR Colesberg (NC) – 1863

Colesberg is one of those towns that you normally zip by and just stop at one of the many filings station next to the N2 to buy something cold for the road, use the bathroom and fill up with fuel.  Next time take ten minutes and  drive through the town.    You will notice that many of the town’s buildings are preserved very well.  One example is the DR Church which dates back to 1863.

Like many other church building the competition to design the church was won by George William Smith but it was not built to his design.

When you look up you will also notice that there is a red rooster on the roof of the church indicating the wind directions. 

Coordinates:
30°43’23.04″ S 25°05’43.88″ E Alt: 1383m

DR Church Uniondale (WC) – 1866

You will notice that the tower has the inscription “herbouw in 1908”. This is because the original sandstone tower was unable to withstand the strain of the swinging action of the heavy church bells when they were rung.  These huge bells are now mounted on a wooden beam and the time every half hour.

During the 1974/1975 the weights keeping the heavy bells in place in place, came loose and fell right through the wooden floor at the bottom.  After this mishap measures were taken to protect the floor from another mishap and metal plates were installed below the bells on top of the wooden floor. 

If you look closely you will notice the there is only three clock faces.  But why?  Well, the one side faces the mountains and who on earth needs to the know the time when they are up there? 

Then there is also a rumour that the clock goes faster during the cold winter months and tends to be a bit sluggish during the hot summer months.  Please share your comment if this rumour is not a rumour, but a fact! 

DR Church Winburg (FS)

)

Next time when you are travelling on the N2 take the turn-off to Winburg.  It is not much of a town, but it has a beautiful sandstone church in the centre of town and is quiet easy to find.  Just follow the spire – there is no high rise buildings in Winburg …..

“The European community of Winburg is famous for the differences in political heritage. The town was divided into two camps, due to their support to either the South African Party of General Jan Smuts, or the National Party of Dr Daniel François Malan. This led to the division of the Dutch Reformed Church into two separate congregations, Klip Kerk (Stone Church, because it was built from sandstone) and which was the original church for the Dutch Reformed Church and Rietfontein Kerk. Bitter feuds were fought between supporters of the two parties.” (Extract from Wikipedia)

Coordinates:
34°01’03.63″ S 20°26’47.52″ E  

DR McGregor (WC)  – 1904

This is another beautiful  Hesse design tucked away in the Breede River region dating back to 1904.

Coordinates:
33°56’56.82″ S 19°49’38.99″ E

DR Church Swellendam (WC) – 1910

Cape Dutch gables, Gothic windows, Renaissance entrances, and a Baroque spire combined into one building.  Also the work of Folkert Wilko Hesse and his son Francois.     This church’s spire was once removed with a helicopter to do some repair work on it!  Must have been great a commotion when this happened in the town of Swellendam. 

Mary Myrtle Church in Bonnievale (WC) – 1921

The only church in the world believed to be built on the request of a child! This was a special request to her father before her death.

The floor is made of marble from Italy the stained glass windows comes from England, the main door from Zanzibar (made originally for a jail and over 300 years old), the side doors out of wood from Knysna.

DR “Moedergemeente”, George (WC) – 1842

There is also a story concerning my home town’s church.

Due to lack of funds it took more than 12 years to construct the church building at a cost of between R24 000.  On Wednesday, 13 September 1905, at five o’clock in the morning disaster struck. 

‘n Geweldige ramp die gemeente getref toe die kerktoring op Woensdag 13 September 1905, om vyfuur die oggend ineengestort het. Reën wat in die loop van jare by die oopstaande vensters van die toring ingedryf is, het die houtwerk ongemerk laat verrot en die mure sodanig verswak dat dit nie bestand was teen die swaar neerslag wat op 11 September begin en op 13 September reeds sowat 10 duim gemeet het nie. 

The tower was reconstructed under the supervision of architect Hesse who was by now a well-known figure in the church building arena.

Coordinates:
33°57’22.25″ S 22°27’47.33″ E

And I am off to find some more interesting churches with interesting stories. You are welcome to let us know in the comments sections when you spot a church with an interesting story.

You can find some more interesting stories under the post about a Sophy Gray church in the blog post called St George, Church, Knysna http://travelbucket.co.za/st-george-knysna/?hilite=%27belvidere%27

— We will never change the world by going to church – We will only change the world by being the church —

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Along the route you will find a couple of picnic spots with the beautiful names like Valley of Ferns, Ysterhoutrug and Diepwalle.  In the shade of some indigenous trees at Ysterhoutrug picnic spot you can light a fire for a braai as there are designated areas.  This is also a good stop for the children to stretch their legs as there are basic toilet facilities and water tanks to wash their hands.

When you arrive at the top you can, on a clear day, enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding area.  If you know the area you can identify the Knysna Heads as well as some other features like Robberg towards the Plettenberg Bay area. Take note that on a rainy day Spitskop will be covered in clouds and mist and you will not be able to enjoy the view.

But you will ask why  is this spot important?  In the woodcutters’ era Spitskop used to be a fire station manned by an Italian, Guiseppe Sciocatti, who kept a beady eye on fires in the area.  Guiseppe was one of the descendants of Italian immigrants that was lured to the forest to farm with mulberries in a silk trade venture, but things did not work out well for the Italian families.  Yet another interesting story for another post.

If you put the following (S 33° 54.723 E 023° 08.229) coordinates into your GPS you will experience this amazing view.  Remember the golden rule is to see all and only leave your footprints for the next visitor to enjoy.

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SPOT #1 : EBB AND FLOW (NORTH)

 Situated on the northern banks of the Touw river it falls within the Garden Route National Park, but day visitors are welcomed.  You will be rewarded with some shade under old wild fig trees, a demarcated fire pit, clean ablution facilities and a Knysna Loerie (Turaco) or two.

Need to know:  Report to reception and pay your day visitor fee.  If you have a SANPARKS Wild Card you are exempted from the  day visitor fee (Currently R40 per person for South African citizens).

SPOT #2 : GLENTANA BEACH

 With great views over the beach and sea you will find this spot in Kusweg (Beach Road), Glentana.  The chances are good that you will spot some dolphins frolicking in the waves.

Be prepared and take an umbrella as the trees do not provide ample shade for a whole day out and about enjoying the sun and sea.   There are no facilities on the picnic spot itself, but a brisk walk down the road and you will find ablutions near the main parking area of Glentana beach.  At the main parking area there is also outdoor showers to wash off all the sea water and sand.

This is also a great spot to take those sunset pictures!

Need to know:  There are no shops in Glentana, so take everything that you need with you.

SPOT # 3 : JUBILEE CREEK

For a forest experience pack the kids and head for the forest behind Rheenendal.   Relax on the grass with a blanket and a book while the children amuse themselves in the creek which flows through the picnic site.

Wooden picnic tables and ablutions are provided.  Go early as this is a popular spot over weekends.

Need to know  Obtain and pay your entry permit at the gate before you follow the gravel road to Jubilee Creek.

SPOT # 4 : KRISJAN SE NEK

 Situated next to the road on Kom se Pad, Knysna  This scenic drive was made famous by Dalene Matthee in her books.  This is one of just a few spots where you can have a picnic on this route.  Only three wooden tables with fire grids are provided.  Ablutions are in the form of a long drop.

 Need to know:  Make sure your fire is doused when you leave as this is in a sensitive indigenous forest area.   Fires can spread fast and wide as was the case in the recent Knysna Fires in 2017!

SPOT # 5 : ISLAND LAKE

 When you travel from George to Knysna on the N2 you will spot this lekker picnic spot on your left-hand side.  Follow the Hoekwil turnoff from the N2 and turn to your right on the gravel road just before the railway line.  There are no trees, but thatched umbrella style structures provide shade …… if you arrive early.  Otherwise take a gazebo to provide some shelter.

Pack everything you need for the day.  The nearest shops and fuel is in Wilderness Village.

Need to know:  This is a popular spot for water lovers with boats.   Take care when you are in the water!!

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I think we were a bit early as we were the first patrons to pay a visit, but the wooden stove with the kettles already simmering radiated its warmth and welcomed us.  Nice, as the sun was not out yet and it was still a bit chilly next to the river.

Today was not the type of weather for canoes and peddle boats, however as I have observed during the past summer months this is a favourite spot for families with kids and the young ones to laze around on a hot day.

They also offer diverse kinds of accommodation varying from pitched tents to A-frames or maybe you can pitch your own tent.  The backpackers’ Bazz Bus also stops a stone’s throw from here – so not too far to carry your backpack.

I peeked into the campers’ kitchen (as this to me is always a good indication of the type of guests who visits) and it was spotless.  I will be able to prepare my food here …

River Deck reminds me of a lot of places that you find throughout Africa.  This is a laid-back place.  No fancy stuff, but you will definitely find friendly staff here!

“There are a lot of stories out there, waiting for you to live them”

— Unknown

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8 Junie 2017 — Soos wat ek nou hier sit en skryf elf uur die oggend is dit ‘n vriesende 8°C buite.  Vir ons wêreld is dit koud, baie koud.  Ek sit en my gedagtes dwaal na  die mense wat vanoggend moet gaan kyk wat het hulle oor van hulle lewe – heel moontlik niks.

So kom die berigte die een na die ander in.  Die een gesin soek nog na hulle ma wat Alzheimers het.  Hulle weet nie waar sy is nie …  Die honde wat ronddwaal en soek na hulle base en huise …  Mense wat die nag in hulle karre geslaap het met net  die klere aan hulle lyf …  Mense wat angsaanvalle kry …  Eens bekende huise is onherkenbaar …

Dan is daar ook die goeie stories wat vorendag kom.  Die Go George busbestuurders,  met 800 bottels water en 30 bale komberse, wat hulle tyd opoffer om mense te gaan haal en na veiligheid te bring …    Pelican Lodge Gastehuis wat ‘n sentrum opgestel het waarheen mense kon kom en gratis hulle familie laat weet dat hulle veilig is …  Die DBV van Uitenhage wat diere kom haal en van “foster homes” voorsien …  Dr Ruth* en Dr Elke, twee wonderlike veeartse van George, wat hulle oor die diere slagoffers ontferm en hulp aanbied …

Die lys van stories is soms hartverskeurend en soms inspirerend.

Gisteraand het ek met nuwe oë en respek na die mense van my omgewing gekyk.  Soveel welwillendheid en saamstaan het ek lanklaas gesien.  Mense wat net opdaag om te help – hulle gee nie om wat hulle doen nie.  Elkeen wat daar was, wou net die hulp gee wat hy kon.

Dit was koud.  Hier teen 03:00 was dit maar net 3°C gewees en die woeste wind het nog steeds gewoed, maar ieder en elk wat sy bydrae daardie tyd van die oggend gemaak het, het die elemente getrotseer en dit  met ‘n warm hart gedoen vir wild vreemde mense wie hulle nog  nooit in hulle lewens gesien het nie.

Mense het opgedaag met potte kerrie en rys, beskuit, toebroodjies, pizzas, koffie, suiker, klere, skoene, matrasse, stootkarretjies, ens, ens, ens.  Die lys is lank.  Nie een persoon het omgegee om  broodjies te smeer of om klere te sorteer en of jy nou moes koffie aandra vir iemand wat die admin doen –  jy het gedoen wat jou hand vind om te doen!  Elkeen wat opgedaag het, en steeds opdaag, om iets te skenk doen dit met deernis en opregtheid.

—ooooOoooo—

Follow the link below to a very interesting article explaining some contributing factors to the horrendous fires.

Knysna Fires : Five factors that produced the Perfect Inferno

—ooooOooo—

Ons land kan!

            Ons kan as ons wil!

                       Ons kan saamstaan as ons moet!

                                  Ek is trots op MY mense van die Tuinroete.

                                          God is good all the time!

******  Dr Ruth van Vetcare Animal Clinic is ook ons boisterous Bully se veearts.

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Some of the 100 plus steeds that turned up despite the weather

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!

Daisy checking out the yellow Gifappel in front of her

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 fast bikes to the hardy off roader, classics and brand spanking new ones off the showroom.

Some special ones from earlier years

Nobody was bothered with the rain while a lot of drooling and ooh and ahs were going round.   At times I was not sure if the dampness was from all the drooling or from the rain  coming down ……

Then it was time for a quick stroll down to the view point with the drone flying overhead. While smiling and waving like pros the necessary official video and snapshots were captured and soon all was done and dusted!

Smiling and waving at the drone

I am happy that I could be part of this quick gathering In history.

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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 is easily accessible for a quick visit.  Heading towards Plettenberg Bay you will find the grave nestled between trees.  As you leave town take a turn right into Plover Road and immediately left on a small dirt road leading up to this historical site.

If you have a GPS you can find it at:  S 34°02’33.0, E 23°04’43.0

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