TRAVELBUCKET

TRAVELBUCKET

Tag Archive: Montagu Pass

THE GARDEN ROUTE WILD FIRES

The past two weeks towards the end of October 2018 we saw some hectic raging wild fires in the Garden Route.  The once green belt of South Africa, known as the luscious Garden Route, was turned into a black belt – no, that is not a karate black belt, but burnt black by a fire monster. The raging fires did not leave a green inkling in its wake.  Everything was devoured by flames and hot air.  Now they say it is good for fynbos to burn once in a while, and I agree to that, but not like the wild fires that devoured thousands of hectares of plantation and indigenous forests which were home to century old Yellowwoods.. Our region, renowned for crisp mountain air and clean beaches was covered in a haze of smothering smoke.  The smoke followed you everyone – in your house, in your bed, in your… Read more >

THE OLD TOLL HOUSE, GEORGE

Are you wondering what to do in George on a wet or beautiful sunny Saturday morning? We took the gravel road up the historic Montagu Pass. –  It is one of the four passes that traverse the Outeniqua mountains. You will stumble upon the old Toll House.  The gravel road leads up the 8km long pass and is signposted from the N12 towards Oudtshoorn.  Starting from the George side and travelling up the incline, it is the first and only building that you come across. Until the building of the Outeniqua pass as we know it today, the Montagu pass was the main route between Cape Town and Grahamstown. The Toll House dates back to the year 1855.  According to old records the toll was as follow: a whopping two pennies per wheel a penny per draft animal two pennies for losloop animals and half a penny for each sheep,… Read more >

GEORGE – A PERFECT DESTINATION

LOOK OUT FOR THOSE GOLDEN OLDIES  Do you like golden oldies with a story?  Then this is just what you were looking for at Mauritz Lammers Antiques.  From crockery brick-a-brac to stately old furniture and much loved books.  Take your time to marvel at all the pieces on display and take some home if you wish.  You just might find something that you like here. A good place to keep you busy on those unexpected rainy days. Where?  On the N2 opposite the Sasol garage Kraaibosch, George.               THE OLD TOLL HOUSE ON THE MONTAGU PASS This is a historic building that was lovingly restored by some local enthusiasts and also the very first toll road in the Garden Route.  On a Saturday morning you can have pancakes and coffee to support a worthy cause. What to see?  Admire the lush green mountainside and… 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 >

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 >

Social Share Buttons and Icons powered by Ultimatelysocial
Facebook
Instagram