On the Road...

N9 to Uniondale

Over Easter weekend someone very special and myself decided to take a road trip around the Western Cape to no where in particular. We were definitely going nowhere slowly, very slowly... with a flask of tea.

There wasn't really any set plan expect places to stay, organised very last minute, but off we went on Good Friday, April 22nd to see what was waiting for us...

The beginning of Route 62 heading toward Montagu from Roberston - we decided to have a little stop off by the Fort, which is an old stone building above the hole in the rock, and climb over the ridge to see what was there. I'm so glad we did. It was like a secret garden. I'm too jealous of its beauty to share it.

Ronnies (Sex) Shop on the side of R62 is a big attraction. It used to just read Ronnies Shop, which is actually a pub, but one night - apparently - his friends decided that if they painted the word 'sex' in front of 'shop' he'd do better business. Inside the pub there is writing all over the wall. If you ever go, remember to take a marker.

Side of the N9 heading to Uniondale, just outside of Oudthoorn. It was time for tea and rusks.

Sunday Morning in Uniondale at The Town House Guest House. After a fry up breakfast and a delicious dinner the night before it was great to just sit in peace for a little while on the stoop before heading to out next destination. Right after this moment of tranquillity I stubbed my toe with almighty gusto and was left with a plastered up toe the rest of the trip.

Prince Alfred Pass heading to Knysna from Union date. When we first saw the sign saying 84km to Knysna we wondered what we were going to do with the rest of the day. This was before we realised that we would be doing the majority of the 84km at 20km per hour. It was absolutely beautiful and at the bottom we stopped for 'sexy scones' and tea. We got out the car where ever we could and marvelled at the beauty.

Seafood Platters all round at Quay 4 on Thessen Island in Knysna. After that cocktails by a fire place while watching the sunset before heading to our last destination.

The Island in Groot Brak is exactly that, a tiny island in the middle of a groot brak. Sunset was specular, and we were kindly invited for tea by an acquaintance whose house was right on the waters edge. We spent the evening messing about on the beach and walking until hunger got the better of us.

On our drive to Uniondale is was suggested - by some fellow wanderers - that should we find ourselves in Groot Brak it was most definitely advisable to go to the Transkaroo Restaurant for dinner. We noticed the restuarant on our drive into Groot Brak the evening we arrived and decided it was going to the location of our last dinner on the road. We went all out. Three courses which we shared between us so as to sample as much as possible and Chopper the Cat, was a most delightful companion through out the night.

Route 60 from Swellendam to Ashton - where R62 started - on the way home. The drive home was behaving awfully. People we driving terrible slowly, the traffic was heavy and the scenary was dismal. So we cut across country back to where we started from. Thank goodness. After the rain, the mountains and fields were dramatic and sun peaking crisply through the clouds was stunning. With our bellies full of pizza and one last game of Uno at a little cafe in Swellendam, it was a good way to end a road trip.