ON MY DOORSTEP

We seem to forget that travelling does not necessarily mean visiting far-far-away countries or exotic hide-aways.  And although some people claim it is an overstatement to say 'travelling broadens your horizons', for me, I can honestly say it broadened my mind in so many wonderful ways.  Some of the journeys I’ve taken have changed my perspective of many dogmas and ideologies, and I daresay showed how narrow minded I may have been.

After a year of not being able to drive my own car it was about time to hit the tar.  Not only was it catch-up-over-coffee-time with a dear friend of mine, but discovering new gems and exploring the fertile valley of the Langkloof  simply an essential action, a sine qua non.

Don't be fooled by the tranquility of the small towns and surrounding countryside.  There are lots to do!  Catering extensively for the 4 x 4 adventure drivers, dirt roads will take you into the rugged mountain area, which is ablaze with wild-life, fynbos and flowers, aloes and succulents and is the natural habitat of our national flower, the Protea.

Hiking trails are represented in abundance, most popular of all is the Formosa Peak, 1665 meter above sea level. It is not recommended for the inexperienced hiker as it is a 20 km trail up and back down the peak with breathtaking views of the valleys below.  It is best to start your Formosa hike as early as possible as it can take up most of your day and the weather can change instantly from extreme heat to fog and poor visibility.

Joubertina is located in the Sarah Baartman District of the Eastern Province of South Africa, and was founded in 1765.  It was named after W A Joubert who was a minister of the Dutch Reformed Church from 1878 till 1893.  Today the roughly 6,000 inhabitants all live in harmony on the banks of the Wabooms River.

The region is famous for apple, pear and peach farming and during picking season the area is abuzz with activity as the friendly farmers, ready their crops for export.  And yes, the region's true charm is the friendliness of its people and especially the farmers.  During harvesting the fragrance of ripe fruit fills the air and the tranquility of rural life temporarily disturbed.

Neighbouring towns, like Krakeel River, Louterwater, Misgund, Two Rivers, Assegaaibos and Kareedouw are just as captivating and although you travel on dirt roads once you leave the R62 it is worth every effort.

Krakeel River is a mere 13 km. west of Joubertina.  Matthys Strydom bought the original farm in 1770 and today many Strydoms still occupy the land as the original farm was divided between the ten Strydom sons.

After a splendid lunch at the Diner 62, it was time for one more coffee with a friend and then off to my overnight stay in Twee Riviere. 

Twee Riviere (translating to 'two rivers') nestles in the shades of the Baviaans, Kouga and Tsitsikamma mountain ranges where two rivers (the Diep River and the Dwars River) run through the town.

Although it can be described as one of the Eastern Cape’s hidden secrets it is home to The South African Institute of Heritage Science and Conservation Campus and the very popular Belfry Kitchen that forms part of the SA Institute for Ceramic and Metal Restoration.  A visit to this institute will however have to stand over until another time as the day was nearing its end and  it was time to get a good night’s rest.

Anita, the owner of the lovely Protea Ridge guesthouse made me feel at home and it was good to have only the smell of the country up my nose and the twittering and tweeting of the birds in my ears.

My journey back home was slow and leisurely as I wanted to drink in the last bid of this unhurried splendour that surrounded me.

A quick breakfast stop at the Sweaty Dutchman in Kareedouw, where the not-so-sweaty Dutchman attends to his guests in true Dutch hospitality, was just what I needed that early in the morning.  I wholeheartedly recommend his pancakes.

As I passed the Van Staden Gorge with its 140 meter-high, arch-like bridge my thoughts went to all who have lost their lives on the Bridge of Death, as it is known.  The bridge was opened in 1971 and 12 days later claimed its first suicide victim.

But on a more positive note - I ended my journey with a song in my heart, knowing that I am living the best years of my life.  Life is all about an attitude for gratitude!



Random photos of the Langkloof

PROTEA S A NATIONAL FLOWER

KING PROTEA