Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Port Elizabeth to Knysna

Today's route: Port Elizabeth to Knysna 205 miles

Today began a route that will encompass some of the most magnificent scenery in South Africa - the fames Garden Route. It would have begun better had I filled up with petrol on the way into Port Elizabeth yesterday and not run out a block from the garage, but no matter!

Leaving PE we travelled along the coastal road west for a while through farmland and small villages clinging to the coastal cliffs to Humansdorp, past Jeffrey's Bay and finally entering the Tsitsikama Forrest where the trees grow tall and lush on wither side of the road. As we were amongst the last to leave PE, we soon came accross some of the others travelling a little slower than us and it is always fun to travel for a while in convoy.



Turning into Storm's River Mouth we wound along a steep decline along the cliffs towards the crushing foam below - the rocks that have wrecked so many ships majestic and threatening as ever. We parked at the tea room - all the cars drawing much attention. Looking out over the rocks, water and cliffs brought back many memories from times spent there in our Varsity years - it looks very much the same (larger tea room though).






From Storm's River Mouth, we continued on the N2, crested a hill after about 50 km and found Plettenberg Bay stretched out far below us. Even from that distance the growth in Plett was readily apparent. I turned into Plett, filled up with petrol again and carried on along the main road.

Plett is very built up now with new houses, condo's, a school and many businesses - however it is easy to recognise the skeleton upon which it is built. Lunch was at a fantastic restuarant overlooking Lookoout beach - an incredible view. Kingklip at last! The sun was shining well at that time and it was really terrific.












After lunch we deviated from the route to look at Plett a little. The main road takes a sharp downhill towards the ocean, and rounding a corner we saw the Beacon Isle Hotel - unchanged. I drove up, and as when I was here in my 20's, they would not let me in! Howver, the view of Robberg Beach from the hotel was stunning. Plett is still a magnificent place despite the growth.



From Plett we covered 36 km to Knysna to the Belveder Manor - a loverly hotel of cottages - we have a two story house. We sat around and chatted unbtil dinner - forgetable food at best.

2 comments:

  1. You are a great blogger Danni, so interesting to read! Not as good as being there in person of course, but pretty close! Big hug for Jeremy pls! Tkx Delwyn

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  2. Delwyn: I hugged him the first time you asked - if I do it again, people will start talking!

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