DAY TWO : 28 FEBRUARY 2011 : KOKSTAD TO YELLOW SANDS, EAST LONDON 417 km

We awoke to a clear sky, but unfortunately the campsite was in the shadow of Mount Currie.   After a hasty packing breakfast and shower, we left at 7h45 but by this time the mist had risen in the valley and we drove in heavy mist until the top of Brooks Neck.   It was a long slow haul, due to lots of traffic (end of the month) and numerous ‘stop/go’ road constructions, but we finally arrived at Yellow Sands Caravan Park near East London.   The road through the Transkei was much improved since the last time that we drove through it and Mthatha wasn’t nearly as bad as we had feared.   But the driving of the locals leaves much to be desired!



Yellow Sands - view from campsite



Not having been to the Transkei for sometime, we noticed the change in traditional habits.   All locals were wearing western style clothing, gone were the traditional rondavel houses, and the shepherd we saw had brightly coloured golf umbrellas to shelter from the sun.   The only thing that hadn’t changed were the sheep, goats and cattle that roamed free.   The countryside was looking great – they must have had good rains this season.

Yellow Sands Caravan park was recommended to us by Mary Jane Dallas whose parents at one time lived here.   We have a wonderful campsite overlooking the beach and river mouth.   Kwelera Nature Reserve is on the opposite bank – and there is a nice point break for the surfers.



With the Keets



Stephen and Sue Keet had spent the weekend here with friends and had left up their tent, so they joined us for the evening and we had a wonderful walk on the beach, many beers and glasses of red wine and a very good braai.  

DAY 1 : 27 FEBRUARY 2011 : MTUNZINI TO KOKSTAD (MOUNT CURRIE NATURE RESERVE) 412 km

We finally left Mtunzini at 8h45 and discovered that the weight of the trailer behind the Land Cruiser was rather heavy and we went up steep inclines at about 40kph but managed 110kph on the downhills.

When we turned off at Port Shepstone, we decided to go to Oribi Gorge for lunch.   We took the first turnoff which ended up as a 22km circular drive to the picnic spot, and only the last section was in the reserve, but it was a very interesting drive nevertheless.   The gorge itself was quite spectacular with many impressive trees and some cycads – White stinkwood, comipheras, umZimbeets, chysophylums, plumbagos.   There was several walking trails that unfortunately did not have time to explore, but it certainly merits a return visit.

Oribi Gorge





Oribi Gorge



Lunch in Oribi Gorge



Walking at Mount Currie

 We arrived at Mount Currie Reserve about 4pm only to find about 200 people there as they were having a fun day on the dam including jetskis, rafts, etc.   The camping ground however only had a couple of camps occupied, but by 6pm most had left and we ended up sharing the campsites with one other couple and a herd of zebra.   We managed a short walk up the slopes of Mount Currie before the sun set.   It became very chilly but luckily I had made bean soup for supper the day before and we were able to get into bed quite early.   Thank heavens I had Doggy there to snuggle up to during the night as well as winter pajamas and blankets.   Dog reckons that it was about 10 degrees that night.

The first erection of our camp was achieved without too many arguments, but with much discussion and debate and the odd harsh word.

We saw the first ‘highveld’ animals – grey rhebok and blesbok.   Birds – bokmakeirie, cape robin, African pochard, and rock pigeons.

This is definitely recommended as a stop over for camper – ablutions clean but basic.

One Day to go - and counting

We are getting there - things are starting to take shape.   Goodies are piling up in the garage ready to be packed into the trailer.   All the final things are being done - Margaret Heathfield has been around to collect her instructions and the keys to get in, Fred will be coming around for his instructions.  I have been to Pappanui for an early birthday tea with Lynn and Anne Brown - thanks girls for the super tea and quiche.   I really appreciate it - sorry the other Anne couldn't be with us.

It is so funny going on our own - not having the Balmers or Browns coming along with us, but we decided this morning that the Browns, Breens, Balmers, Dallas' and Kewleys must start planning now for 2012 otherwise other plans are made and we can't all go at the same time.   This time must be decided when we all get together when I get back - possibly in late April/May next year.

I am busy making a bean soup for supper tomorrow evening in Kokstad - hopefully we shall be staying at the Mount Currie Nature Reserve camping ground.   I am sorry that Don and Anne aren't going to be available to assist with the bean soup - they are Don's beans, but we don't have the special smoked pork from Cullan, have had to resort to a packet of bacon.   However, I shall be putting in lots of black pepper, Anne!

Eastern and South Western Cape - Preparations

We are leaving on Sunday 27th February.   Doggy has been away on a fishing trip and a lot of cleaning and washing had to be done, before preparations for our trip could be started.   It is Friday afternoon and I haved had a mad day - finding out about a 3g USB stick so that I can access email and post blogs on our trip, registering our objection to the new valuation roll - they have increased our property value by 38% and also increased rates charged by 8%.   Pity they don't remember that we are poor pensioners!!!

Doggy has put the 'drawers' into the Cruiser - before when I suggested it, he was horrified that I wanted more packing space.   He felt that the Afrispoor trailer had sufficient drawers, but when he got back from his fishing trip, he suggested putting them in - I of course jumped at it.   But then there was an argument about fridges, but I think that I have won it - the big National Luna will remain in the trailer, and the Engel will be put into the Cruiser as a deep freeze.

This is a picture of the Trailer (will have to get a name for it) when we first tried it out.