It was very cold when we woke up, with ice on the Cruiser. We got a fire going to boil water and dressed warmly. The great thing about travelling in the interior of South Africa is that when the sun comes up, it is usually warms up quickly and one can strip off unnecessary clothes. After breakfast we backtracked on our road from yesterday to Papkuilsfontein to see what the farm had to offer in terms of accommodation for future flower tours and to see the waterfall. At the turnoff there was a weird vehicle on the back of a truck being taken to Nieuwoudtville. The driver stopped and invited us to have a look and said that it had been made for a movie and would be on display in the town. Papkuilsfontein was quite active with a group of mountain bikers just back from a morning ride and sitting down for breakfast. The girl at reception was very friendly and said we could drive around to see the waterfall and flowers if Marianne was investigating future tours. They normally do not allow day visitors to see the falls. We set off and made the mistake of following the track that looked the most travelled instead of following the map we had been given. We got to a point where the track suddenly deteriorated and met the farmer who was working there. He was not happy! We had taken an off limits track. After turning back we found the correct road and drove to the parking spot for the waterfall. A short walk over some rocks took us to a viewpoint from which the very high waterfall could be clearly seen. It took our breath away. The area is pristine and very beautiful and we were very glad to have had the opportunity to see this spectacular place. We drove back to reception and explained to the girl what had happened, because we were worried that she would get into trouble. Apparently the reason why the farmer was so angry was because there are some very rare plants on the farm and visitors drive up the back roads to steal them. We then drove to the Hantam National Botanical Garden where we had lunch before setting out on a walk to Kameel Kop. Marianne found Eugene who she had met years ago when her flower tour group was the first to visit the garden. We got a bit lost at the start, but once we realised where parking area 2 was we found the route easily. It was a most beautiful walk, with a great variety of flowers to be seen. We almost got to a beacon but that proven to be across a fence and there did not seem to be a path heading to it. Even the regular paths were very indistinct. When we got back Eugene explained that nothing could be done during lockdown and they were concentrating on the lower paths that were the most used. He thought we were probably the first people to do the long walk this year. We got back to the car at about 16:00 and left quite quickly as the staff were keen to close. Next stop was the Olive campsite in town where we hoped to stay, but it was closed. So we went to the church where we hoped to get some more information about where we could stay. It was closed, but while we were wondering what to do next a lady who had come to the info office asked us if she could help. Lizet offered to let us park in her garden so we drove to her house. The orange It would have been possible, but it would have made life difficult for her. Her husband suggested the municipal campsite which was still closed and they phoned the municipal office. They agreed to open it for us, but there would no water. Amazingly, Chris Koopman from the municipality arrived in his bakkie to take us to the camp site. The campsite lies in koppies just outside town and is very attractive. There was power, a big plus, and they assured that the water would be fixed for us. We set up camp, leveling the car on stones, found some firewood and were surprised when a work team arrived to sort out the water. They got the men's side going for us. Amazing service and there was no charge. Lizet even arrived to see if we were OK, probably thinking of us as poor old folks. We braaied for supper and kept the fire going with dried out protea branches till late and had hot showers before bed. A peacock kept us company and made sure he was the boss there by called loudly every now and then! With the blow heater in the vehicle (with the doors open!) it was very comfortable.

Geschreven door Leartravels