SOUTH AFRICAN GARDEN ROUTE- R62 AND EASTERN CAPE DAY TWO

GOOD MORNING, BACK ON THE SOUTH AFRICAN GARDEN ROUTE -R62 TOWARDS CAPE ST. FRANCIS ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS SURFING BAYS OF SA.

After we had our morning coffee and a short explanation of the rules of the cricket game - World Cup on tv was the thing now, we told our host good goodbye and with all the excitement forgot to claim our ostrich egg. Garden Route here we go again.

Shortly after leaving Oudtshoorn, we were allowed to witness a classic African temporary street barrier, which should not be the only one today, as we were warned about it before, and it was Friday the 13th.

After crossing the first pass, even before breakfast, we were happy to enjoy some more oft he fantastic landscapes.

The small town of George, known as "The Gateway to the Garden Route", on a coastal plateau in a fertile area of lush greenery at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains.

First stop was then 101 Meade Street, in a city with a lot of history, for which we had however no time. Fast, a delicious breakfast and then continue towards the coast.

Having arrived at the coast, we were still able to admire stunning beaches despite the cloudy skies. A region of incomparable beauty, Wilderness is an attractive holiday resort with beautiful beaches and numerous vantage points from which to watch the whales and dolphins. Until we reached the ’oyster capital’, we were accompanied by wonderful beaches and coastal mountains.

Knysna is a natural paradise of lush, indigenous forests, lakes and beaches. The town is settled on the banks of a lagoon, a protected marine reserve, home to over 200 species of fish. Within the town, one can find all sorts of flea markets, craft shops and cosy cafés . Knysna is home of the only forest elephant in South Africa and, Knysna Loerie.

The indigenous forests in Knysna constitute the largest complex of closed-canopy forest in southern Africa, whilst the remarkable richness of the Fynbos vegetation contributes over 8000 plant species to the Cape floral kingdom.

In the new waterfront, among the history of woodcutters, I have found a 650 year old tree trunk with the outline of contemporary history in its annual formation of wood. Apart from that, we could discover countless real estate agencies, mainly for pensioners . Most of them designed in the style of US marina areas, feeling slightly artificial.

Than the short trip to the heads - a striking geological feature made up of a pair of huge, brightly coloured cliffs lying at the mouth of the lagoon, flanking a channel of potentially treacherous water that flows into Knysna’s lagoon. The eastern head houses a lookout with spectacular views of the lagoon, Leisure Isle and Knysna whilst the western head is a privately owned nature reserve called Featherbed Bay.

If we wouldnt be advised to stop for the best oysters in the old waterfront place, we would probably bypass it. But a visit to Knysna would be incomplete without stopping for the taste the world famous delicacies.

Said and done. Naturally we have ordered fresh oysters and grilled ones in garlic / buttersauce ... simply incomprehensibly good. The next time definitely worth to stop again.

Then we went on the R339 direction Prince Alfred Pass back to Route 62. What we could not guess was how bad the roads can be. Although it was once again indescribably beautiful and we mostly driven through a national park, our Hyundai I20 was not a Land Rover Defender and so we were moving forward very slowly and cautiously, controlling the petrol level and being a bit unsure if we can make it to the next town to fill up the tank with petrol before the bad weather hits us. While I enjoyed the landscapes, Nico was eager to dodge the potholes.

At the most beautiful point we had to give up and change our route, as I mentioned, beside the daylight, the fuel was dissapearing rapidly.

Back on the coastal road, instead of continuing on to the Prince Albert Pass which would have led us through the fierce looking mountains.

This route took us through the lower coastal hills, along many farms and a small place called "Little Bavaria".

On the "highway" N2 along the coast we were awaited by the next street barrier, this time of modern style. We had at least 20 minutes to relax and wait, truly African style and lack of alternatives, so we took it easy.

On the last kilometers before our destination Cape St. Francis we were then rewarded with a dreamlike light game of the sunset.

Fortunately almost immediately got lucky with the accommodation right on the beach and overlooking the ocean. We were happy of the thought of jumping into the water next morning.

The same night started raining, we went for dinner at the fishers' bar around the corner , it was a classic fried mixed seafood plate, as promised delicious.

You can see an overview of today's route, let's see what tomorrow is on our way to Haka Haka or even further high on the Eastern Cape.

INDEX - ROUTE 62 SOUTH AFRICA
GARDEN ROUTE, MY SOUTH AFRICAN ROUTE 62, DAY ONE
SOUTH AFRICAN GARDEN ROUTE- R62 AND EASTERN CAPE DAY TWO
EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA LAST BITS OF GARDEN ROUTE, DAY THREE

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