Monday 28 August 2023

Our homeward journey turned out to be amazing. Once again we started the day with below-zero temperatures but it was sunny and clear and temperatures rose to 27 degrees C.
We travelled three really stunning mountain passes the first of which was Meiringspoort This pass starts at Klaarstroom in the north and ends at De Rust where we stopped for breakfast. Meiringspoort cuts 25 km through a gorge in the Swartberg Mountains, crosses the same river twenty-five times, and is the link between the Great and Little Karoo. The Swartberg has beautifully exposed fold mountains and the rock formations are spectacular. The Swartberg is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The meaning of the name De Rust is The Rest and the original purpose of establishing this village was to provide a resting place for the early settlers who had travelled through the challenging Swartberg gorge. It is still a very restful place and there are a few lovely coffee shops to choose from if you need to have a break on your journey,

We found parking for the two caravans right outside the first coffee shop we came to. The breakfast was excellent and the proprietor was very welcoming and friendly.

The next pass we travelled was the Huis River Pass which crosses Route 62. The name huis comes from a Khoikhoi word meaning willow.

As we travelled we passed field after field of beautiful spring veld flowers. It was almost as good as Namaqualand.

When we got to Barrydale the Earl needed a break to stretch his legs and get a drink. Alec carried on as Cath was not feeling well and he wanted to get her home as soon as possible.

Next came Tradouw Pass which is 16km long and cuts through the Langeberg Mountains linking Barrydale and Swellendam. It was built by Thomas Bain and the meaning of Tradouw comes from the Khoi word for Women’s Pass. Roadworks on this pass were being completed so there were no road lines yet. The road is really looking good,

Finally, we arrived home in beautiful Struisbaai at 16h00. Our friend Sonja brought us a delicious supper of grilled chicken breast and vegetable bake which saved us from having to cook after unpacking,

So ends another wonderful caravanning adventure with our friends Cath and Alec. Thanks to them for making this such a great trip. Cath is not well at the moment and we are just grateful that it was at the end and not the beginning of our trip that the ‘flu got to her. Speedy recovery, dear Cath.