Saturday, 31 Dec 2011

We travelled from Knysna over the Outeniqua pass into the beautiful hops farming area of South Africa. We continued into the Langkloof (Translation: Long Ravine) where they farm with sheep and ostriches, past Outdshoorn and up the Swartberg (Translation: Black Mountain) pass.

We eventually arrived at the “The Hell” (Gamkaskloof) turnoff with a sign that indicated 37km / 2 hours of driving. We were here about 8 years ago and is one of Philip’s 4 x 4 delights and one of Lynne’s nightmares come true! The road, which is gravel, is effectively one-car-wide and although there really is not much traffic either way, when one does meet another car, it feels like you are clinging to the edge of the road by your eyebrows - absolutely terrifying for the passenger!! (Refer to the SoloAfrica Video)

We crawled down the steep and slippery pass at a snail’s pace – I think there are a few fingernail marks in the seat where Lynne was hanging on for dear life… to say NOTHING of the teeth marks in the dashboard..!!

Sunday, 1 Jan 2012

Philip went for an early morning walk into the bush before breakfast. After Breakfast, Lynne and Philip did a 3km walk to Konings Gat (Translation: Kings Hole) where one could swim. By the time we got to the Gat, the temperature was about 40^oC and the sun was baking our lily white skin. As there was insufficient shade, we sat under a thorn tree for about an hour and had a piece of Lynne’s delicious Christmas cake before returning.