I went back to the room to shower, pack up and hand in the keys which we did and then set off on our next leg of the journey. We had really enjoyed Aloe Again in Jeffrey's Bay as we had the huge big house to ourselves and it was so quiet and peaceful with the gentle crashing waves in the distance.
We drove off and after a little while, Steve took a turn-off to the left (which was a bit earlier than the GPS was saying) so he covered, by saying that he just turned off to get us some coffee and a muffin, nice one, Steve! S: I thought I covered nicely. You're just too suspicious!
At Joubertina we turned off into the town to try and find something for lunch. We did find an ATM so we drew some money (it was pay day) and found a tractor graveyard before eventually discovering the local eating place which we had driven past on the way in. “The Ark” does not say much about this being a restaurant. Really spicy french fries are the order of the day.
S: We carried on and drove through the farmlands, which is called the Langkloof region until we reached the turn off for the start of Prince Alfred's Pass which, after all the rain, was lovely and green. The first bit was a bit wet and muddy so I decided to engage four wheel drive as the wheels were starting to slip. We stopped a few times to look at the scenery and take photographs and enjoyed the river. I need to explain something here. Every time Lesley sees a bird flying across our bows we have to stop so she can try and photograph it. This happens many times but some times I resist and carry on driving.
We eventually arrived at the gate for Outeniqua Trout Lodge, Steve had phoned ahead, to check if we could camp there overnight. They only charge R100 per person and accept camping if there are no clients in their tented camp.
We were greeted by two Blesbok on the front lawn. They are still wild but seem to be happy to roam around but still keeping their distance from people. When we arrived, the owners were away so one of the ladies that work on the farm and services the place showed us where to camp.
The camp site is wonderful with what they call the lapa, at our disposal. This is a huge, covered area with a fully equipped kitchen with gas stoves and a water heating system for washing up. There are also several picnic tables and chairs. There are sides that come down, made out of shade cloth for extra warmth too.
There are separate ablutions which are really good.
L: We did a bit of exploring and because it was raining, again, we decided to make an easy supper on the gas stove of sweetcorn pancakes with veg and an avocado pear and lots of warm drinks.
While we were busy, Naomi, the owner popped in and explained how to work the water-heater in the kitchen and bathroom. It is very complicated, but effective. It uses paraffin and a little cup attached under the pipe.
We had a long chat with Naomi about the area. They have 4 huge big wooden cabins for visitors up on the hill and also 4 (4-sleeper) tee pee tents. They are all so well made and nicely maintained. There is also the original farm house and the old mill next door which can be rented but they are reluctant to rent out the old farm house as it needs a lot of upkeep to maintain it.
Naomi also told us about the surrounding area and the various animals that live in and around the farm. They have the right to take 400 litres a second from the various rivers bordering their farm.
It was still raining when we went to bed and it continued to rain throughout the night, but not too heavily.
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