Saturday, June 9, 2012

Greyton

Every now and again you have a weekend where everything is just perfect.  We had such a weekend in Greyton.  The road leading us there from Mossel Bay is gorgeous..even in Winter.





Greyton had its origin in 1791 as a farm known as Weltevreden and was owned by Marthinus Theunissen .


Quirky art in Greyton!






Several owners later is was owned by Herbert Vigne in 1845.  He planned the layout of the town and the first plots went on sale in 1854.  He named the village "Greyton", after Sir George Grey, the then Governor of the Cape. There is a lei water system and residents can still keep animals.  It is therefore common to see a cow or horse going for a leisurely stroll down the street. 


We left Mossel Bay early to be in time for the wonderful village market that is on every Saturday morning at the Greyton Village Centre.
It starts at 10am and runs until about midday. 

Fresh produce from the area, including jams, cheeses, organic vegetables, pies and other mouth-watering treats are on sale.

After the market we also took a drive to Genadendal, the first mission station in Southern Africa.




We went to Greyton during a cold winter spell.  There was snow on the mountains and a cold breeze seems to cut through you when outside.  We  were very lucky to stay at the Geelbos Cottage.  There was a lovely gas heater in the cottage that has no electricity. 
The cottage is well equipped with lovely decorations, including a beautiful quilt. 

I love the movie “How to make an American quilt”, so this quilt intrigued me.  I can imagine ladies sitting around a table sharing their ideas of love and caring. 
It was a lovely stay on a beautiful farm where dogs are also welcome.
Lovely atmosphere


Fully equipped cottage.

Part of the farm where Geelbos cottage is


Geelbos cottage on the left..

View from Geelbos cottage..note the snow capped mountains..







Monday, April 2, 2012

Arniston and Agulhas

Arniston is also known as Waenhuiskrans, due to a huge cave that can house a wagon and oxen.  It was later named after a ship that ran onto the rocks at Waenhuiskrans in May 1815.  Only six of the  378 souls aboard survived.

Arniston


White houses of Arniston

Blue skies of Arniston
Otter beach

It is a lovely little town, think white plastered houses and whiter than white soft sandy beaches.  It was difficult to find something to eat that was affordable though.  It might be best to stock up at Bredasdorp as the tiny shop behind the hotel  is really only for basics.



We camped at the Arniston Caravan Park that offers grassy stands in the shade of trees.

The next day we camped at Agulhas.  It has a much smaller camping site, but has a tidal pool nearby that offers safe bathing.  


There are many options of restaurants at Agulhas, with the best fish and chips at L’Agulhas Seafoods!  

Struisbaai harbour

Fishermen leaving
Struisbaai fishing boats
Struisbaai  is very windy, so I decided not to risk camping there.  The harbour at Struisbaai stays a favourite though.  I love watching the fishermen launching their boats that look so small against the mighty ocean.  They always have a joke and friendly wave as they set of for a night of fishing. 


The lighthouse and southern most point of Africa and point where the two oceans meet, deserves a visit off course in Agulhas.