Matjiesvlei

The last straw..the straw that broke the camel’s back.  I often wonder what was the final straw that made me decide to start travelling alone.  Somewhere among over reacting over a runny nose, ill-temper, ducks(!), motorbikes, disrespect, lack of future plans, laziness, lies, facebook (!!!!) and issues I will rather not mention, I’ve decided enough is enough.  G4 was replaced by a rescue dog and now we are girls travelling alone with our dog. 

One of the first places we visited was Matjiesvlei  near Calitzdorp.  There is a turnoff just outside Calitzdorp on the R62 as you travel towards Ladismith.

We stayed in Douglas House at Matjiesvlei Guest Farm.  http://www.matjiesvlei.co.za/accom.php  It sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms.  There is one bathroom (shower only) and a lovely farm style kitchen with a huge fireplace.  Bedding and towels are provided.  There is no electricity, so nights are spend in front of the kitchen fire playing board games.They are dog friendly by prior arrangement and there is no cellphone reception..bliss!

Matjiesvlei has a rich history. Originally it belonged to Michael Le Grange. Once upon a time there were about 25 families living in Matjiesvlei.  There were two schools and a Post Office with the only phone in the area.  The Post Office building is still there today and beautifully restored.

The Old Post Office is a short walk away.  You have you own key for the Post Office making it possible to visit whenever you feel like it.  It was fun for BB to see an old phone, bed and books.

Our house was lovely..there are two “stoepe” to choose from, enabling you to follow,  or hide, from the sun.   The one had a lovely view over a stream where you can watch the baboons frolicking in the trees or mountain tortoises slowly making their way across the clearing.

The other overlooks the dirt road where tractors wind their way down to the valley.

We had a lovely stay and cannot wait to return for another weekend in paradise.