Discovering South Africa on a budget: June 2015

We decided to go for a drive one Saturday when the weather turned out much better than expected.

We took the N2 to Heidelberg in search of Canola, a crop with plants that produce pods from which seeds are harvested and crushed to create canola oil. These plants also produce small, yellow flowers, which offers an awesome yellow display.

Our first stop was for pancakes at Oppiplaas padstal outside Albertinia. The African Grey parrot greeted us most graciously. I must admit, I thought R7 each for pancakes wrapped in paper was a bit expensive..

There was a beautiful field of Canola across the road.

Our next stop was Riversdale. This little town is for many a mere quick last stop for coffee or petrol before arriving at George or Mossel Bay. It is however a lovely little town with many interesting stops. We unfortunately went there on a Saturday, when most businesses close at 1 O' clock. We therefore only managed to explore the Old Jail.

There was ever only one person executed at this Jail. He was a Gilbert Hay and was hanged in 1899 after confessing for the murder on his mother. He killed her with a hammer after she refused to give him money for alcohol.

His handwritten confession can be seen in the jail next to the place of execution. The gallows was transported from Swellendam to Riversdale.

Nelius van Vuuren from NTL Wooden products built a replica of the gallows and it can be seen in the jail today.

The cells have been converted into little shops. There are mostly antiques on sale.

The coffee shop serves lovely coffee and milktart.

We had a light lunch at Maxi's. Now, I must admit, I try to avoid franchises when travelling, but the staff at this Maxi's are just so friendly that I end up having a meal there every time I pass through Riversdale.

We wanted to buy some products at the shop downstairs, but they were closed. The manager at Maxi's offered us his purchases!

We next traveled to to Heidelberg where we paid a visit to Delish. They had several specials on wine and ML (Muching Lady) spent all her cash!

I bought bread and cheese. I only tried the cheese when home, and Boy! Am I sorry! The cheese is delicious! The bread is out of this world, really, really tasty.

From Heidelberg we took a turn towards the sea to Witsand. There were plenty fields of Canola. We always take hotwater and coffee with us, and stopped at the tables on the beach on Witsand for coffee.

On the way back, the sun was setting behind us. I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

My brother and sister are touring America in their RV and I badly wish I can be with them!. (They can be followed on Let's see America).

You've got mail!

I had to make do with the closest thing to touring in a RV and had to be satisfied with just sleeping in one. Yes, sure you've heard of Old Mac Daddy in Valley road just outside Grabouw.

Quirky details

I had to pick the worst night to stay there. The Cape was hit by a massive storm, it is not known as the Cape of Storms for nothing. I attended a course in Cape Town and it took a while to escape form the CBD in peak hour traffic and in a down pour. In the pitch dark with rain actually falling horizontally, I could not find the turn off to Valley road off the N2. After doing a few U-turns and almost throwing my GPS out the window, I found Valley road. Unfortunately my troubles did not end there. Nowhere in the directions do they mention that Old Mac Daddy is situated in a dirt road, so I thought I was on the wrong road. Luckily a employee from Old Mac Daddy, Nelson, phoned to check on me and he directed me.

View from Valley road

View from Life of Plants

I originally booked Life of Plants, but was quite disappointed with the décor. It looked pretty much like my own little house. It is also very big with an outside deck and shower, way too big for a single traveler! I am sure many others would love it though. Luckily the bad weather meant loads of people did not arrive and I could choose another trailer. I chose the gorgeous little Love Cupcake. It actually consists of 2 little trailers, one for the parents and for the kiddos.

Love cake!

The décor was done by Charly's Bakery so obviously has a cake theme. Having a love for baking myself I felt right at home.

Careful of that whisk..

Barbie..the most popular cake shape ever??

The chandelier has tiny cutlery

The little details are so important to me and Old Mac Daddy is not shy with these. A hot water bottle, individually wrapped rusks, milk and not cremora for the tea, both Rooibos and English tea, a torch and umbrella are all provided.

Love Cake is one of the trailers where you can park next to, a great help in the rain.

Dinner was included in the price (A special they had running during the week). The dinner are looks a bit big and cold, but a fireplace does provide heat and it is cosy to eat in front of the fireplace. Dinner was awesome. I had the sweet potato and butternut and for mains I chose another starter, the tomato tart. It was served with a fresh salad. For desert I had an Irish coffee. The staff is like family and you feel at home immediately.

Recycled flower

Fungi

Let there be light

Just a warning, Love Cake is not for heavy weights. The shower is quite narrow but luckily warm. I had a lovely sleep and was surprised to see a little private beach the next morning. Love cake has a little fence, perfect to keep the little ones safe.

Little beach

View towards Love Cake from the beach

A buffet breakfast was served the next morning, also included in the price. I've learnt that Pasella, a travel program, was also staying at Old Mac Daddy's. I had a lovely chat with one of the presenters before they went searching for their next adventure. I had a walk around and discovered a lovely playroom and undercover jungle gym for kids. Midweek it was abandoned, except for a rooster and his hens that looked as if they are going to escape on the tractor.