|
|
|
TRAVELTIME - Previous Outings |
|
|
SUTHERLAND & PRINCE ALBERT
12th -16th May '13 |
|
 |
|
Day 4: Wednesday 15th May: Gamkaskloof (Die
Hel) |
|
Today seven intrepid passengers set out on a
journey up Swartberg Pass and into
Gamkaskloof (Die Hel). The group shown here
with local residents John & Corné, the
drivers / guides for the day. |
|
 |
 |
|
Breakfast this morning was at
La Die Dah
with the group of 7 arriving when the
restaurant opened, thereby ensuring they
were able to be served before the 9am
pickup. The remainder of the group ambled
along at 9am for their breakfast and then
spent some time exploring the local
attractions. |
 |
|
The trip through the Swartberg Pass and
into Die Hel takes a full day (round
trip) due to the need to safely
negotiate the narrow roads and many
'hairpin bends' and of course the need
to stop for photo opportunities. |
|
|
|
The sign at the top of Swartberg Pass indicates
the direction as well as a providing an
indication of what is to be expected - 37km in 2
hours equates to a speed of 18,5km per hour! If
you factor in the stops along the way it is more
realistically 10km/hour. The right hand photo
shows the road travelled thus far. |
|
|
|
A stop at the top of the pass reveals the access
road into Die Hel, snaking its way
into the valley below. Looking from
this point it is hard to believe that there are
houses, a school and restaurant below. |
|
 |
 |
|
The final
approach road into The Hell and the
welcoming sign beckons you to enter and
explore. |
|
 |
 |
One of the
houses for rent and the local shop for
supplies and restaurant for light meals.
The return trip was completed faster
(fewer stops), however the group only
arrived back after sunset and caused a
little concern as there is no cell phone
reception until 5km from town. |
|
 |
|
|
The "last supper" was held at African
Relish, a local "recreational cooking
school". This meal was the most expensive of
those visited on tour, and regrettably not
the best. |
|
 |
 |
|
The chosen menu had a choice of 4
mains and two desserts. Shown above
are the Malay chicken curry & Orange
panna cotta. |
|
|
Day 5: Thursday 16th May: Homeward bound |
|
We
packed the vehicle at 08h30 and enjoyed
breakfast at
Lazy Lizard before starting
our long trip home (400km). |
|
 |
 |
|
What a spread they prepared for us:
Fresh fruit salad, muesli, muffins,
scones, fruit juice choice of eggs,
bacon & toast, tea & coffee. Great
start to the day, all at a very
reasonable cost. |
|
|
 |
|
Hilda
writing her memories of the Swartberg
Pass / Gamkaskloof trip in John's book. |
|
 |
 |
|
We stopped
en-route at the Veldskoen Padstal for
refreshments over lunch and used this
period to thank Chris (our driver /
guide) for his participation in the tour.
All appeared happy and relaxed after 5
days away.
And they say "it's a dogs life ?" |
|
|
Distances Never
Matter,
When The Memories are Sweet.
Special People are Never Forgotten,
Because They Remain in our Hearts. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Published 19th May'13 |
|
|
BACK TO TOP |
|
|
