REPORT : MONTAGU & SURROUNDS 23

18th-21st April ‘23

See Collage at end of Report.

April is the month our tour was scheduled for Montagu. At 09h30 our coach set off on our long-awaited “FUN COACH TRIP, to Montagu”, for 4 days.

We had one final pickup to do at Val de Vie and then headed through the Du Toits Kloof  Tunnel to our first stop – The Pampoen Stalletjie, just outside Worcester.  So many of the group said they always drove past this roadside stall but in future will make sure it’s a ‘gathering’ stop – well-stocked with jams; pumpkins of all sizes and shapes; and so many ‘must-haves’ for your homes – their tills rang merrily!

After this we had pre-ordered our lunch at the Red Chair Bistro  (Rooiberg Winery near Robertson)– and delicious it was – a good way to get to relax a little before many ‘braved’ the Red Chair – (the Biggest Red Chair in Africa) – steps going up (very easy), but coming down was a challenge. (All the “knee-op” ladies needed to watch their step).

Next stop was Elana’s on the Drie-hoek Farm, where, once again, the group took of their vast range of product – “Home made produce at affordable prices”.

Then at just after 15h00 we checked into the Montagu Country Hotel – fabulous to say the least (The only Art Deco hotel in Africa!) – we unpacked and at about 18h00 all met in their new bar “Feathers and Flatcaps”).  This hotel complete with the Charleston’s Restaurant; their on-site Spa which one of our ladies used extensively; Art gallery where art changes regularly; The Montagu-Ashton tourism office; Protea Farm booking site and Flying feet agents on hand making this a complete one-stop in Montagu surrounded by interesting shops and art galleries!

Dinner was in the Charleston’s Restaurant – with a delicious choice menu – the favourite being the Main Course of Leg of Lamb (what huge portions – we all wished we could take doggy bags!)

On Wednesday our coach headed out early to the Protea Farm where their Tractor was waiting for Patricia and Margaret.  “Fabulous trip” they both said – “Wonderful memory”.  The rest of the group went to Bon Courage arriving there at 10h45 – (The Boeing flew past as we left the coach, signalling that it was time to wine-taste) – ladies did justice to this with many boxes of wine being loaded onto our coach when we left.  Next stop was Van Loveren with their fabulous self-guided walk “Our Trees Tell Stories” – coffee and cupcakes / carrot cake was the order of this stop prior to our lunch stop at Barn on 62 – under the trees.

A short rest at the hotel and then the group headed off to the La Rochelle Garden where Anne-Marie (who also works at the Tourism office), introduced us to the fabulous garden on this family home in the centre of Montagu.  What a Treat for us all!

Dinner tonight was at Piccolo Tesoro – and from the beginning an awesome atmosphere was set for our private ‘Long table Italian feast’ – from their fabulous salad; to the 7 pizzas and 7 pastas followed by Gelato ice cream and we were not even bothered by load shedding, having the time-of-our-lives!

Thursday saw us having a latish start – as heavy rain was predicted, and we were due to board the Viljoensdrift boat down the Breede River at 11h45.  We left the hotel with clear blue skies; arrived still with the blue skies but 15 minutes before we were scheduled to board, the wind came up making the water extremely choppy and many ladies anxious (most of all the tour leader!) – our boat trip was cancelled – BUT this didn’t deter our group – some enjoyed a picnic at a table inside ; some did wine tasting ; some did coffees……we have good memories of Viljoensdrift (and will definitely do the boat trip on our next visit in the area).

Next, we went in search of The Blue House “Poesiehoek” in Montagu – this house built in 1886 in a double story, Karoo, Cape Georgian style with simple unadorned parapet.  It has been used during the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic as a hospital.  Many died in the house giving rise to the belief that the house was haunted.  Later is was used as a brothel by twin sisters; it later became a convenience store and now finally it is a private residence.  We all ‘had-to’ have a group photo outside and only just got out of our coach when the heavens opened – “A bad omen” a few mentioned……but such fun to be part of the tour with lovely ladies!

After this we ‘raided’ Cape Dry, with their fabulous selection of Dried Fruits; Nuts ; Plant based product; including a well-stocked wine shop with all local product.  Our coach driver was thrilled he found pomegranate juice from the Jan Harmsgat farm, just outside Swellendam.

We went back to the hotel in the early afternoon – and Elke offered to show us some of the craft she loves – “let your fingers do the walking,” said Elke.  Elke is part of the Exploring Ancient Skills Textile Workshops which is part of The Cape Guild of Weavers workshop to be held at Kirstenbosch at end of April.  She demonstrated the Viking technique of braiding – some of us shied away being ‘all fingers and thumbs’ but Patricia; Marja and her friend who live in Ashton loved trying their hand / fingers at this craft!

Dinner tonight was in the hotel again – wow and what a full hotel it was – with a group of Indian Bikers who do an annual bike ride in the Western Cape; several other parties who were staying elsewhere but used the hotel for their dinner; and the chef came to the ‘party’ AGAIN with delicious Ostrich carpaccio or baby root vegetable salad; with roast beef loin or Thyme Roasted Chicken (delicious).

Friday came around far too quickly and by 09h00 we were all packed-and-not-ready to return home to Cape Town. We had a quick stop at the Ashton butchery to collect more pomegranate juice; then a second stop at Elana’s where a few ladies enjoyed her pancakes with milk tart filling (& enjoyed MANY more purchases).

We took the road via Villiersdorp / Theewaterskloof / Franschhoek where we stopped for a light lunch before heading along the ‘detour road’ to do our drop-off at Val de Vie. They are making the access road into this estate a double road, which is going to be fabulous, eventually!

Our arrival at the airport was on schedule and our 3 shuttles were waiting to ‘load’ their vehicles with the group – thank goodness we had first class BIG shuttles as the shopping filled the luggage area and we even had our violin lady statue (who was precious cargo), taken home safely!

From me to you all– The Montagu Road Trippers – a sincere thank-you – not only did we discover new gems in the area but we discovered how good it is in life to enjoy each other’s company, with laughter divine – so very good for the soul.

Some comments:

• Dearest Carol – Now that I am firmly back in the ‘real world’, I would just say a very sincere thank you for a wonderful 4 days away, with super accommodation, good food & wine; fantastic company & safe travel – all of which lived up to what I have always experienced over my 12 years of travelling with Traveltime – Elaine
• A big thanks to you Carol, for a very well-organized trip – Elke
• Thank you, Carol and all the Golden Girls for a Fabulous fun-filled lovely few days, – Ingrid H
• I loved being part of this trip – we did indeed have loads of fun – thank you to Carol (and Charl) – Charmian
• Dear Carol – every trip is like Christmas – a great fun filled time as always – Alice.
• These holidays are such a pleasure and you and Brian make this possible – I can’t thank you enough – Marja.
• Indeed, a good, fabulous Time Away – making memories – such Fun – Laughter is the best medicine! Thank you, Carol, – for your effort and patience! Theresa.

The End