DAY 1 Tuesday 10 February.

Transcription

1 DAY 1 Tuesday 10 February. We left Kloof at 8 am and headed for Ixopo where we met with the rest of the Natal group and proceeded to Kokstad where we filled up and took a short break. Due to the severe heat on route, several of the cars suffered with brake fade although this did not pose a serious problem. We continued on to Matatiele where we enjoyed a long lunch break and had a few laughs and met up with Peter and Val Fielding from the South coast who joined us in for a portion of the trip, travelling in their brand new Jaguar F Type soft top sports. The scenery was stunning but the stop/goes along the road were nothing short of a nightmare. On one occasion we had a wait of 30 minutes as most of the road was being re-tarred. The route ran parallel to the majestic Lesotho Mountains which made up for all the irritation of the stoppages, but we had to unfortunately endure many reckless drivers on the way. The heat on the run was oppressive, being well over 40 o C. There were a few relatively easily fixed carb problems except those of Konnie and Avril which needed further attention later, but that did not influence the run. We continued on to Maclear where some of the group spent the night whilst the rest of us proceeded to Ugie where we spent the night at Clarendon Guest House which was originally an 1

2 orphanage for girls left homeless by the flu epidemic after the First World War. Our wonderful host was Chris Gous. He and his wife had been attacked by two thugs a few years ago. She was murdered and he only just managed to survive. Chris and his wife had bought the two storey building in a derelict state and renovated the hostel to its current glory displaying a wonderful collection of furniture, artifacts and paintings, all lovingly acquired over many years. Ollie and I were allocated a very large room on the ground floor, with a double bed and two singles. Andrew and Maryann were allocated a room upstairs with the only access being a steep outside fire escape. Andrew would not let her climb those steep stairs so in the end we suggested they have the double bed in our room. This cozy arrangement worked well although during the night we were aware of some heavy breathing! DAY 2 Wednesday 11 February. After the contingent who had spent the night in Maclear arrived, the group filled up and proceeded on to the filthy town of Elliot, through the pass to Cala and on to Lady Frere and Queenstown. A quick fuel top up then it was on to Whittlesea and over Nico Malan Pass. The trip to the summit was in hot clear weather but once over the top we encountered dense mist which blocked out most of the beautiful scenery. Then through Fort Beaufort, which became a town in

3 Around this time Andrew Geddes Bain who was the godfather of my great grandfather Owen Bain Harries built the first road, including the Ecca Pass, which runs to Grahamstown where Ollie and I stayed with Yoland, Ollie s daughter. The rest of the team stayed at Henry the Eighteenth Bed and Breakfast. Later that afternoon we were privileged to be addressed by Pat Irwin at Fort Selwyn, situated on the top of the hill overlooking Grahamstown, next to the 1820 Settlers Museum. Pat told us about Grahamstown, its history and the various wars that took place the area. Very interesting. Thereafter we all gathered at Yoland's home for a venison braai. What a lovely and memorable evening it was. DAY 3 Thursday 12 February. The group met at the BP filling station and set off towards Port Elizabeth stopping for breakfast at the well known Nanaga Farm Stall, 3

4 before proceeding to the Cerebos salt factory to look at the flamingoes on the salt pans. We were out of luck. The security guard did not even know what the salt pans were. Passing the new Coega deep water harbour at Port Ngqhurha, we did see the Flamingoes. We proceeded to Port Elizabeth where we met the Johannesburg contingent for lunch at the Blue Waters Cafe on Marine Drive, Somerstrand. Continuing towards our overnight stop we took a detour to look at the van Stadens River bridge from below then continuing on the N2 we took the Jeffrey's Bay off ramp to view the incredible wind farm although a thick fog shrouded a lot of it. Fortunately Konnie had provided us with a lot of information about this installation which made up for not getting a closer view. After passing through Humans Dorp we turned off to Cape St Francis Bay where we checked in to really lovely accommodation. We enjoyed a good meal and lots of fun at the Joe Fish Restaurant. DAY 4 Friday 13 February. Proceeding south on the N2 we had a fuel stop at the Storms River Bridge Ultra City. We enjoyed a tea break at Marilyn s 60s Diner, at the Storms River Village in the heart of the Tsitsikamma. The décor is retro styled focusing on Marilyn Mun- 4

5 roe and Elvis Presley memorabilia. After coffee and apple pie we headed to Knysna where I broke away from the group who went on an oyster eating binge at Freshline Fisheries. Ollie and I went to visit my dear friends Hennie and Coleen Nel. Hennie and I worked together for 3 years in Aden, South Arabia from 1962 to 65 planning the last of Britain s military installations and buildings. The journey continued through to Sedgefield and the Wilderness in the most horrific rain storm. Visibility was minimal and the car was buffeted at times but we proceeded carefully and finally arrived in George where Ollie and I checked in to the Oude Pastorie, whilst most of the other members of the raid checked into the 'fancy' Protea Hotel. Ollie and I sneaked a quick ride up and down the Outiniqua pass where we had fun outgunning a Mercedes who tried in vain to catch up with us. The whole group met at the hotel s bar for drinks before supper. Ernie and Cynthia had sent 28 items of washing to the hotel s laundry and were astounded when the bill came to over R Even without the weekend surcharge it was a totally exorbitant price! Live fancy --- pay fancy! 5

6 DAY 5 Saturday 14 February. After an early breakfast we headed for the George Car Show arriving at 7:15 for registration. All of our cars were parked together. There were many car clubs registered and also many car brands clustered together. There were also all sorts of other stalls and a very big selection of models cars available. Food stalls and a massive beer tent were run by Rotary. It was absolutely amazing how many people one bumped into that one knew. I even met a distant family member, Paul Mouton from Piet Retief, and later an acquaintance from Sanlam that I had not seen for 30 odd years! I also found Jacques Pienaar with his 1930 model A Ford Woodie Van for which I had provided him with all the technical information enabling him to build his van. We seemed to walk for miles occasionally taking a rest in the 2CV. At 5 we sneaked out in the car and headed back to the Oude Pastorie, collected supper and settled down for the night. DAY 6 Sunday 15 February. Before undertaking this trip I had decided to cover part of a trip that I did in 1953 with my late uncle in my new 1953 Fiat 500 Cub. This included George, Outeniqua Pass, Oudtshoorn, de Rust, Meiringspoort, Prince Albert, Swartberg Pass and on through Oudtshoorn to the Montague pass. Ollie set off with me after 6

7 breakfast on a trip of about 260 km. In Prince Albert while having coffee and a bite, we were approached by two groups of people wanting to know all about the car and the trip. We then set off over the Swartberg Pass, stopping here and there to photograph and admire the view and the incredible workmanship. At the top of the pass we were overwhelmed by a group of travelers, 2 French Canadians, 2 Australians and 2 South Africans. Pictures, questions, laughs and much talking and reminiscing. The French chap was even photographed kissing the 2 CV!! Then down the pass, through Schoemans Poort and finally down the Montague Pass back to George, a rest, supper and then bed. 7 Monday 16 February. Packed, loaded and with breakfast over, we met the group at the top of Long Street at the Caltex garage in George. There was an altercation here. As Ernie was moving into a bay to have his car filled, another driver cut him off almost crashing into his car! The route took us past Mossel Bay, Albertina, Riversdale to Heidelberg where we stopped at the Delish Café for coffee. Next was a lunch stop at Swellendam at the Oppie Stoep Café which included much mirth and storytelling. I managed to meet here with an old school friend and his wife, Mike and Rita du Toit. In 1947 Mike, a friend and I had ridden on our ordinary bikes from Pretoria to Durban in 4 days! We then headed down to Bredasdorp and on to Cape Agulhas where we booked in to the Nature Reserve Resort. Access to the cottages was along a very bad road for 7 kilometers, but well worthwhile as the accommodation was really lovely, clean and well appointed with stunning views and the sea being no 7

8 more than 10 metres away from our cottage. There were even reed ceilings in the bedrooms. In the afternoon Reg, Vivi, Ernie and Cynthia came to visit with Andrew and Maryann joining a little later. During this visit Steve got amorous and embraced and KISSED Ernie! There is no denying this as it was captured on camera by a very envious Reg. The wind during the night was so violent that it sounded like thunder. None the less we had a peaceful night and I slept like a top. DAY 8 Tuesday 17 February. Up late, 7 o clock! We had a restful day although most of the team either went in to town or went for a general ride around. Late afternoon we visited some of the cottages to link up with some of our pals and see what the other accommodation was like. The quality of some of them was superb and Andrew and I agreed that, having both been Judges of Excellence for several years of the Natal Master Builder s Association, we would have given them a top prize. The workmanship in the others was also high and would have deserved highly recommended. At 6 some of the other raiders arrived for a raucous party at our house that continued to close on 22:30. Ernie and Reg were in charge of the braai in the massive in-door braai in the kitchen. Ernie even managed to braai some fish. We had peaceful sleep with only a gentle wind buffeting the house. DAY 9 Wednesday 18 February. We had an early breakfast and spent a leisurely few hours before joining Steve 8

9 and Joyce on a drive to Arniston and Waenhuiskraal in their DS. We had a cool drink at the hotel overlooking the little harbour after which we returned to Agulhas. Later in the afternoon we gathered all the cars at the Agulhas Lighthouse for a photo sheet before proceeding to the Seagull Restaurant for supper. There I handed out innovative timber oven assistors and toast tongs to each of the ladies in the group. After a very pleasant get together we headed home to an early night once again over the terrible road. DAY 10 Thursday 19 February. We all had a late start, breakfast and decided that with the condition of the road back to Agulhas we would rather spend the day at leisure. During the morning most of the Johannesburg contingent left for home taking a series of different routes. We wished them a safe journey. We had a few visits from some of the members during the day and at 18:00 most of the remaining raiders arrived for supper, sharing leftovers. I am sure that most settled down to packing to avoid the morning rush and then dropped into bed. One of the members really stayed so late that Ollie and I eventually sneaked away to our respective bedrooms, leaving Joyce and Steve who were then saddled with him. DAY 11 Friday 20 February. After an early rise and light breakfast we set off to meet at the Caltex garage in Struisbaai. We then set off for the Shipwreck Museum at Bredasdorp which turned out to be well worth while and very interesting. A photographer for the local newspaper took photos for an upcoming article. Our next stop was Stanford where we walked around the village. Maryann's 9

10 brother, who lives in Stanford met us there. Andrew who was suffering from a bad dose of flu headed for a local Doctor, whereafter they decided to spend a few days with Maryann s brother to allow Andrew to recuperate. We were led by one of the Cape Citroen members to the local ice cream parlor where we all indulged in some Gelato-gusto the real Italian ice cream. The team set off for Hermanus and then on to Kleimond where the main group had lunch. Ollie and I went to the Arabella Golf Estate where I met up with Terry Dwyer who also worked with me in Aden, South Arabia. I had last seen him in By a strange coincidence we discovered that Terry s son, the local District Surgeon in Grahamstown, owns and runs the Henry the Eighteenth B & B in Grahamstown which is where most of the group on the raid had stayed. The route we then took was through Kleinmond to Betty's Bay and along the spectacular road to Gordon's Bay before joining the N2 to Cape Town. Most of the group had booked into separate venues. Ollie and I headed to my youngest daughter Janine, who lives in Newlands, where we spent the next few days mainly chilling. 10

11 DAY 12 Sunday 21 February. The group met at 9 am at the Rondebosch Common where we joined the Cape Town Citroen Club. We eventually set off in convoy to Blaauwberg Strand with the Citroen DS's leading the way with the 2CVs and Light 15 s taking up the rear. On the beach road at Blaauwberg Strand we parked to take pictures of the group with Table Mountain in the background the proceeded to a restaurant called 'Onse Huisie' where we were accommodated in an area specially set aside for the group. The expensive buffet lunch was very disappointing although the company was most enjoyable. I was fortunate to be seated next to Andre Fourie, the ex minister of Regional Affairs in the previous government, with whom I had close links for several years. I had Chaired the Regional Development Advisory Committee for him for Natal and Eastern Cape, so we had much to reminisce and talk about. After that we all went our separate ways and Ollie and I went to visit my eldest daughter Teree, her daughter Cara and a friend Sash who lives in Milnerton. My son-inlaw, Hilton, was away on a golf tour. DAY 13 Monday 22 February. The Engen garage near Somerset West was our next meeting point from where we continued on the run up Sir Lowry s Pass, Grabouw, over Viljoen s Pass to Villiersdorp. Comment was made as to how clean the town appeared to be. We moved on via Worcester to an interesting little roadside stall with hundreds of pumpkins on sale. This is where Helmud dropped his wallet, which fortunately was found intact and in the process he only lost R 300 but retrieved everything else, which meant a return trip to collect it. Then we moved on through Robertson, Ashton to Montagu where we filled up before continuing to Barrydale where An- 11

12 drew and Maryann rejoined the group. We had lunch at the Diesel and Crème Vintage Diner on route 62. Thereafter on to Ronnie s Sex Shop for refreshments and then on past Ladismith over the Huisrivier Pass to Calitzdorp and finally to Oudtshoorn where we checked in to 12 N A Smit Holiday Resort, unpacked and made straight to the pool to cool down. We were not impressed with the accommodation. Not only was it sparse, there was very little provided with no plugs in bedrooms and curt instructions here and there. The trip was unbelievably hot and most of the party opted not to go out to supper. DAY 14 Tuesday 23 February. Andrew was not well as he still had a virus that was really active. We decided that Ollie should drive Andrew s car with Maryann and Andrew joining me in my car. Instead of going the direct route through de Rust it was decided to head back towards George and then left towards Uniondale, Willowmore, Ashton towards Graff Reinet, passing over the, Potjiesberg Pass, Gwarries Pass, Buyspoort Pass, Perdepoort Pass, Kaapse Poortjie Pass and the Munnikspoort Pass. This was a far more interesting route than the alternate road through de Rust. The passes and the views were incredible. We arrived at Graaf Reinet at midday. That afternoon just before some of the party were going to set off to the Valley of Desolation a thunderstorm threatened and that trip was postponed to the next morning. We enjoyed supper at a local restaurant within walking distance. DAY 15 Wednesday 24 February. Some of the group set off for the Valley of Desolation. On their return the

13 whole party got together for a late but sumptuous breakfast at a restaurant after which we proceeded on the trip. Some broke away to Nieuw Bethesda and the remainder to Cradock via the Naudesberg Pass. The bulk of the group checked in to the Victoria Hotel, who had unfortunately run out of available rooms, so Ollie and I checked in to Amalia Guesthouse, a B & B which was really very nice. Some of the group visited various facilities in the town and even found a collection of old cars. We joined the group at the hotel for drinks and a very nice buffet supper. We got to bed reasonably early. DAY 16 Thursday 25th February. We set off from the Victoria Manor Hotel shortly after 8. There had been some discussion about taking a longer, more scenic route, but some felt that the shorter route to Ugie would be better. On this return trip to Ugie, which was basically the reverse of the trip down, we could not help remarking how beautiful the countryside was. Once again in the rural area there is virtually no agriculture practiced, in fact we saw only one major field of mielies. In contrast, the white farming areas display massive agricultural activity. Close to Lady Frere, Ernie's overloaded 'bakkie' broke a suspension bar. Gavin, Ollie and Reg tried to do a temporary repair to get us in to Lady Frere, where Andrew had found a gas welder seated under a tree. I phoned Dougie Wallace for advice and he suggested using a chain to do the repair. Everybody was so intent on fixing the car that even though I twice imparted that advice it fell on deaf ears. Ollie drove the car into the town and found the welder. The part that needed re- 13

14 pair was taken away by the welder s assistant for grinding elsewhere, but he never returned. After waiting for over an hour I once again made the suggestion about the chain. The penny dropped and Gavin and Ernie rushed to a close by Indian hardware shop to buy a short length of chain and not long afterwards the repair was complete. When I phoned Dougie he said that he had already patented the idea! Those who were spending the night at Maclear continued to their overnight stop whilst those of us staying in Ugie settled in to our accommodation in Clarendon House for another pleasant stay, super supper and a restful night where Ollie and I shared the room, with Andrew and Maryann in their own room, on ground floor, so no heavy breathing was heard! DAY 17 Friday February 26. We left soon after breakfast and met the rest of the group at Maclear. It was noticed that Ernie s car was listing to one side. Gavin tightened up the chain and the problem was solved. The stop/goes we previously encountered were no longer there and it was an uneventful run to Matatielle where we had an extended stop to eat and drink, but with very slow service. Eventually Ollie, myself, Andrew and Ernie moved on ahead of the group finally meeting in Kokstad where we said our goodbyes before proceeding home via Ixopo, Richmond, past Pietermaritzburg to the N2. On the approach to Cato Ridge my little 2CV hit 126 km/hour on the Garmin, and Ollie has the video footage to prove it! 14

15 Ollie was a wonderful companion, shared the driving, shared many interesting stories and had many laughs on the trip. Jes, Ollie s wife, had provided a lot of eats and drinks in case we were not fed well. The total distance travelled was 4161 kms and litres consumed which meant l/100 km. We might have got a better consumption if we had not burnt it as much as we did, trying to keep ahead of Konnie and Reg! Carl Mouton March