Trip down memory lane
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:32 pm
Trip down memory lane
The trip started out as : get to Cape L’Agulhas – rest a bit – go home.
Fortunately the biker in me is still alive and well, and as any biker will tell you, any trip worth doing, is worth doing via the road less travelled.
27 April is many things to many people. For us this particular 27th was just a brilliant opportunity to get off the hamster wheel, and escape the rat race for a short while. Ooo, and I had to drop off a set of keys in Onrus Hermanus, so it would “have to be” the long winding road along the coast. As the RAV counted off the miles and the old scenery rolled past I had a day of reliving lots and lots of old memories. The looming stormy weather, the gale force wind, the scenery … This trip would have so many new moments, and yet remind me of so many old memories. You are welcome to join me on this journey through the past and present.
This trip would also be our first “camping” trip in the RAV. First time we needed to pack for a weekend away in many years. Since 2008 the 4x4 was always packed and ready, just a few undies and we could drive off. This would be a “self catering” trip. Thus not true camping, but always that question of just how much to tag along …. And this would also be the first trip where I would have to take fresh stuff along to keep eating correctly …. Eventually we closed the tailgate and set off.
We believe any trip should start with a nice breakfast at the first Wimpy along the way. This would be the Falsebay Wimpy on the N2. Been getting used to taking a slice of Low GI bread along, and ordering their cheese omlett. But this time we get a new menu … and I start reading …. Couple of Banting options in the menu. The good old Oats breakfast is back on the menu. Even a nice new cheese and mushroom omlett. And would you believe it, Wimpy now even offers Low GI bread with their food. Even their coffee mugs are now much larger.
This trip was off to a lekka start !
Then a nice slow drive along beach road in Strand. The aftermarth of the last storm still clearly visible ! Sand washed right over the retaining wall, the line between the pavement and the road totally obscured. I immediately grabbed the opportunity to drive onto the “beach” – on the pavement. Took some nice pics of Langpad “on the beach”.
We bought the RAV just before the Easter weekend, and got it with a temporary paper plate. Over that weekend we kept on talking of using the RAV for the “Langpad” tours, and the Etios for the town trips. And after a few days we just spoke of “Langpad”. I had to go back to Toyota to wrap up some paperwork and joked with Esme, the saleslady, about getting a number plate “LANGPAD-WP”. Five minutes later she called me and said the number was available … Guess I should now ask her if “Kortpad” is available for the Etios.
Back to the Strand. I remember a time not so long ago when a storm that caused the sea to breach the wall was head lines. Now this happens a couple of times a year …. As we drove along Beach Road it was clear from the water marks on the buildings across the road.
Through Gordons Bay. The mere forecast of rain has kept the Capies in their homes. It was already 10:00, yet the roads were empty and only a few regulars walking on the beach. Should add, the North wind was pumping !! We idled up the long winding road to the Steenbras Dam Lookout point. If you are scared of heights do not attempt this road ! What a view !!
Then it was time for the winding mountain road along the coast to Rooi Els. Cruise control on, relaxing, enjoying the scenery. Time to relax, and to unwind. Past Kogel Bay I dropped a couple of gears and passed the two cars ahead of me, and enjoyed the last few bends to Rooi Els. Certainly one way to unwind.
Bettiesbay. One long trip down memory lane. We lived here in 1976 and 1977. I have many fond memories from this era. My dad was semi retired at this stage, and did a lot of fishing from a boat. As you can imagine I spent a LOT of time on the boat with my dad. I was catching fish and holding my own on the boat. Should have seen my dads face the day I pulled in a 4 pound Rooi-roman. The fun started when we went a bit deeper and caught snoek. I could get it hooked, but just no way a kid can pull a snoek in. So I would hook them and hand the line to my dad.
Stopping at the garage in Bettiesbay the North wind was still pumping hard. Reminding me of the day my mom opened the door at this very same garage, and the gale force wind ripped the door from her hand. Broke that door clean off its hinges. She drove the Alcamino bakkie home with the door in the back of the bakkie.
Back then Bettiesbay did not have electricity. In fact this area only got electrified in the late 80’s. Some of you will remember 1976 as the year we got tv in SA. Not much use if you don’t have electricity. There was ONE house in Bettiesbay that had generator power. MAN, was this guy popular, with everybody making up any excuse to come watch tv at his home. If my sister and I behaved we could stay up and listen to the story on the radio with my folks. In winter time the kaggel would be lit for this story time. I would spend the afternoon gathering “cones” that dropped from the local trees for the kaggel.
We went to school in Kleinmond. If memory serves me the total number of kids in the school was 78, yes back then we were not pupils or learners or what ever. Kids were kids, and that was it. Sub A, Sub B and Standard 1 was in ONE room. There were three blackboards on three different walls of ONE room, and the desks were arranged that each group would look at a different wall. There were two teachers for the three groups. Talk about discipline !! You listened when it was your turn to get class, and you carried on quietly with your homework when the teacher was busy with the other group !! The room to the left in the photo is where I spent two years.
That school moto stuck, and has helped me through some tough spots.
Looking at the two massive school busses and the many new buildings I can only deduct there may be more kids in the school today. Guess each “grade” may now even have its own class and teacher.
Over the years we often went back to Kleinmond for holidays. In the 70’s and 80’s kids could still walk the length of this dorp in complete safety. Christmas time we would walk to the town hall and watch a movie, remember this was long before videos, so seeing a movie was a “big thing”. We would then walk to the beach, and late at night walk back home. Never ever was this considered dangerous.
Those that know the area knows the bridge over the Palmiet river. In the 70’s the camp site was right next to this bridge. Today this area is a picnic spot, called the Fairy Glen. Nice spot to park and hike the mountains.
This bridge … Oooo, this bridge ….
Bridges are made for people to jump off. And a bridge over water is just such a nice jumping platform.
Kyk ek is nie n bang-gat nie, maar ek is ook nie stupid nie. This bridge is high ! And there is a nasty rock just below the surface, and yet another rock slightly deeper. So you have to jump at the right spot, and then jump forward to hit the safe spot …. Nee wat. And so I watched many people do this jump over the years. Until this one day, a buddy and I was sitting there watching this lot, and up walks this beautiful young lady. Walks onto the bridge, climbs over the ledge, took a second and jumped. Okay, ons is nie bang-gatte nie, and we did the first of many jumps ….
Time to stop at the old harbour. Have launched from here many times with my dad. Two memories remain vivid in my mind. My dad’s boat had two off 40hp Mercury motors. This one day we were pretty deep, the mountain tips were barely visible on the horizon …. Neither Mercury would start ! This was not long after my dad had both rebuilt. With absolutely no other choice the fisherman would take turns at the ores and slowly work our way back to dry land. Dit is HARDE werk !! Could have been an hour or two later, but the guys behind the ores were visibly exhausted. Today Gansbaai is known across the world for shark diving. Well I have seen schools of sharks in these waters back then. Try to imagine sitting in an 18 foot boat with a 30 foot shark circling the boat, now imagine this with more than ten dorsal fins sticking out the water ! No imagine the scene of two tired fisherman barely capable of working the ores seeing a school of sharks … the nose of that boat picked up and we actually left a wake as they worked those ores !
Those of you that know small boats know that back-board where the motor clamps on. The bigger the boat, the bigger the motors, and the bigger the board that holds the motors. Now a little “dingy” with a 15x40mm back board for a little 10 or 20 hp motor is hardly suited to the Vaal dam, never mind the sea. In 1977 Katinka Heyns appeared in a movie, and they had to go out to sea for one scene. But there was a storm and even the locals would not venture out to sea. They all warned the film crew to not go out. They took this little dingy out as far as the mouth of the harbour before the sea tossed it over. Each time my dad heard her name he would recount that story.
Off to Onrus, Hermanus. Greta’s uncle and aunt had a holiday house in Onrus, later this became their primary house when they retired. Greta’s mom passed away when Greta was very young, and her aunt was a big part of her life. In 1991 they offered us the opportunity to go there for a weekend. Driving an old car I had a toolbox with me at all times. At the holiday house I kept on hearing a dripping sound. Turns out the washer of the ball valve to the geyser had to be replaced. Shear dumb luck I had a washer in the toolbox that fitted. That little washer was certainly the best thing that ever could have happened. Basically oom Compion adopted me as his son from that time. I only found out many years later that his only son passed away at a young age.
Typical scenery we grew accustomed to at Onrus –
On one such trip I had parked the car, driving right past the house and parking it at the back. The fire was lit. I was settled in for the night, when my wife tells me she needs something from the café …. Very begrudgingly I took her to the café. Coming back I parked next to the house, not at the back. That night the wind blew over a massive old tree, right where the car WAS parked. Had I not taken my wife to the café the car would have been a write-off !
For those that may want to stay over in Onrus:
- Self catering – SPATSELS – http://www.spatsels.co.za" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; – 084 580 7972
- Camping – Onrus Caravan park - https://www.overstrand.gov.za/en/onrus-caravan-park" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Having dropped off the keys with our aunt we set off along the coast to Gansbaai. Do note that long stretch outside Gansbaai is an 80km/h stretch … May just get my first speed fine with Langpad from this stretch of road, think I was just over 90 … Then the new tar road to Elim.
Elim is a classic Moravian missionary village. Also a proud history of thatching. Yet today it is predominantly known for its home for fetal alchol syndrome kids. Very sad story …
And eventually we made it to L’Agulhas. What a trip down memory lane. We know very little of L’Agulhas, except it is the most Southern tip of Africa. We have stopped here 3 or 4 times before, but always just stop and go. Never took time to build memories here.
Hopefully the next few days will afford us the opportunity to learn more of the tip of Africa.
We used http://www.lekkeslaap.co.za" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; to find a place in L’Agulhas. We chose “The Gift” - https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/akkommodasie/the-gift" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Stay tuned for the next episode …
The trip started out as : get to Cape L’Agulhas – rest a bit – go home.
Fortunately the biker in me is still alive and well, and as any biker will tell you, any trip worth doing, is worth doing via the road less travelled.
27 April is many things to many people. For us this particular 27th was just a brilliant opportunity to get off the hamster wheel, and escape the rat race for a short while. Ooo, and I had to drop off a set of keys in Onrus Hermanus, so it would “have to be” the long winding road along the coast. As the RAV counted off the miles and the old scenery rolled past I had a day of reliving lots and lots of old memories. The looming stormy weather, the gale force wind, the scenery … This trip would have so many new moments, and yet remind me of so many old memories. You are welcome to join me on this journey through the past and present.
This trip would also be our first “camping” trip in the RAV. First time we needed to pack for a weekend away in many years. Since 2008 the 4x4 was always packed and ready, just a few undies and we could drive off. This would be a “self catering” trip. Thus not true camping, but always that question of just how much to tag along …. And this would also be the first trip where I would have to take fresh stuff along to keep eating correctly …. Eventually we closed the tailgate and set off.
We believe any trip should start with a nice breakfast at the first Wimpy along the way. This would be the Falsebay Wimpy on the N2. Been getting used to taking a slice of Low GI bread along, and ordering their cheese omlett. But this time we get a new menu … and I start reading …. Couple of Banting options in the menu. The good old Oats breakfast is back on the menu. Even a nice new cheese and mushroom omlett. And would you believe it, Wimpy now even offers Low GI bread with their food. Even their coffee mugs are now much larger.
This trip was off to a lekka start !
Then a nice slow drive along beach road in Strand. The aftermarth of the last storm still clearly visible ! Sand washed right over the retaining wall, the line between the pavement and the road totally obscured. I immediately grabbed the opportunity to drive onto the “beach” – on the pavement. Took some nice pics of Langpad “on the beach”.
We bought the RAV just before the Easter weekend, and got it with a temporary paper plate. Over that weekend we kept on talking of using the RAV for the “Langpad” tours, and the Etios for the town trips. And after a few days we just spoke of “Langpad”. I had to go back to Toyota to wrap up some paperwork and joked with Esme, the saleslady, about getting a number plate “LANGPAD-WP”. Five minutes later she called me and said the number was available … Guess I should now ask her if “Kortpad” is available for the Etios.
Back to the Strand. I remember a time not so long ago when a storm that caused the sea to breach the wall was head lines. Now this happens a couple of times a year …. As we drove along Beach Road it was clear from the water marks on the buildings across the road.
Through Gordons Bay. The mere forecast of rain has kept the Capies in their homes. It was already 10:00, yet the roads were empty and only a few regulars walking on the beach. Should add, the North wind was pumping !! We idled up the long winding road to the Steenbras Dam Lookout point. If you are scared of heights do not attempt this road ! What a view !!
Then it was time for the winding mountain road along the coast to Rooi Els. Cruise control on, relaxing, enjoying the scenery. Time to relax, and to unwind. Past Kogel Bay I dropped a couple of gears and passed the two cars ahead of me, and enjoyed the last few bends to Rooi Els. Certainly one way to unwind.
Bettiesbay. One long trip down memory lane. We lived here in 1976 and 1977. I have many fond memories from this era. My dad was semi retired at this stage, and did a lot of fishing from a boat. As you can imagine I spent a LOT of time on the boat with my dad. I was catching fish and holding my own on the boat. Should have seen my dads face the day I pulled in a 4 pound Rooi-roman. The fun started when we went a bit deeper and caught snoek. I could get it hooked, but just no way a kid can pull a snoek in. So I would hook them and hand the line to my dad.
Stopping at the garage in Bettiesbay the North wind was still pumping hard. Reminding me of the day my mom opened the door at this very same garage, and the gale force wind ripped the door from her hand. Broke that door clean off its hinges. She drove the Alcamino bakkie home with the door in the back of the bakkie.
Back then Bettiesbay did not have electricity. In fact this area only got electrified in the late 80’s. Some of you will remember 1976 as the year we got tv in SA. Not much use if you don’t have electricity. There was ONE house in Bettiesbay that had generator power. MAN, was this guy popular, with everybody making up any excuse to come watch tv at his home. If my sister and I behaved we could stay up and listen to the story on the radio with my folks. In winter time the kaggel would be lit for this story time. I would spend the afternoon gathering “cones” that dropped from the local trees for the kaggel.
We went to school in Kleinmond. If memory serves me the total number of kids in the school was 78, yes back then we were not pupils or learners or what ever. Kids were kids, and that was it. Sub A, Sub B and Standard 1 was in ONE room. There were three blackboards on three different walls of ONE room, and the desks were arranged that each group would look at a different wall. There were two teachers for the three groups. Talk about discipline !! You listened when it was your turn to get class, and you carried on quietly with your homework when the teacher was busy with the other group !! The room to the left in the photo is where I spent two years.
That school moto stuck, and has helped me through some tough spots.
Looking at the two massive school busses and the many new buildings I can only deduct there may be more kids in the school today. Guess each “grade” may now even have its own class and teacher.
Over the years we often went back to Kleinmond for holidays. In the 70’s and 80’s kids could still walk the length of this dorp in complete safety. Christmas time we would walk to the town hall and watch a movie, remember this was long before videos, so seeing a movie was a “big thing”. We would then walk to the beach, and late at night walk back home. Never ever was this considered dangerous.
Those that know the area knows the bridge over the Palmiet river. In the 70’s the camp site was right next to this bridge. Today this area is a picnic spot, called the Fairy Glen. Nice spot to park and hike the mountains.
This bridge … Oooo, this bridge ….
Bridges are made for people to jump off. And a bridge over water is just such a nice jumping platform.
Kyk ek is nie n bang-gat nie, maar ek is ook nie stupid nie. This bridge is high ! And there is a nasty rock just below the surface, and yet another rock slightly deeper. So you have to jump at the right spot, and then jump forward to hit the safe spot …. Nee wat. And so I watched many people do this jump over the years. Until this one day, a buddy and I was sitting there watching this lot, and up walks this beautiful young lady. Walks onto the bridge, climbs over the ledge, took a second and jumped. Okay, ons is nie bang-gatte nie, and we did the first of many jumps ….
Time to stop at the old harbour. Have launched from here many times with my dad. Two memories remain vivid in my mind. My dad’s boat had two off 40hp Mercury motors. This one day we were pretty deep, the mountain tips were barely visible on the horizon …. Neither Mercury would start ! This was not long after my dad had both rebuilt. With absolutely no other choice the fisherman would take turns at the ores and slowly work our way back to dry land. Dit is HARDE werk !! Could have been an hour or two later, but the guys behind the ores were visibly exhausted. Today Gansbaai is known across the world for shark diving. Well I have seen schools of sharks in these waters back then. Try to imagine sitting in an 18 foot boat with a 30 foot shark circling the boat, now imagine this with more than ten dorsal fins sticking out the water ! No imagine the scene of two tired fisherman barely capable of working the ores seeing a school of sharks … the nose of that boat picked up and we actually left a wake as they worked those ores !
Those of you that know small boats know that back-board where the motor clamps on. The bigger the boat, the bigger the motors, and the bigger the board that holds the motors. Now a little “dingy” with a 15x40mm back board for a little 10 or 20 hp motor is hardly suited to the Vaal dam, never mind the sea. In 1977 Katinka Heyns appeared in a movie, and they had to go out to sea for one scene. But there was a storm and even the locals would not venture out to sea. They all warned the film crew to not go out. They took this little dingy out as far as the mouth of the harbour before the sea tossed it over. Each time my dad heard her name he would recount that story.
Off to Onrus, Hermanus. Greta’s uncle and aunt had a holiday house in Onrus, later this became their primary house when they retired. Greta’s mom passed away when Greta was very young, and her aunt was a big part of her life. In 1991 they offered us the opportunity to go there for a weekend. Driving an old car I had a toolbox with me at all times. At the holiday house I kept on hearing a dripping sound. Turns out the washer of the ball valve to the geyser had to be replaced. Shear dumb luck I had a washer in the toolbox that fitted. That little washer was certainly the best thing that ever could have happened. Basically oom Compion adopted me as his son from that time. I only found out many years later that his only son passed away at a young age.
Typical scenery we grew accustomed to at Onrus –
On one such trip I had parked the car, driving right past the house and parking it at the back. The fire was lit. I was settled in for the night, when my wife tells me she needs something from the café …. Very begrudgingly I took her to the café. Coming back I parked next to the house, not at the back. That night the wind blew over a massive old tree, right where the car WAS parked. Had I not taken my wife to the café the car would have been a write-off !
For those that may want to stay over in Onrus:
- Self catering – SPATSELS – http://www.spatsels.co.za" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; – 084 580 7972
- Camping – Onrus Caravan park - https://www.overstrand.gov.za/en/onrus-caravan-park" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Having dropped off the keys with our aunt we set off along the coast to Gansbaai. Do note that long stretch outside Gansbaai is an 80km/h stretch … May just get my first speed fine with Langpad from this stretch of road, think I was just over 90 … Then the new tar road to Elim.
Elim is a classic Moravian missionary village. Also a proud history of thatching. Yet today it is predominantly known for its home for fetal alchol syndrome kids. Very sad story …
And eventually we made it to L’Agulhas. What a trip down memory lane. We know very little of L’Agulhas, except it is the most Southern tip of Africa. We have stopped here 3 or 4 times before, but always just stop and go. Never took time to build memories here.
Hopefully the next few days will afford us the opportunity to learn more of the tip of Africa.
We used http://www.lekkeslaap.co.za" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; to find a place in L’Agulhas. We chose “The Gift” - https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/akkommodasie/the-gift" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Stay tuned for the next episode …