Looking for another great little road trip? Why not head across the Outeniqua Pass to Hops Valley (Waboomskraal) - through the clouds and beyond, into the sunshine - where you'll find the Rosenhof Estate and the Rosa Blu Cafe (you'll find plenty of reviews on TripAdvisor). I had the Blue Fig Burger - delicious! Made even better with the accompanying India Pale Ale from Robertson Brewery. hmm, I should go visit them, I think... Check out this earlier blogpost about Rosenhof - as well as more photos on our Flickr photostream.
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We drove up the narrow, gravel Montagu Pass in search of a bit of adventure on the way to the tiny hamlet of Herold (no, not Herold's Bay). The scenery is spectacular along the Outeniqua Hop. We passed the tollhouse (built in 1847). We made it to Herold Wines, but unfortunately for us, they were busy with a couple of large groups of holidaymakers, so we decided not to stay for a tasting. Better luck next time! If you're feeling a bit peckish, they have a charming looking little cafe. Pushing on a bit further, we decided to stop by the Over The Mountain Guest Farm for coffee and scones and visit with the feral peacocks! Feel like a bit of an outing - and maybe a bit of breakfast of lunch? Well, if you haven't done so already, you should check out the Outeniqua Farmers' Market in George. I probably shouldn't give away my favourite food stall at the market, lest the line up get too long for when I want to go, but what the heck... the Bistro La French Connexion stall has the best quiches around (their main restaurant is worth a visit - it's located just outside of Sedgefield at the Swartvlei Lagoon opposite the Sedge Links Golf Club - a mashie course which is affiliated with Pine Lakes Marina). See either of the French Connection's Facebook pages (here and here) or reviews on TripAdvisor. Otherwise, the Kwekery is always worth a visit - it seems to be getting bigger and better with each season. The Market is open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. You'll find more photos (together with photos of other markets in the area) in our Flickr photostream.
I was turned on to this gem by a fellow Islander - if you are looking for a day trip, this really is a must-do. Drive out towards Knysna and take the Rheenendal exit and keep driving for about 12 kms. You'll see the old General Store & Petrol Station on your left - Totties is around the back. You'll find yourself in a wonderful garden oasis with simply amazing food - in the middle of nowhere. We had the stuffed brinjal and the pesto chicken wrap and were blown away by the presentation. If the photos above don't inspire you, visit them on Facebook or see their webpage for more photos and their menu. We went for lunch mid-week, so no reservation was required, but I understand that for Sunday Lunch bookings are absolutely essential (not surprising!).
If you're not quite sure where they are, there's a handy map on the new Rheenendal Ramble website which highlights a number of other things to do in the area (it's pretty well-known for mountain bike territory, of course). Finally, if you are headed out that way be careful if you return via the old 7 Passes Road via George, as there are large logging trucks using it during the week - if you're not expecting it, it can be quite exciting when you're confronted by a fully laden truck headed directly towards you at high-speed as you round a corner. Those drivers must know every twist and hairpin turn like the back of their hands. The full 7 Passes drive from George through to Knysna offers great scenery along a windy gravel road - it's well worth it if you're a road trip fan. Always a popular spot to take out of town visitors... Be sure to try their famous Chicken Pesto (but bring your appetite!). Besides the food, the views are a feast for the senses as well - besides the roses and the incredible views of the hops-filled valley, the lavender along their driveway is growing like crazy - makes a great impression on the approach to the venue!
There are plenty more photos of the Rosenhof Estate & La Rosa Blue Cafe on Flickrstream (taken last year). After finishing up the Oystercatcher Trail trip, we took a couple of the other hikers out to see the Swartberg Pass and Prince Albert (after a quick drive through Oudtshoorn), coming back via the scenic Meiringspoort route (recently re-opened after torrential rains about 2 weeks ago). I was concentrating on driving, not taking photos - the steep, windy gravel road up the Swartberg pass is worth it for the breath-taking scenery as is the circuit through Meiringspoort. Well worth it if you are at loose ends for a day.
The Outeniqua Farmers' Market in George is wildly busy this season - and for good reason: it's a great place to check out some local arts, crafts, hear some live music, buy your groceries (fresh produce, cheese, dairy - you name it), a plant from the onsite nursery and grab a lekker bite to eat (check out the quiches and savoury croissants at my favourite, French Connexion but get there early, as they are the "real thing" created by Steff and Emmy Aufschneider - see this article from the George Herald for more info). The market is open on Sundays during the holiday season - it's a bit quieter than Saturdays if crowds aren't your thing.
See the Farm Stalls & Craft Markets section of this website for more details, including location. It's another glorious, blue-sky, sun-filled day out there today - simply too beautiful to spend behind the PC! Nonetheless, I've added a few new cycling routes to the website, as well as some of the new walking routes mapped by the Great Brak River Tourism Initiative - there's the Art Route, the Historic Route, the collection of Short Walks, and then for the cyclists, the collection of Village Cycling Routes and, of course the Fragrance Route (which you could also do by car if you're so inclined - but mind the cyclists!). if you're in town for the season, why not check them out?
It was a chilly, early morning -but the meerkats didn't seem to mind (click on the photo to see more meerkat pics in the Flickr photostream from this trip) Click on the map below to see where we went with Devey Glinister of Meerkat Adventures:
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AuthorTheIsland@GreatBrak features the occasional blogpost in between braaiing and beach walks - stay tuned or drop me a line. Categories
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