Our road trip continues... This morning we packed up in Mossel Bay leaving the mist and fog (literally thunder, lighting and the local lighthouse foghorn blaring all night) and drove the 90kms to Knysna for a stop off on our way to our next destination, Plettenbergbay (Plett to anyone who’s ever been to South Africa).
The funny thing is that 
DANGER
SHEER DROP BELOW
NO CLIMBING ON BARRIER
We knew we would be passing through so we decided to show our kids the spectacular views from the upper viewing point on the East Head. The heads are two sides or mouth of the lagoon which in this area makes way for some rough entries and exits with very rocky shores on either side. No room for mistakes. And as you can see there are often waves breaking in the mouth of the heads when there is larger swell.
Luckily the mist had lifted when we arrived and the views were crystal clear. My daughter and I are slight adrenaline junkies and are not afraid of heights but my husband was not keen on relying on this flimsy wooden deck over the sheer cliff below. It’s hard to show you exactly how far down it really is in photos. The views out to sea were still blanketed in the remaining fog, but I’m sure you get the idea.
We moved around to the viewing deck that looks across towards the West Head and realised that we had done the hike along those foot paths almost 22 years ago on our honeymoon (and no I wasn’t 10 when I got married). I like to think we’re getting better with age and are seriously intentional about staying active. I don’t think my legs have ever done as money kilometres as I have this Summer.
The next view is into the lagoon with the harbour and waterfront area up ahead. The town of Knysna sits along the eastern coastline behind the waterfront and is frequented by arty types, those looking for a quieter life and of course many, many holidaymakers. We don’t tend to holiday here much but pass through often on our way further up the garden route.
We then drove down the hill back to sea level and had a quick excursion directly below the viewing area where the swell was crashing into the rocky coastline. (East Head Cafe is right here and has a pretty awesome menu and stunning deck looking onto the water)
This spot is directly in the mouth of the lagoon on the East Head. You walk on smoothed small stones toward the Rocky outcrops and cold blue water. I would not want to fall in on a day like today. The currents are extremely strong and tend to be like a washing machine. I reckon being fit and being swimming fit are two different things!
The waves have carved out tunnels and caves amongst these rocky protrusions that make for exciting watching!
We took a different route back to the car along a wooden boardwalk which continues along this lower contour. But our tummies were calling for lunch so off we went.
Next stop was Bosun’s Pub and restaurant. It’s not our first time at Bosun’s. We stopped here for a Sunday roast many years back when we were passing through on our way back to Cape Town. And this place always reminds me of my grandfather, he really appreciate a good old pub meal and a draft (and a whiskey).
We sat down outside under the shade of the big old trees and the kids tucked into the best old fashioned milkshakes!!! Other places just don’t make them the same anymore.
Inside was a little dark for such a bright day, but it’s still the same old place that we remember. It’s probably cozy on a cold day, but today it just felt empty.
The walls included an early photograph of an old ship entering the Knysna Heads, a barometer and some interesting prints of Marine Casualties in South African Waters. Just a slightly morbid reminder to keep locals on their toes and respect the waters.
They include names and dates of the accidents along the coast and it makes me wonder if these types of lists are still published today. And if they are, where would one find them?
Food arrives and it’s the typical pub grub that’s been served for years. Taylor had the Chicken Schnitzel, Grant had the Pork Belly and I opted for the Chicken Pot Pie (how can you not have a pie at a pub??? I tried to convince my son to have the bangers and mash but he dead refused.
Tummy’s full, we took one last look at the water across the marshy wetland and got back on the road to next destination.
Tomorrow I’ll fill you in on our first 24hrs in Plett. It’s one gorgeous town with so much to do!
Here’s a little taster of the pool at our accommodation.
