Spring is here in sunny South Africa and so I had another opportunity to go canoeing up stream in paradise.
Fortunately some of the best things in life are still free, while all the other good stuff becomes scarce, and still other stuff gradually disappears from the list. Like truth. And common sense. And the chance to make a life for yourself and a family.
What an epic experience this is, to paddle up this narrow ravine in this sleek and silent highly buoyant kayak. I was in my element, just loving the silence and the whole picturesque scene in nature at her best.
This is the Keurbooms river, which is just outside the town of Plettenberg Bay on the South coast of Africa. The entire region along this thin coastal strip of about 150km is known as the Garden Route, and this region is one of my favorite parts.
There is a camp site on the river bank, just where the national N2 highway crosses via bridge over the river itself. It's called the Forever Resort and campers spend weeks in their mobile homes, caravans and tents throughout much of the year. This is where I launched the kayak for today's expedition upstream.
This is just the best thing in the world right now, to be able to spend hours paddling and exploring places inaccessible except with a canoe or kayak. There are no roads at all due to the terrain.
It's school holidays this week so there are a few other kayak enthusiasts paddling by today. Motor boats are only allowed up to a certain point, so we have the place to ourselves. The silence and the echo and clarity of sound all around is just uplifting. All due to the design and ingredients of the landscape.
Last time I was here was in February, about seven months ago, so this is a rare treat to be in the area during Spring for a change. People are usually too busy to enjoy this kind of experience. Well today I remembered how fortunate I am to have the time and be in the right place. That's all it takes to have a beautiful life. And here I have it in my grasp.
What a healthy experience. This is great for all ages and conducive to all round well being. People book way in advance for the camp sites, and come from all over the country. It's one of the best locations in Africa. That's why I'm here in this region called Garden Route. There's nothing better in the land. You should try it.
In some places along the canyon walls, it looked like there were trees growing straight out of a little crack in the rock wall. It was powerful to see how tenacious life is to survive in some difficult conditions. Many of us humans, for example, grow up in harsh city environments and become somatic to the austere living conditions. I encourage everyone to look closely at their circumstances and consider pursuing a lifestyle that allows for regular contact with nature.
Photos my own.