We were driving with much anticipation, both to what was about to come, and where we stayed. As we drove through what seemed like a north America forest road, we found the boards: Kayak and Lilo, and Tsitsikamma forest camp! The weather was a bit gloomy, but what did we expect? Nothing much but this was perfect weather for reading a book and staying in bed. But nonetheless, here were we with our anticipation!
This was the most beautiful section of our road trip, the part where we stayed and drove in the forests. So, please join me on this virtual journey to our new destination for the next couple of days.
Arriving in the Forest: A Prime Spot
We drove through cultivated "forests" and then it turned into the wild forest. The sounds and smells changed. Our little home for the weekend was inside of one of these wild forests.
We had the perfect spot. Hidden away from everyone. Silence. Rest for our souls. This is what our minds yearned and our bodies needed. It was already more than a 1000 km that we drove from starting in Pretoria, so this was a well deserved rest.
Our little home had it all. A small stoep or verande where we could braai (BBQ), a bed, a shower. And that was all we needed. It was heaven after a whole day's driving.
The First (but Luckily Last) Visitor
Because you live in the forest, you cannot not have the visitors. Luckily we only had one. When you book your stay, they tell you to always keep your doors and windows closed. Monkeys and baboons love to visit. We looked up after some noise and then we saw our little friend.
Enjoying a Drink with a View
After unpacking, keeping our things safe from the monkey friends, we strolled down to the beach to enjoy some well deserved drinks.
I do not know what view was more beautiful, my wife or the ocean. But I could luckily snap two photographs!
We settled down for a drink or three. The view was amazing. Sadly, the proper restaurant burnt down, so we sat outside. But this was still perfect, you had the smell of the ocean and everything happening right at your feet.
Getting Ready to Cook... Only To Realise Something Horrible...
After the drink, we headed back to our little room. As I lit the fire, I started looking for a "grill" or what we call a "rooster". The piece of grid that you cook your food on. There...was...nothing. I saw some other people close by and they informed me that you needed to bring your own. In my life have I never heard of a lodge or home where you needed to bring your own rooster when the braai is supplied.
I quickly drove to the local shop in the nature reserve. I had literally 3 minutes to spare. I looked for a rooster only to find out they only have one left, in the back of the store. How lucky can one be?
But So the Adventure Ends...
In between the braai "episode" and leaving, we did some other stuff as well... But more on that later!
For now, we had to head home. But it is always sad to say goodbye to such a beautiful place.
Our next visit also promised beautiful stops and exciting trips...
For now, happy travels.
All of the musings and writings are my own, albeit inspired by the breathtaking beauty of this place. The photographs were taken with my Nikon D300.