Cross Country in South Africa

We left Kruger nice and early

Top of Bryde Canyon

with the routine being; wake, pack, drop tent all before breakfast, then eat, wash dishes, brush teeth, pack truck and we’re off.  The bus climbed hard out of Kruger Park and we got some incredible views of the valleys.  Forestry is very prevalent here and it is all multi-aged mono cultures where ever you look.  Pine and some kind of hardwood covered the hills and every last piece of land is utilized for timber.  There were a number of commercial thinning at various stages and they utilize everything, right down to small poles that they use for roof rafters and fence posts.

The landscape and logging in the area.

Our first stop was at a pancake house which we had to test to see it really lived up to its name of ‘world famous pancakes”.  It was definitely worth the stop and Jenna and I both enjoyed our real coffee as we’ve been drinking instant coffees since Turkey.  The area was also know for its Billtong which is like jerky and pepperoni but oh man, its good.  Cheap too.  So everyone on the bus loaded up on Billtong and we exchanged flavours throughout the drive.

Monkey at Bryde Canyon.

Our next stop was the upper Bryde River Canyon where there was a short hiking trail down to the river.  The canyon has been cut down over the years with smooth holes cut from smaller rocks and the water action.  It really reminded us of a canyon in Waterton Park back home.  It was really nice and would have been great to stay a bit longer but we’re on a tight schedule on this trip!  So we were off to the lower canyon where we had great vistas of the area.

That evening’s camp was a spot just off the highway where there was nothing of note, except for the huge warthog that the people had as a pet and when it died they had it stuffed.  I think it’s the biggest warthog known in South Africa.  I was amazed at how many people were camping there when there was nothing special around.  The gear they have is pretty impressive too.

Off the next morning, we had to stop for our next grocery shop, getting enough food for the next few days.  Duncan and I volunteered to push carts for Muma Flow as she did her shop and wow, what a laugh.  This firey black woman grabbing hand fulls of food and talking to herself along the way.  At first I tried replying to her and got the, “shut up, darling, no talk.”  A few minutes later, she’s saying, “what, why don’t you help me, I’m asking you a question!” 

Top of trail behind campsite.

Duncan and I just looked at each other, shrugged our shoulders and laughed.  Flow sure adds the spice to crew!  With four buggies in tow, we headed for the checkout counter where it was only 6400 rand!  Back to the truck to pack and off we went.

Our camp for the night was a hot spring where we had time to setup and then had the afternoon off. We all headed over to the hot pools for a soak and the kids tried the cold pool which was cold we were told but they had a blast playing games and were in and out all afternoon.  The kids are sure having fun, that’s for sure.  We tried the hot, hot pools that they advertise great for arthritis and other like ailments but it was just a little too hot and had lots of floaties.  Not quite the same standard as at home.  It was great to relax and hang out with the crew.  Michael even gave a couple of black ladies a swimming lesson and they could swim from one side of the pool to the other by the time he was done.

Hiking above the campsite.

Before dinner we all decided to do a short hike up the hill above the camp.  All the families banded together and off we went.  It took a bit to find the trail head but once we crossed the fence line we were well on our way.  Right away we saw some Impala hiding in the bushes and passed some cranky baboons on the way back but we were proud that we all made it up and back again with not a scratch and made it back before night fall.  The views from the top were amazing and we hung out for a bit and took photos before it was time to head down before it got dark.  It sure happens quick around here.

Once we were back we all had a few beers and chatted before dinner.  There was a nasty rumour going around that our start time for tomorrow was before 4 am.  As Muma Flow said it’s not a holiday, it’s an adventure!  Think she nailed it on that one!  Dinner and clean up and we were all heading for the sleeping bags.  The younger crew are talking about pulling an all nighter but we’ll see how long they last!