13 May 2010 Oudtshoorn to George via Montagu Pass

I saw the sea!

Only got going at 10:30 this morning! We spent the earlier part of the morning doing the touristy things in Oudtshoorn. We kicked off with a visit to a Belgian Chocolaterie. Big mistake. We were entertained by a lovely sales lady, who knows and loves her product. We were allowed to taste some of the ingredients used in making the chocolates and then we bought some treats.

Next stop was the factory shop of Olea. A company manufacturing olive products. More tasting and buying was done, before we visited Tantinki, a shop specialising in goat's milk products, where we did even more tasting and buying!

By the time we got to Trix's house, I was in a knot about the trip still ahead. The wind was not too bad, but the road to George was a concern. It is very narrow and winding. The highest heart rate achieved today was every time a car stressed me out. There were more than enough occasions this happened. As a matter of fact, I would rather cross the Swartberg Pass again, before attempting the first part of today's route.

I also had some concerns about my front wheel. It was losing air and the sealant was not sealing a tiny puncture I must have picked up along the way.

The going was not too bad, and by 13:00, I took the turn-off to the Montagu Pass. It amazed me again to see how quickly the landscape can change. Within a kilometer or two, the countryside turned from a barren dry landscape, to a green, lush inviting landscape. Mountains clad in Fynbos, trees and ferns. Majestic mountains and an impressive pass built by hand (before my time!) I was careful on the downhill, as the road surface is quite eroded and I had a scary incident on this road before, when one of my front brake pads came undone!

I include a photo here, of my first glimpse again of the sea. This is seen when you reach the top of the Montagu Pass.

I am tired again as it is late because we have spent the whole afternoon and evening catching up with my "other Mother and Father", Oom Hendrik and Tannie Sus. We were also treated to the tastiest meal I have had in a long time, and don't forget the dessert!

Tomorrow we head out to Knysna and our last night of camping. We will follow the Seven Passes dirt roads. The scenery is better and there will be less traffic, the route however will be more challenging than the N2, with lots more steep up's and downs. But once again,  we are doing this for fun, aren't we?????

I must just thank God at this stage, for divine protection on this trip. No injuries, illness, accidents or anything bad. And this in spite of dangerous roads and serious physical workouts. Thank you Father.

If you will excuse me, I will jump into bed now. Hope to catch up tomorrow, but otherwise will write a conclusion once I am back on the farm by Saturday. Thanks again for all the comments on the blog, emails, prayers and support. Without you, my Friends, I would not have made it this far.