Thursday 2nd November 2017
Cradock to Plettenberg Bay
The first test was about eleven kms out of town on gravel roads, over the Swaershoek Pass. Scrubby country with isolated farm houses, lots of windmills and narrow bridges.
We then got onto the R61 and tarmac to Somerset East and Cookhouse. This area is called the Golden Valley with vast stretches of wheat and paddocks with recently harvested hay and large wheat silos.
Through the Olifantskop Pass to the N2 to the very familiar Port Elizabeth (quite a few ships anchored out of the harbour) and the Sunshine Coast.
Reaching Jeffreys Bay we had the choice of a two hour route direct to the hotel or the more challenging route on the Prince Alfred Pass, a narrow twisting gravel road which would take over three hours.
Via more roadworks around Kareedouw and many apple orchards (the trees seem to be espaliered to a certain height and then left to grow upwards allowing space for more trees), we reached the gravel road turn-off on the R339 to Avontuur and 53 kms of gravel road. This was a spectacular narrow road through several gorges on gravel that was orange coloured. Thankfully there wasn't much traffic as the drop on the passenger's side was steep with no barrier.
After this very scenic and enjoyable drive we reached the roundabout with the whale tail statue and our hotel at Plettenberg Bay.
Not long after our arrival, Peter, a local Morgan owner came to say hello as he lives in the area and is going on the Morgan rally in a week or so. He has retired to the area and says there are about 11 Morgans around these parts.
Our accommodation here was actually a villa overlooking the ocean with two bedrooms with ensuites, dining room, lounge kitchen and swimming pool. We shared the villa with fellow Australians Jillian and Gunther. Unfortunately it was only for one night!
We heard that De Sousa's clutch in their Volvo was unable to be repaired and they are now in a hire car, hoping to catch the rally tonight. This hire car club is expanding.
Cradock to Plettenberg Bay
The first test was about eleven kms out of town on gravel roads, over the Swaershoek Pass. Scrubby country with isolated farm houses, lots of windmills and narrow bridges.
We then got onto the R61 and tarmac to Somerset East and Cookhouse. This area is called the Golden Valley with vast stretches of wheat and paddocks with recently harvested hay and large wheat silos.
Through the Olifantskop Pass to the N2 to the very familiar Port Elizabeth (quite a few ships anchored out of the harbour) and the Sunshine Coast.
Reaching Jeffreys Bay we had the choice of a two hour route direct to the hotel or the more challenging route on the Prince Alfred Pass, a narrow twisting gravel road which would take over three hours.
Via more roadworks around Kareedouw and many apple orchards (the trees seem to be espaliered to a certain height and then left to grow upwards allowing space for more trees), we reached the gravel road turn-off on the R339 to Avontuur and 53 kms of gravel road. This was a spectacular narrow road through several gorges on gravel that was orange coloured. Thankfully there wasn't much traffic as the drop on the passenger's side was steep with no barrier.
After this very scenic and enjoyable drive we reached the roundabout with the whale tail statue and our hotel at Plettenberg Bay.
Not long after our arrival, Peter, a local Morgan owner came to say hello as he lives in the area and is going on the Morgan rally in a week or so. He has retired to the area and says there are about 11 Morgans around these parts.
Our accommodation here was actually a villa overlooking the ocean with two bedrooms with ensuites, dining room, lounge kitchen and swimming pool. We shared the villa with fellow Australians Jillian and Gunther. Unfortunately it was only for one night!
We heard that De Sousa's clutch in their Volvo was unable to be repaired and they are now in a hire car, hoping to catch the rally tonight. This hire car club is expanding.
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