J-Bay & Homecoming

J-bay was literally a blast – quite a bit of wind, but at least some of it was offshore, and in the 2 weeks we camped there, we moved around inside the municipal campsite for wind shelter.

Had delightful times with Muzz ( Murray) & Mich, much of it in the water – Muzz’s surfing has taken off, and he sez howzit to all!

He entrusted his congregation to us one Sunday where we led worship and taught – that week in Hennie’s home (kitted-out garage as the hall was unavailable).
They are a great bunch of believers, and the following week we also joined them in their regular venue, Newton Hall.


Of the surfing highlights was riding Seal Point beachbreak together, (me above) and one morning Muzz & I hit a 5am empty lineup at Supertubes just to be joined by a chuckling Andrew Selley from Josh Gen!
Hitting the road again, our last stop was at Vic Bay, a week with our friends Gareth & Lyn – Gareth’s the restaurateur at the ‘Blue Olive’ in Wilderness, great Mediteranean cuisine – don’t pass it by!

Trying to sneak in home was to no avail, as we pulled in at Bloubergstrand for a posed homecoming photo, Harold the ardent blog follower spotted us – and took this photo.

If at any time you cannot find Les & Sharon – check out this blog – it’s not called les & sharon’s travel, but travels, and this was not the end of it!

Stayed in 5 countries, drove 24 000km, camped/slept in 62 different places, including 4 different "bush/wild/on the road camping, visited 11 Game reserves/National Parks.

Thanks to all of you for reading, for the encouragement, and being a part of our adventure.

We were not alone.

Eastern Cape Gnus

Eastern Cape Gnus

Hello to y’all, ‘specially those whingeing about tardiness of a latest update.
I just felt SA is so familiar, the things we do and see are so ordinary compared to those beyond the borders, that the gnusworthiness is somewhat lacking, bordering on boring and me having to work up the enthusiasm to write, but looking at the pix since last time, suddenly felt a flash of spark, resulting in long sentences like this, which, if you are still reading, will shortly come to a full stop.
On our last day of Natal S Coast, visited Beaver Creek coffee estate, drank too many cups of Java, and looked over the Mtavuna gorge towards the ‘Kei - a world heritage site.
The rain and lack of sun drove us to skip 'Kei this time and head inland to Burgersdorp – near Aliwal North, to visit dear friends John & Karen Herbert who are leading a warm & vibrant congregation – Burgersdorp Family Church. Despite 3 days of chatting, eating together & exploring the town and meeting several of their friends, we forgot to take any photos of them – sorry guys, missed your 5 min of fame on this blog. But I have one overlooking the town, and loking north, taken when Karen & I were comparing cameras, landscape & sunset shots.


On the way to the coast, we stayed over at Mountain Zebra National Park, near Cradock. Campsite a bit full because of the Fish River Canoe Marathon, but quite a different park. Here’s where we saw some gnus, which gives this dissertation some gnusworthiness.
These gnus are black wildebeest, differing from their blue wildebeest cousins with white tails andforward-pointing horns. Nice picnic sites with swimming pools too!

From there, to our favourite Yellowsands, which has constant surf, birdsong and stunning outlook over the lagoon & sea

. This time, tho’ we waited a week, had mainly overcast weather and some rain. Bev n Anne, Lindy’s inlaws, joined us for an overnight camp.
Some expert surfers showing off in front of our campsite,
And another who should reconsider his activities, and maybe stay on the beach!
Lovely landscapes in the area – this one towards Glen Eden, we just love this place. Met and had good fellowship with several of the Glen Eden Church folk, who made us feel right at home.
Then , on the way to PE, we had 2 great days & nights at abovementioned Bev & Anne on their smallholding in Southwell, inland from Port Alfred.

Now in Port Elizabeth, camping near the beaches at Pine Lodge, and spending tme with my sister Theresa and hubby Ted. So far no surf here, but a fair bit of beasterly easterly (onshore)

Attempted a self-timer shot on the beach, but the stairway where I balanced the camera was a bit far from where we were posed, the 10 sec timer a bit too short,

but eventually got there in time….


J-Bay next week…

Drakensberg & KZN South Coast

After a really relaxing stay at Don & Joy in Randburg, we set off, recharged and with Colt & Xcape happier at having enjoyed some TLC.
Headed for the Drakensberg, where we camped at Injisuthi, a relatively rustic camp between Monk’s Cowl & Giant’s Castle.

Went for a ‘walk’ to the viewpoint, which was more strenuous than expected, but were rewarded with great scenery at the top.

After 2 days, hit the road, and made our way to the coast –







First night at Rocky Bay was windy, ... then next few days at Kelso (Happy Wanderers camp) were cloudy & rainy.


Since then have travelled south to Trafalgar – Port o’ Call camp, which must be one of the best in the country. Thus far only 1 surf on KZN coast in nearly a week. Mainly windy & rainy, so no pix. Another front of 3 days rain expected tomorrow, so gonna hibernate into our ‘van at T.O. Strand til it stops, then to the ‘Kei. However, front brings SW winds = offshore :-)
so maybe score some waves…



Can’t moan about the weather now, after having nearly 5 months of stunning African sunshine.

Tot siens!

Back - in the RSA

Moz – Jburg Last report was sent from our ‘casita’ (above) in Tofu beach. Realised I hadn’t shown an actual picture of Tofu beach, so here it is.

Nearby town Inhambane has great architecture, and since we’ve last been here, much renovation and painting has really given the town a brighter feel.

From Tofu we moved down to Ponta Zavora, a beach with an excellent reef for snorkeling, and seeing more fishies. Harold, last year we camped near the gate with the crappy ablution – found out there is another lekker camping area on top of the dune, overlooking the beach.

Just to show you it’s not all beer & skittles, working in the sand at the campsite, readjusted Colt’s front wheel bearings ( which, as we speak, are being replaced here in J’burg)

On route to Maputo, popped down to Mar de Sol near Quissico, where there are these turquoise lakes just inshore of the beach dunes. Beach looks like the SA wild coast.

Slept over at Casa Lisa near Maputo, then spent a harrowing hour or so thru 5km of Maputo’s hectic, intense rush hour. On a single lane road, there are 3 lanes, one proper one on the road, buses & taxis 5cm away on the left hand verge, dodging pedestrians, shops, stuck vehicles, and on the right hand ( in the approaching traffic lane), more of what’s on the left. These all push into one lane when a cop is seen.

After the border, we decided on Kruger’s tar roads, but the park was 38 degrees and packed with the older generation ( a pensioner discount period being in force) and we struggled to get a campsite.

Anyway, seen enuff animals, so next morning, which arrived chilly & misty, went via Pilgrim’s Rest to camp at Dullstroom which was freezing.

Nearing Pretoria, on route to Don & Joy’s in Randburg, Colt started rumbling and shaking. Found a universal joint on the propshaft knackered.

So had that fixed, treated the old girl (Colt, not Sharon) to new front wheel bearings, caravan to a new axle in Vereeniging, so all is good & clean & fresh for the upcoming section – Drakensberg, then Natal south coast & the ‘Kei.

We’re getting soft here at Don & Joy’s, what with sleeping in a house, the bleedin’ luxury of showers, tea & biscuits and meals all day, so before we lose our nerve, we’ll have to hit the highway again…