It’s cloudy at first but the sun arrives and we get another hot 27 degree day. It’s really quiet here but we are up at 7:30, the only people for breakfast, and pack and off.
The harvest is really down this year due to the drought so small wineries are closed and crop yields (e.g. apricots) are 40% of normal. Packers are out of work and it’s obvious thee will be a lot of very needy people in this area in the near future too.
As it is, Calitzdorp seems to be a town that dies from April to September after the busy season.
We stop to buy ripe figs on the way out of town and drop down the scenic pass by 10.30am. Colorful hills line the horizon and light clouds on top make for a pretty drive. Down through Hisriver Pass reminds us of parts of Utah. There is a huge variety of terrain in a relatively small area in this part of South Africa. Beautiful driving.
Green, organs, gold rocks, low bush (fynbos) occasional trees give way to rolling green hills and vineyards. We pass Ronnie’s Sex Shop, miles from anywhere. Who the hell goes here? But there are trucks outside.
We stop off at Barrydale, a typical tourist stop on the R62 but it is dad. We snack in front of the pretty white rose-covered church, Ted gets a short walk, then we are off through vast fruit, grape fields between 2 scenic mountain ranges.
Early afternoon we hit Montagu and another Kogmans Kloof scenic Pass. Huge road worlds. Big lines of traffic waiting to pass.
Ted has read about the MCC (champagne by any other name) maker Graham Beck Wines. We stop off for a tasting and it’s seniors da on Tuesday. Get 15% off if you buy two. We buy two. Elementary! And a fancy pink stopper.
A quick stop at Romberg winery tells us it is jug wine so we pass. It’s a lovely drive down through the Hugenaut Tunnel again ( we came this way first time to Paarl).
We get a very warm welcome back form hosts Andy and Ushi and Shantell. The owners are off on an exciting trip to Zanzibar next day but we are in good hands with Shantell who looks after our every need - and more!
We return to casual eatery Becks onthe main road and enjoy sangria/wine with fish & chips/salad and pork belly, cafe gourmand (heavenly bakery here) and tea, all for $50. Home at 9 to write, we are off to bed early after long but fascinating day on the road.
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