Showing posts with label Wheelbarrows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wheelbarrows. Show all posts

Wednesday, 21 January 2015

Day Trip to Port St John's

On Sunday, we decided it was time for another outing, this time to Port St John's, which is about 70km from Mthatha, and at the mouth of the Umzimvubu River.

I've seen plenty of breathtaking pics of the Wild Coast coastline, and was looking forward to seeing it in all its panoramic glory. The countryside was beautifully green and lush, but unfortunately it's useless for farming, as it's too mountainous.

As we drove into the village, one of the first things I noticed was the proliferation of signs like this all along the beach front. The next thing I noticed was the blatant disregard for this regulation.
Broken glass and empty beer cans all around the car park. Even so, people were enjoying themselves on the beach and in the sea,  despite the warnings about sharks.

And of course, the entrepreneurs were present, with the uber-versatile wheelbarrow acting as a mobile braai.

This magnificent fellow also thought it was a great day for the beach
Election posters for May last year are still up - as in Mthatha.  Admittedly, this one could be a bit tricky to reach.


We went to Amapondo Backpackers for lunch.  On the back of this sign was another notice, asking us to keep the gate closed, to stop the donkeys from getting out.  When we arrived, the gate was open, and the donkeys were nowhere to be seen.  We knew where they were though - we'd seen some donkeys hanging around the braai area on the beach - hoping for tidbits.
Okay...
After lunch, we went exploring.  There are houses dotted all along the cliff tops.  At lookout points there were women selling beautiful beadwork.  We didn't see any other cars while we were up there, so business must have been very slow.
Someone found a bit of flatness, and planted a vegetable patch. The colour variation in the sea is probably caused by the fresh water of the Umzimvubu River mixing with the sea water. The 'stripe' runs for kilometres, and is this straight as far as we could see.
Love it!
Interesting combination.  And just in case you can't read, here's a picture to help you make up your mind.

A deserted beach.  Well, almost.
On the way home, we noticed kilometre upon kilometre of concrete pathways next to the road.  Good to see some infrastructure development.  Would be nice if some of it was sent in the direction of our potholes.

Now we know where white bakkies go to die.

Monday, 2 June 2014

Sunday Day Trip to Coffee Bay - 90km

View from the restaurant. Chalets with stunning views


View from the restaurant along the beach at Coffee Bay. Note the obligatory palm tree!


Lovely lunch. And they're pet friendly, so we'll definitely be back.


Pumba! Very tempted to put one in the boot


Many of the rondawels are crowned with a tyre, with all sorts of stuff inside - decorations, plants...


Stationery, hardware, charging, cement, gas, paraffin, Vodago, MTN, hampers, frozen chicken, wors, eggs, bread, candles, cooldrinks, fruit, veggies, cigarettes, tobacco...and photocopying
 


The wheelbarrow is a very popular mode of transport for everything from crates of beer to beds. The rocks are on the road to stop vehicles driving on it while the road is being resurfaced
.


Beautiful rolling hills


The sheep are all have ID marks


Huts like this are dotted all along the road


Lovely colours, and the afternoon light is gorgeous


Something for everyone - love the graphic

Brown grass of winter contrasts beautifully with the vibrant colours of the dwellings


Regular stops for livestock. Oh, and beware of potholes...


Speed bumps are a very popular method of road calming. First time I've ever seen worn-out bumps!


Soccer on school grounds a Sunday afternoon. Both teams immaculately turned out


Loved this - shoe repairs anyone?


No yellow line driving here! Imagine the volume of water that necessitates these culverts!


Beautiful landscape. Dwellings as far as the eye can see

Cattle crossing ahead. Note the erosion on the slopes


Stark erosion


Capitec can be found in every hamlet, village and town. Very interesting strategy. Note that the election posters are still up


Love these shops!


Even closer to home we had to stop for kids crossing


Oh, the irony! So much to say about this, but where to start?