On the morning of our departure from Ballito we went down to the beach for a walk and swim in the sea. It was a beautiful day and of course it was Friday so the beach was alive with activity. As we were getting ready to leave we spotted a school of dolphins playing in the waves, just behind the breakers where people were swimming. I could not manage to capture the whole group but at least I have some evidence!
We took a leisurely drive along the coast and had lunch under huge shade trees beside the road in Salt Rock before heading out towards Durban. After some shopping at Gateway we were finally on our way to Charles and Moya Moller’s farm. We first met at AC Motorhomes when we went to fetch Ufudu in February 2013. Their motorhome was built just before ours and they were in Cape Town at the time for some issues to be sorted out. We went to dinner, admired each other’s ‘homes’ and shared ideas. Roger and Charles had many conversations and emails exchanging ideas and information prior to our build and of course since then.
Their property is about mid-way between Durban and Pietermartizburg at an altitude of approximately 2700 ft. close to the Alverstone radio mast, a reporting point which Roger has used on numerous occasions while flying in KZN. We received a warm welcome and in no time were parked on their lawn. What a relief it was to get out of the oppressive heat and humidity of the Natal North Coast! A number of other guests arrived for the evening and there was a lot of talk about motorhomes and travels, while the braai fire was going and the wine and conversation was flowing. Another lovely evening with good company, good food and good wine…
The entertainment area overlooks a valley and distant hills towards the coast and game roam freely between adjacent properties.
The next morning Charles took us to Rob and Ros Galway’s place to have a look at the motorhome which Rob is building. It is a truly remarkable piece of engineering with each piece of aluminium being manufactured on site. He first makes the tool, if required, and then makes the part! We hope to meet up with them in Namaqualand in August and look forward to seeing the finished product! Afterwards Charles took us for a short tour around the area and then it was time for us to leave again.
Thanks Charles and Moya for your hospitality, we thoroughly enjoyed seeing you again, and meeting your family and friends!
We decided to head inland for a while until the oppressive February heat abates, so our next stop was Albert Falls Dam which is in the Umgeni River just outside Pietermaritzburg. It was established in 1976 and is claimed to be one of the largest dams in Kwa-Zulu Natal. It also ranks as one of the top bass fishing dams in the country.
The drive was leisurely and very scenic along the old Durban road, following the Comrades Marathon route. We passed the Comrades Wall of Honour near Drummond, overlooking the valley of a 1000 hills. The wall is at the halfway mark and commemorates runners that have completed the marathon. It is a large retaining wall on the side of the road covered in plaques which have been purchased by runners. (I don’t know if I mentioned this before but we avoid toll roads whenever we can. What a pleasure!)
Of course the first thing on the agenda, after lunch, was to get Splash ready for a trip on the dam. Roger brought a rod holder back from Jo’burg and that was also fitted. Now the fish must just play along…
It is a beautiful dam with crystal clear water, so although Roger saw a number of good sized Bass and Tilapia he only managed to catch one tiny 10cm Bass!
On Sunday afternoon all the weekenders started leaving the campsite until there was only one other couple besides ourselves.
Yesterday (Sunday) was very special because Roger’s brother Gordon got married to Trish. Sadly we could not be there but it sounds like everyone had a lot of fun and we wish them a wonderful, long life together.
This morning we woke up to a tranquil scene of Blesbok and Impala grazing in the campsite and the sound of numerous bird calls. Blissfull…
We leave today (Monday), heading for Karkloof and Howick Falls.