Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve is situated in the Langeberg, about 22 Km northwest of Heidelberg. This indigenous forest is the most precious in the south-western Cape and the largest remaining example in the Langeberg after the Great Fire of 1869. This fire raged between Swellendam and Humansdorp, destroying most of the indigenous forests as well as property, crops, livestock and human lives.
After Roger explained to the friendly lady at the reception about my knee, she said that we could, at our own risk, drive on all the roads which are usually off limits to visitors. The reserve boasts two canopy-level bird hides so after settling in at the campsite we set out in Suzi to find the one which looked most accessible by road. This turned out to be rather a quest because the roads are not clearly indicated on the map. What we thought was a road gradually narrowed until it petered out to a foot path! After carefully executing a 16-point turn between the yellowwoods, without tumbling down the slope, we decided to try the other hide. We eventually found it, but sadly the birds were disappointing. Grootvadersbosch is best explored on foot, making use of the many hiking trails so we will have to come back some day…
We got back to camp for a braai and an early evening. The weather was mild and beautiful.
The next day we took a slow drive along a very scenic route from Grootvadersbosch to Gouritsmond. By the time we got there the weather had started closing in; the next cold front was approaching. We had time to take a short drive in Suzi before getting back to Ufudu to cocoon for the night.
After lunch the next day we headed for Herolds Bay, just outside of George. It is a picturesque coastal village situated in a small secluded bay, enclosed in a bowl formed by steep hillsides and imposing cliffs. Ernie Els has an impressive house tucked into the base of the cliff in the eastern corner. Some of the newer houses along the beach front have been built below the high water mark and are periodically flooded! Overlooking the bay from the cliff tops on the eastern side is another section of Herolds Bay as well as the Oubaai development. The overall impression is one of being well maintained, peaceful and clean.
On Friday we spent most of the day with friends Frans and Joey Booysen whom we have not seen in many years. After coffee in Ufudu they showed us around some of their favourite lookout points and walking trails.
After tea at their house they took us into George for some shopping at Kloppers. I have said all along that the only thing I do not have in Ufudu is an electric toaster. I now have one, after eight and a half months! Then we were treated to a sumptuous lunch at the King Fisher Restaurant and after much chatting we eventually parted at around 4pm. We had a most enjoyable day indeed! Thanks again to Frans and Joey.
We left Herolds Bay the next morning; destination Wilderness National Park.