Knysna & Plettenberg Bay

On our last visit to Knysna we were still planning to order a motorhome from Travelstar. After two meetings discussing build requirements and specs with the Jurgens’ they sadly disappointed and never even gave us a quote. Thankfully, as they were liquidated a few weeks ago!

I was in dire need of a haircut, so while I was at the hairdresser that Nadya recommended, Roger had the trailer wheel seen to. The cut in the sidewall that happened while we were in the Transkei had now started leaking.

Next we checked in to the Woodbourne Caravan Park for the night. There was still enough daylight left for a quick trip to the lookout points at The Heads, so that was where we went to next.

We really missed Kevin and wished he was still there to show us around and perhaps lead us on a dive to see the wreck and the sea horses. After all, he spent some time here as a dive instructor last summer. Maybe next time…

For evening meal we went to Freshline Fisheries which was recommended by Lindsey. There was a west coast atmosphere, complete with beach sand on the ground around the tables and log fires to ward off the cold. The grilled Kob for me and braai’ed Kob for Roger was perfect.

The next cold front had arrived during the night so it was icy and raining in the morning. We were slow in getting going and decided to have lunch at Lindsey’s other recommendation before leaving Knysna. It was a good decision as the Bosun’s Pub was cosy with a wood fire. It felt just like the UK – miserable weather outside and even a Cockney accent at the next table! The steak and kidney pies were delicious! We arrived in a downpour but when we left the rain had stopped and sun was starting to show itself.

Our next stop was at the Radical Raptors Birds of Prey Rehabilitation & Awareness Centre, 7 Km outside of Plettenberg Bay. Dennis and his wife Janet run this centre where they treat, and where possible rehabilitate, injured birds of prey. What a sterling job they do! The birds that are not able to be released back into nature are used for educational purposes and some are trained and used for flying displays in order to raise money for the centre. It was a fascinating session, especially because we were the only visitors watching the flying display and therefore had a very personal interaction with Dennis and the birds.

We checked in to the Keurbooms Lagoon Caravan Park in Plettenberg Bay for the night before moving on to the Nature’s Valley section of the Garden Route National Park the next day.