27 February 2012

Tradouw Pass for a Swim



Date: 12 February 2012

Location: on the Tradouw Pass, not far from Swellendam

Walkers/Swimmers: Helen, Ian & John

It was a warm and sunny afternoon and we took a drive from Swellendam, through the little village of Suurbraak and along the Tradouw Pass direction Barrydale. The plan was to find a suitable spot to have a little picnic and a swim in the river.



This route is a very pleasant scenic drive and we stopped a couple of times to admire the view. The road was built by Thomas Bain in the 1870s.




After Stone Haven (a private nature reserve) we found a place where the road passed quite close to the river, and we decided it would be a good spot to do some exploring. It was just a short stroll to the water. We looked up and down river to find the best swimming hole.



Gorgeous mountains all around us!



The rocks were very pretty too - smooth and shiny, with pastel streaks.



There was a lot of this wild flower around. A type of statis perhaps?



It wasn't long 'til we located a perfect place for a dip.



Easy access into a deep pool. Hugely refreshing!



Afterwards we sat on the rocks, nibbling our snacks, watching the clouds pass by and enjoying being outside on such a perfect afternoon.




.

4 comments:

Marie said...

Hm, that flower looks like Verbena bonariensis. Not a good sign.

HUGE pool!

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

I feel ashamed to say that I have never driven the Tradouw Pass. I hear its a stunning pass to drive. One these hot days of summer I don't think there is anything as refreshing as a swim in a mountain stream and you seem to have found the perfect spot.

Helen said...

Thanks for the ID Marie. Pretty flower but it looks very much like a weed. Definitely got a foothold in that area unfortunately. I also saw it in my brother's garden.

Firefly, I do recommend you take that pass sometime. It is a lovely drive.

Mn Kids Store said...

Mn kids store is an Online kids store in Lahore to provide imported products at low prices. Offering cash on delivery in Pakistan.