Knysna: Jubilee Creek & Millwood

Date: 9 August 2011

Location: Goudveld Forest, near Knysna

Walkers: Dorothy, Vanessa & Helen



I regularly read the blog Firefly Photo Files and when Jubilee Creek and Millwood mining town were featured there recently I decided I must try to visit these places on my next trip to the garden route.

It took a while to get there from Plett. We set off in the afternoon, driving through Knysna, and then turning inland at the sign to Millwood. It was quite a long drive up to the entrance to Gouveld Forest and then a few more kilometres of twisty roads deep into the forest to reach Jubilee Creek. What a lovely tranquil spot! There were grassy lawns and wooden tables and chairs for picnicking, and a delightful bubbling stream.




There is a short (3.6km out-and-back) walk, clearly signposted, which we thought we'd try.



It was so peaceful and quiet in the indigenous forest.






We saw all the usual sort of foresty things: mossy logs and ferns and fungi.




Unfortunately the stream was flowing very strongly and we realised it was going to be tricky to cross without taking our shoes off. Too cold for that! So we didn't complete the full walk which apparently leads to a pond that is good for swimming in warmer weather. Instead we followed the road in the other direction and explored the picnic area extension.



Lots of shady green picnic areas! I'd love to come back here in the summer and spend the day paddling in the river and snoozing under the trees.




Back in our cars we made our way to Millwood, a few kilometres away.




Logging was in full swing and we had to wait for a tractor to clear the road for us so that we could pass.



We were very happy indeed to find the little tea shop was open. Nothing like a nice cup of tea (and cake!). After refreshments we had a look around the little museum. Millwood mining town sprung up when there was a gold rush in the area in the 1880s.



Not much to see there now through. We meandered about a bit (although we didn't get as far as the remains of the old mines).





On the way drive back we stopped off at the spot called Krisjan-se-Nek to see author Dalene Matthee's memorial.



And an impressive big tree. There were also some short walking trails from this spot. Although we'd had a lovely afternoon I wish we'd allowed a little more time to explore. Next visit!


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Garden Route: Valley of Ferns

Date: 07 August 2011

Location: between Plett and Knysna on the Garden Route

Walkers: Helen, Dorothy, Vanessa, Mum and Dad

On holiday! From our base in Plett we took a leisurely drive inland, following the R340 up the Bitou River valley, and then a road west towards Diepwalle on the R339. It was a lovely scenic route, through farmland and forested slopes, with mountain peaks in the distance.




Near the peak Spitskop we stopped at the Valley of Ferns picnic area.



After helping ourselves to one of the self-issue permits (Valley of Ferns is part of Diepwalle state forest) we set off on the short walking trail.



It was an easy stroll through the thick undergrowth, although very squelchy underfoot. There were plenty of ferns and tall tree ferns beneath the indigenous trees.




I love the forest! Sunlight through a gap in the canopy.



Back at the picnic area we lazed around in the sun and ate a delicious picnic lunch. A very good start to our holiday.


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Elephant Walk at Diepwalle

Date: 17 June 2009

Location: Diepwalle forest, near Knysna

Walkers: Helen and Michele

*** Map here ***


Diepwalle is a SAN Parks forest station inland from Knysna. It is the starting point for three routes for day walks through the forest. These are known as the Elephant Walks.



After issueing ourselves a permit we set off on the red route (Walk III). We followed the red elephant markers fixed to trees.



The path led through leafy indigenous forest.



Despite the drought the forest was looking pretty green and lush.



The sunshine filtering through the canopy made was delightful.






We saw only one Dietes in flower. Beautiful!



But there were many sorts of fungi, lichen and moss growing everywhere.




The path crossed several streams.





We came across a "big tree", an enormous and ancient Outeniqua Yellowwood. It was over 600 years old and 46m high.




A little further on we popped out the forest at Velbroeksdraai picnic area next to the road, and stopped here for a bit, enjoying the sunshine.



It was then a short walk back to the start. We drove a little way down the road to see another Yellowwood tree known as the King Edward VII big tree. Like the other, it was impressively large.



(Photos by Helen and Michele)
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