Vermaaklikheid: Rural Rambles

Date: 25 January 2011

Location: Vermaaklikheid

Walkers: Michele, Claudia & Helen

Vermaaklikheid archive here

This afternoon we got in the car and drove through the village centre in order to try a walk on the other side of Vermaaklikheid.



There were private property signs, but we hoped it would be okay to stroll quietly along the road. There were no sign of any people around. The road lead us down to a green field with cows - a rather idyllic rural scene.



But then a bull came trundling along, lowing loudly and rather agitated. We beat a hasty retreat!



We drove back through the village and decided to walk along one of the side roads off the main road instead. This took us into another of the valleys.





There were a couple of abandoned and dilapidated cottages, as well as several empty holiday homes. Only the farm houses seemed occupied.



We stopped to look at the snails on the yukka plants. How peculiar.



We meandered on, past windmills, over cattle grids, along the twisty road.




When we turned around we village was catching the last of the sun.




And it was a beautiful sunset!


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Duiwenhoks River Estuary

Date: 24 January 2011

Location: the Duiwenhoks River, on the coast beyond Vermaaklikheid

Walkers: Claudia, Michele & Helen

*** Route plotted here ***

We took a drive to the coast, about 10km from Vermaaklikheid. Here the Duiwenhoks River runs into the Indian Ocean, through a large lagoon.




One can't drive to the beach as there is no access to or past Puntjie, the private fishing village on the headland (known for its distinctive 'kapstylhuisie' architecture). Instead, members of the public have take the twisty road down to the lagoon and boat launching point.



Here we parked the car and explored on foot. It was low tide and muddy.



We could look left down to Puntjie. It's a strange place.




And right, upriver.



We strolled along the road alongside the river.



There was hardly anyone around. On the far shore some fisherman were pumping prawns. The wind was blowing strongly and the water was choppy.



We walked as far as we could, to the gate of Kleine Fontein homestead.




From here we looked down the beautiful unspoilt river estuary.



On the way back we spotted a good place to get access to the river, and after collecting our swimming towels, made our way to the small beach. Claudia and I had a swim - or more accurately, a wade. Low tide meant that we could walk all the way across to the other side. How unexpected.




While we were in the water Michele explored the coastal bush. She even found a flower!



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Vermaaklikheid: Up the Valley

Date: 23 January 2011

Location: Vermaaklikheid

Walkers: Michele, Claudia & Helen

*** Route plotted here ***

Vermaaklikheid archive here



The three of us set off for a walk late in the afternoon. We headed straight up the valley I know best in Vermaaklikheid. It was good to walk along these familiar routes, past these familiar buildings. Nothing much has changed since I was here last!






As we continued our circular walk along the road we passed more cute cottages. They looked even more adorable than usual in the golden light.



The road led us back down towards the village.



This ruined cottage beside the gum tree is on the last bend.


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