Five fabulous forty-ish years old ladies on a road trip ….
Eleven hours to JhB from the midlands ! Crazy but oh so fun….
Our fIrst stop was Aloes the farm stall on the Colenso road that specializes in all things game. We had the most delicious game pies for our breakfast stop. After the obligatory photos and selfies, a smoke break and a take away coffee at the picnic tables we were off again.
We were not in uncharted territory yet and knew exactly where we were headed. Through Ladysmith and onto Play berg farm stall on the N11. Another hidden gem and a shopping opportunity. We had great fun doing a photo shoot in the car wreck and giant giraffes. This is where the route became a little hazy ….
We wanted to head up into the OFS but roadworks, local information and a sense of exploration lead us into the distance and Collins Pass. In the beginning the dirt road was in such a good state of repair that we could all admire the pecan nut trees planted in long rows and the herds of dairy cows on in the camps on the side of the road however before long our road became less and less maintained until we where driving
over bolders through dongas and around wattle trees. The views from the car were awesome -open grasslands, fat happy cattle and wind pumps.
We also spotted some blue cranes, some steenbuck and the bald sacred ibis finding tasty treats on the recent burn. But over every hill we saw …. the same. No road signs in sight and so required a quick break to regroup. Out came the car refreshments and the …. selfie stick !
We even tried to track our whereabouts with the ” find your iPhone app”…. on we went until ….. signs and a tar road. We knew where we were – relief disguised with jubilation !
And so our adventure was back on track and we headed left towards Verkykerskop. Lunch and exploring at Smileys was washed down with a Freestate cappuccino – a rum and coke. Smileys is like taking a step back in time … in a really good way.
Back on the road … a change of drivers and we headed for Warden. We dedicated this section of road to Val Dominican … a very well known Irish song writer …. ok …. in the pub song hit parade ….words and action were compulsory for all travelers ! Hilarity all round .
We only fitted in an outside visit to the Warden NGK, one of the biggest Dutch Reform churches in the country seating 1750 souls and us five sitting on the gate! Unhinged at best !
Back on N3 and towards the big smoke we headed …..
Pink Farm Chick 