Day 11

Day 11

Another lovely cloudless morning, but blooming cold though! I had my usual early morning walking along the river, and the birds were again numerous and varied. The highlight being several good sightings of a Giant African Kingfisher, a beautiful and enormous bird, twice the size of our normal kingfisher, black and white coloured with a bronze breast.

Today, we set off for Blyde River Canyon, with several stops en-route at points of interest.

Here I must confess to a major boob on the map reading front and we ended up on the Sabie road rather than the Graskop road. However there were no complaints as we made another stop at our favourite coffee shop for elevenses and more retail therapy!!

 

Suitably refreshed, we set off again to Graskop.  Two minutes later, sirens and flashing lights in the rear view mirror, and we made an unscheduled stop at the request of a traffic copL  Neither Bryony or I were driving, so you can draw your own conclusion as to the identity of the driver J. Out here STOP” signs are on the major roads, and the minor road junctions have priority.  Bill slowed down at the sign, and as the road was clear continued without actually coming to a full stop. The police officer, pointed out the offence to Bill, and said it was a fixed penalty offence, incurring a fine of 750R = approx £65. We claimed ignorance of the law, but accepted responsibility. However, as we only had 450R in cash. The officer, suitably chastised Bill, and took the 450R and sent us on our way. No doubt the cash went into his back pocket, but we also got away with 50% on the fine, and learnt a lesson on SA Highway Code.

In due course we made it to Bourke’s Luck Potholes. A stunning geological formation in the Blyde River Canyon caused over millions of years. This is where according to local mythology where the River Blyde (Joyful River) is joined by the Treur River (Sorrow River) and the subsequent erosion process has caused these potholes. They are called Bourke’s Luck Potholes  as a Thomas Bourke discovered gold at the bottom of the potholes in the late 1800’s.  Dozens of photos later, we continued on through the canyon next stop being the Three Rondavels.

These striking “Three Rondavels” or peaks are named after Chief Maripi’s wives. Magbille, Mogoladikwe & Maseroto. The further 4th peak is called Mapjaneng (The chief) which is named in honour of Chief Maripi and is the highest peak.

PIFF PAFF POOF! Bill’s new explanation for everything, including bribing a police officer J & packing. & Shane . (Explantion another time) hahahaha

Onwards we headed towards  Blyde River Canyon, with an enforced stop for petrol at a Blyde River Canyon  resort, where we discovered it was a further 100km to the dam. The dam however was closed with no boat sailings as it was the winter season. I managed to sweet talk the very nice man at the resort to allow us in to their property to see the views of the dam from their site. This was well worthwhile as  they were fabulous in the late afternoon sun.

Time to turn around and head back to Sabie, for a much anticipated supper at our favourite place again. Three times in four days must be a good recommendation. Steaks for Bry and I, and Lamb curry for Bill, followed by an “Amurala Don Pedro” for me, Apple pudding for Bry, and Ice cream and choc sauce for Bill. Including drinks and coffee, plus a good tip, there was change from £40. Pretty good value.

A further hour’s drive saw us back to Sanbonanni, and half hour or so was spent on preliminary packing for our departure on Friday. It seems an age since Cape Town, having seen and done so much. Our last day tomorrow and we plan another final visit to Kruger in search of the elusive Lion. Fingers crossed all round.