wildside
Pack Dog
A PIECE of PONDOLAND
25 April 2018 ~ 01 May 2018
HOWICK - MBOYTI – PORT GROSVENOR – LUPHATANA
For those readers who are unfamiliar with Pondoland, it’s a 100km stretch of coastline on the shores of the Eastern Cape running between Port St. Johns (Some will say from the uMthatha River south of Port St.Johns) and the Mthamvuna River in the northern region. Geographically it’s quite remote and still largely rural and undeveloped. The Pondo people are still dependant on the natural environment for their survival and we were rather amazed at the lack of local shops, trading stores and taverns, for emergency supplies. Lusikisiki, on the R61, seems to be the nearest town for the locals to gather their supplies.
It’s hard to believe but this area appears to be even poorer than the southern Transkei, Gcaleka Coast (Port St. Johns to Kei River).
It was a long weekend that most people were really looking forward to. Not having gone away for the Easter weekend we were now itching to gather our goods and get our butts back in the saddle. We stole another day and a half from work which made it even more appealing and pushed it to a seven day getaway.
Day 1:
Merrivale Heights (Howick) to Margate
By 12 pm on Wednesday we were sweeping out of the driveway and heading out on the R617 towards Bulwer.
This day had been declared a National strike day and we wanted to avoid the hectic highways and major towns. Using this back road to Margate was so much quieter and stress free, albeit it a longer route. Having that warm wind autumn wrapping around the body again was exhilarating and just ‘like a breath of fresh air.’ Suddenly everything was just perfect and we were soon relaxing and enjoying our time out.
The road to Bulwer was so quiet with hardly a car or a taxi to contend with.
Take note of the FISHING ROD....yet to prove itself... not holding my breath!
We topped up with fuel in Bulwer and shortly afterwards turned left onto the R612 that would take us passed Donnybrook, Ixopo and then on to Highflats. The scenery was awesome with lots of plantations, farm lands and pretty views.
In Highflats we took a turning to the right towards St. Faiths. We weren’t sure what to expect of the road as we had last travelled this way many years ago. The surrounding sugar cane fields with patches of bright yellow sunflowers in between just added to the wonderful feeling of being out on a bike. This was a perfectly good and quiet road with no nasty surprises or potholes. As we got closer to the Umkomaas valley so the views of the endless mountains improve and there were a few twists and turns in the road which required lots of concentration.
We were soon crossing over the N2 at the Umtentwini intersection and turned onto the dreaded highway for the last 20 km to Margate. On entering Margate we noticed quite a few Harleys cruising around and we tried to get down to the beach front but that was blocked off so we ended up at a wimpy for some coffee and put our accommodation destination into our GPS.
We arrived at the Albatross Guest House at about 4 pm. What a stunning place to end a ride. We had a divine room on the 2nd floor with a lovely view of the sea. Here we discovered that it was the Bikers weekend in Margate. Just as well we didn’t stay longer as our old Honda’s would have really looked very out of place.
We enjoyed an early dinner at the Blue Lagoon Restaurant in Ramsgate before heading back to the room for a good nights snooze.
25 April 2018 ~ 01 May 2018
HOWICK - MBOYTI – PORT GROSVENOR – LUPHATANA
For those readers who are unfamiliar with Pondoland, it’s a 100km stretch of coastline on the shores of the Eastern Cape running between Port St. Johns (Some will say from the uMthatha River south of Port St.Johns) and the Mthamvuna River in the northern region. Geographically it’s quite remote and still largely rural and undeveloped. The Pondo people are still dependant on the natural environment for their survival and we were rather amazed at the lack of local shops, trading stores and taverns, for emergency supplies. Lusikisiki, on the R61, seems to be the nearest town for the locals to gather their supplies.
It’s hard to believe but this area appears to be even poorer than the southern Transkei, Gcaleka Coast (Port St. Johns to Kei River).
It was a long weekend that most people were really looking forward to. Not having gone away for the Easter weekend we were now itching to gather our goods and get our butts back in the saddle. We stole another day and a half from work which made it even more appealing and pushed it to a seven day getaway.
Day 1:
Merrivale Heights (Howick) to Margate
By 12 pm on Wednesday we were sweeping out of the driveway and heading out on the R617 towards Bulwer.
This day had been declared a National strike day and we wanted to avoid the hectic highways and major towns. Using this back road to Margate was so much quieter and stress free, albeit it a longer route. Having that warm wind autumn wrapping around the body again was exhilarating and just ‘like a breath of fresh air.’ Suddenly everything was just perfect and we were soon relaxing and enjoying our time out.
The road to Bulwer was so quiet with hardly a car or a taxi to contend with.
Take note of the FISHING ROD....yet to prove itself... not holding my breath!
We topped up with fuel in Bulwer and shortly afterwards turned left onto the R612 that would take us passed Donnybrook, Ixopo and then on to Highflats. The scenery was awesome with lots of plantations, farm lands and pretty views.
In Highflats we took a turning to the right towards St. Faiths. We weren’t sure what to expect of the road as we had last travelled this way many years ago. The surrounding sugar cane fields with patches of bright yellow sunflowers in between just added to the wonderful feeling of being out on a bike. This was a perfectly good and quiet road with no nasty surprises or potholes. As we got closer to the Umkomaas valley so the views of the endless mountains improve and there were a few twists and turns in the road which required lots of concentration.
We were soon crossing over the N2 at the Umtentwini intersection and turned onto the dreaded highway for the last 20 km to Margate. On entering Margate we noticed quite a few Harleys cruising around and we tried to get down to the beach front but that was blocked off so we ended up at a wimpy for some coffee and put our accommodation destination into our GPS.
We arrived at the Albatross Guest House at about 4 pm. What a stunning place to end a ride. We had a divine room on the 2nd floor with a lovely view of the sea. Here we discovered that it was the Bikers weekend in Margate. Just as well we didn’t stay longer as our old Honda’s would have really looked very out of place.
We enjoyed an early dinner at the Blue Lagoon Restaurant in Ramsgate before heading back to the room for a good nights snooze.
