The Slow Drive

The slow drive to George started when my alarm went off at 04h30. Groggy and somewhat miserable I made my way to my car. Let’s not sugarcoat this, I’m a terrible morning person, anyone who knows me will attest to this. In addition to being a walking grim reaper I also looked like a human packhorse. (I have no idea what the meaning of ‘pack light’ is.)

I hit the road at 05h30 to meet up with Rene and Matt at the Engen for a cup of shitty coffee since options are extremely limited at that hour of the morning. Armed with a 7hour playlist, RedBull, mentos and salt & vinegar chips we set off. The Ausies and I were meant to drive in convoy, but as these things go we ended up losing each other about 2min in. So with that the slow solo drive began.

I found myself winding through the turns of Houhoekpas as the sunrise peaked over the horizon. It brought back an overwhelming sense of well-being and nostalgia. It was exactly a year ago to the day that Chad and I left for a friends wedding in Kirkwood. It’s weird how time warps and how you don’t quite realise how quickly it escapes us.

Home base for the long weekend was a beautiful lodge in Fancourt, which was incredibly peaceful and relaxing. My need to take photo’s and explore saw me once again hitting the road to visit some nearby towns. I wish I could have seen more but here’s some places that I did manage to explore:

1. Knysna / Thesen Island (for food) / The Heads.

The drive between George and Knysna is one big speed trap. The 60km drive will take you about an hour, but it’s beautiful and well worth it.  We had lunch at île de païn which was just as delicious as I remember it. For anyone who hasn’t been to Knysna yet the view from The Heads is definitely something that I would highly recommended.

2. Herolds Bay

This little seaside gem is located about 15-20min from George. The beach is beautiful with a cliff face off to the left and a tidal pool set amongst the rocks on the right. It’s quiet and somehow transports you back to a simpler time. BONUS: There’s also a fantastic ice cream stand serving old school soft-serve with all the toppings that you need in life.

3. Victoria Bay

Not much to say about Vic Bay other than if you’re a surfer you probably don’t want to miss this spot.

4. Wilderness Beach

This beach goes on for miles, and it’s extremely beautiful. If you’re going to Knysna there’s really no reason not to pitstop here to see it!

Other places around the area that is definitely worth the drive if you have the time would be Nature’s Valley, Buffels Bay, and Goukamma Nature Reserve for a hike. (There are loads more so feel free to add your fav spots in the comments if I’ve missed it!) 

I’ve mapped out the route we drove to George, pinned the places I visited while there, as well as the way back home (we took an alternative route back so that we could cross through Tradouw Pass, it’s one of my favourite spots there!) All in all the detour ads about an hour or so to your travel time. Disclaimer: there was a ton of roadworks by the tunnel which added another hour so just be aware of that if you go anytime soon!

The route we took to and from George: (we took the N2 to George, and made our way back over Tradouw Pass, R62 onto the N1)

Day trip from George to Knysna and surrounds:

 

A massive thank you to The Spears for letting me crash their weekend (without them this weekend wouldn’t have happened and I really needed it more than I can say). You are the best of humankind and I love you both dearly 🖤