As we set out to visit our children in Cape Town, we decided that, rather than making our customary headlong dash to arrive as quickly as possible, we would turn the journey into an unhurried road trip. It would be an opportunity to explore and appreciate the beautiful corners of our country that we have so often rushed past without stopping.
At Riversdale, we turned inland towards Barrydale, crossing the Garcia Pass, Muiskraal Pass, and Kliphoogte—a route of ever-changing scenery that offered a striking contrast to the coastal landscape we had left behind.
Along the way, we came across beautiful wildflowers in the veld. Naturally, we stopped to photograph them, only to be approached by a concerned local who suspected we were there to steal succulents. Apparently, the area has suffered several such thefts. Once we had reassured him that the only things we were taking were photographs, he wished us well and left us to continue capturing the beauty of the landscape through our lenses.
Barrydale is a quaint little town with plenty of character. After visiting the Barrydale Hand Weavers, we called in at the Joseph Barry Distillery for a brandy tasting. Although their brandy is produced in the Cognac style, it cannot, of course, bear that name. Interestingly, the distillery and the hand weavers share the same premises.
From there, we checked into the Karoo Art Hotel before setting off on foot to explore the town. We stopped to photograph the charming church and made our way to the local bookshop, only to find it closed and securely locked.
The day’s biggest surprise came after supper, when we unexpectedly ran into friends. They were returning home from Cape Town but had been delayed and left later than planned, resulting in an overnight stay in Barrydale. What had begun as an ordinary evening turned into a delightful opportunity to catch up over good conversation.
The following morning began with an invigorating—some might say foolhardy—plunge into a 9°C rock pool in the Tradouw River, a ritual that, according to the hotel owner, he faithfully observes every day. It was certainly an unforgettable way to start the morning.
From Barrydale, we enjoyed a leisurely drive to Cape Town, where we spent several wonderful days with our children.
While in Cape Town, I decided to take advantage of the exceptionally calm conditions to tackle a swim from Robben Island to Blouberg. With the weather providing an almost perfect window of opportunity, it was an opportunity not to be missed.
On our way home, we used the opportunity to explore the Overberg, staying over with a friend in Hermanus.
Etienne's Camera 