Sitting in the dark at Welvanpas, the moon rising on a clear night, I thanked Rita for her friendly welcome and revelled in the safe environment available with such ease and comfort.
Middleburg is a good spot to aim for when travelling the highway between the Cape and Jo’burg. Although the road is long it is well maintained and the ever changing scenery fills your heart and soul over and over again.
Wind turbine blades turn lazily as you pass. Their size quite awe inspiring.
“Because Middelburg is nestled at a high elevation (about 1,200 meters above sea level) and surrounded by ranges like the Sneeuberg, the landscape acts as a natural funnel. When large-scale pressure systems move across the country—such as the South Atlantic High-Pressure system or eastward-moving coastal cold fronts—the air is forced to accelerate through these valleys and elevated plains. This creates a steady, strong flow across the region, especially during late winter and early spring. (Wikipedia)”
Welvanpas is home to curious Alpaca who seem to blow a kiss as you pass. Pied Starlings fill the evening with their calls in the reed filled marsh alongside the camp ground. The thrumb of the manganese ore trains that periodically pass on their way to and from Port Elizabeth still delight in our ‘new South Africa’ where the vandalised stations stick out like rotten teeth in once proud smiles.
Ablutions are spotless. The area has gentle walks, a pool available in the summer, the camp dotted with children’s jungle jim’s.
Itchy Feet! 