We had intended to stay for 2 nights in Franschoek. However, Dennis mentioned yesterday, how much rain had fallen. The site was very muddy and so we decided to pack up and move to another site, on the other side of Franschhoek, later in the day.
Fraschhoek
Franschhoek is an attractive town, surrounded by magnificent mountain ranges, in the heart of the wine producing area of South Africa. It’s beautiful and I love it. This is the Africa I wanted to see. Many vineyards offering wine tastings, lovely restaurants and many art galleries. The town was established in the 17th century by French Huguenots. It is very French. Everything has a French name. As we drove into town we were greeted by red/blue and white French flags adorning trees and buildings everywhere. A left over from the recent Bastille Day celebrations on 14th July.
Franschhoek Motor Museum
We had to be packed up by 10.30 in order to get the the Franschoek Motor Museum by 11.00. It was necessarily to book an appointment online. A bit like getting into Fort Knox. I had to fill in forms which included our passport details and our next of kin. Once we reached the entry gate, Dennis’s driver’s licence needed to be photographed, along with Poki’s registration.
The museum is privately owned. The owner being Johann Rupert, a billionaire businessman. Part of the second wealthiest family in South Africa. Approached by a flower lined driveway the purpose built museum consists of four blocks each housing 20 vehicles. Built in white Cape Dutch style and surrounded by beautifully manicured lawns and flower gardens.
1932 Silver Ghost Rolls Royce.
The epitome of 1940’s elegance. Packard Straight 8.
The spacious display halls are air conditioned and de-humidified to preserve the ageing machinery.
After our museum tour we returned to the centre of Franschoek. Stopping at a Pick and Pay supermarket to stock up on a few items. We then looked for Cafe du Vin. Another recommendation from expert on the area, Alex.
We have been very lucky with the weather. It’s another beautiful day. It seems so strange to hear there was so much rain here only a couple of days ago. Being lovely and warm we were able to sit outside in the sun and enjoyed a very pleasant lunch.
After lunch we walked around the town, including a visit to the 1847 church.
We decided to find the other campsite. Driving up to the iron gates a small herd of zebras was grazing among the neat rows of vines. A list of phone numbers was displayed at the gate, so I called to gain entry. The first number went unanswered. Attempting the second number, a lady answered and wanted to know what sort of vehicle we were driving and advising they didn’t allow ground tents. Not welcoming and decidedly unfriendly. Reluctantly she said a staff member would come and look after us.
We drove in and on to a wood chip covered area. Explaining that our tent attached to the back of our vehicle for more space, but we sleep in the vehicle, the gentleman said it would be fine. He then proceeded to get the key to show us the ablution block and advised the rate was 480 rand. On his return he then said we couldn’t put up the tent. As the reception had been so unfriendly and the place far more expensive than anywhere else we had stayed, we decided to leave.
Orange-Ville Lodge
I found another site a short journey away on the road to Stellenbosch. Orange-Ville Lodge. We are in a nice grassy spot. Surrounded by horse paddocks, we are the only people here. The property is owned by a German couple and has several cottages among fruit trees and gardens. In charge is Timothy, not a local, but from Zimbabwe. Timothy was very helpful and produced a wheelbarrow load of wood to feed the “donkey” stove which heated the water. The ablution block was “rustic and characterful”. Perfectly adequate. Timothy even refilled the stove with wood in the morning, so there was hot water for our shower.
Tomorrow we will be in Cape Town. I have booked us a hotel in Camps Bay, via booking.com. We have found, from experience, that these places can be a bit “hit and miss”, so hopefully it will be okay.
Visits: 43