The unexpected gems of any hike, road trip or travel excursion are the people you meet along the way, the unexpected fauna and flora you stumble past. Even crossing rivers you didn't know existed. But it's always the smiles of strangers that opens doors to other worlds... their world.
Pic 1: Daan van Rensburg, from the hamlet of Kanon and of the nearby Cape Vacca Guest House www.capevacca.co.za is passionate about his unique part of the world. I would've loved to linger...
Pics 2 & 3: The hike ends outside the coastal village of Gouritsmond. This four- (or two-day) coastal trail starts in a Khoi San cave at the old fishing village of Mossel Bay and ends with a small boat trip across the Gouritz River. All-in-all it's a distance of approximately 48km. (You might be wondering about the spelling of Gouritz/s... I'm finding both options in the literature and maps on the region.)
Pic 3: This is Frank Myburgh. He is in charge of this part of the Gouritz River, and has been for the last two years. I regret that I didn't have time to spend with him ... to walk with him along his river, to visit with him in his home... he was friendly and welcoming in the five or so minutes that our paths crossed. First impressions do count.
Pic 4: You may never know it -which is a sure sign of professionalism, slick management and co-ordination - but an entire team works tirelessly, and often for long hours, behind-the-scenes to make things happen. This is the team behind Fred Orban's Garden Route Oystercatcher walking trail ... yes, I was pleasantly surprised (and the word 'seamless' springs to mind).
Pics 5 & 6: Fred's wife Hanlie ensured magnificent (no exaggeration!) catering from the start of the hike to its very end. She remained wonderfully consistent in her ability to surprise us. Master Jack, with his attitude and poise, also played an integral role too (in melting hearts). Master Jack is a much loved dog. To think that uncaring owners ditched him in Bokkoms Bay when they moved on. He was left to wander the streets for at least a month... but I'm sure he's never looked back (and good riddance to his previous 'custodians').
Pic 7: This 'red ear' succulent on the bank of the Gourits river was a pleasant, passionate surprise.
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"This is not just a walk, it is a love affair with nature!"
More about the reason why the trail's named after the Oystercatcher (and the importance of the endangered Black Oystercatcher) later....
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