The first thing was to get out of Johannesburg. This was something that I'd been a little concerned about, towing the new van through busy Johannesburg traffic. I had worried needless as the van towed so easily and before we knew it we were on the outskirts and heading towards to Grasmere toll plaza. Although the plan had been to stop at Aldam estate on the way back, the drive was going very well and although the place had seemed very nice when we stopped on the way up, it had been busy and I didn't feel like people so we decided to push on through to Bloemfontein. On the outskirts of Bloemfontein we stopped at the petrol station on the top of the hill where Vanessa asked about caravan sites in the vicinity, the closest one was apparently accross the road from a strip joint, so that was out and there was one on the other side of Bloem called Toms place. We decided that we would just drive and see what we found. The first one we stopped at was full 
and they referred us to Reyneke Park. We eventually arrived at about 7.00pm by which time I was quite grumpy and ready to stop. Once there we set up the caravan finishing just as the weather turned threatening, it seemed like a huge thunderstorm was on the way. So much for a braai on our first night in tiny! A trip to Spar followed where we bought some frozen meals. We got back to tiny just as it started raining. We set ourselves up inside and we quite cosy whilst the meals went into the microwave. After 3 minutes the food was still frozen ! Disaster no microwave. After having rolls for supper we went to bed exhausted.
The following morning we again left at about 9.00am. We could smell home by now and the roads became more and more familiar. The trip wasn't over though, we decided to stop at the padstaal at Middelton. This padstaal has only been opened for 5 days and is run by recovering addicts from the drug rehabilitation centre in Noupoort. All of the items on sale are made by the residents (even the bread for the toasted sandwiches we ordered was baked on site). Here are some photos, some of which show the merchandise for sale inside the padstaal.
As you can see by the crosses on s
ale, this is c
learly a Christian run operation. We also took a quick drive down to look at the Hotel and Pub, unfortunately I didn't take any photo's but it looked interesting and worth another visit. The pub (tavern) looked particularly interesting being an old solid stone building which I think adds atmosphere to a pub. Next time we pass that way we will definitely stop and have a better look. After leaving Middelton we headed home arriving at about 1.30pm.
and they referred us to Reyneke Park. We eventually arrived at about 7.00pm by which time I was quite grumpy and ready to stop. Once there we set up the caravan finishing just as the weather turned threatening, it seemed like a huge thunderstorm was on the way. So much for a braai on our first night in tiny! A trip to Spar followed where we bought some frozen meals. We got back to tiny just as it started raining. We set ourselves up inside and we quite cosy whilst the meals went into the microwave. After 3 minutes the food was still frozen ! Disaster no microwave. After having rolls for supper we went to bed exhausted.Waking up the next morning things seemed much brighter an
d although we could have got home that day we decided to have an easy day and only travel as far as Middelburg (about a three hour drive) where we would stop, have a swim, have a braai and leave ourselves about a three and a half hour drive home. We eventually got away at about 10.00am. At first the road was quiet but before long it was a solid stream of traffic heading Johannesburg to the coast, and by the time we got to Colesburg we were happy to leave the N1.
d although we could have got home that day we decided to have an easy day and only travel as far as Middelburg (about a three hour drive) where we would stop, have a swim, have a braai and leave ourselves about a three and a half hour drive home. We eventually got away at about 10.00am. At first the road was quiet but before long it was a solid stream of traffic heading Johannesburg to the coast, and by the time we got to Colesburg we were happy to leave the N1.Arriving in Middelburg at about one we headed straight for the caravan site where in no time we were set up. With it being another hot day we decided to take the opportunity for a quick swim. After that a trip into town to buy some bits and pieces for a christening braai for tiny. All in all a very pleasant overnight stop.
The following morning we again left at about 9.00am. We could smell home by now and the roads became more and more familiar. The trip wasn't over though, we decided to stop at the padstaal at Middelton. This padstaal has only been opened for 5 days and is run by recovering addicts from the drug rehabilitation centre in Noupoort. All of the items on sale are made by the residents (even the bread for the toasted sandwiches we ordered was baked on site). Here are some photos, some of which show the merchandise for sale inside the padstaal.
As you can see by the crosses on s
ale, this is c
learly a Christian run operation. We also took a quick drive down to look at the Hotel and Pub, unfortunately I didn't take any photo's but it looked interesting and worth another visit. The pub (tavern) looked particularly interesting being an old solid stone building which I think adds atmosphere to a pub. Next time we pass that way we will definitely stop and have a better look. After leaving Middelton we headed home arriving at about 1.30pm.The first real getaway is now being planned !!!
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