Day 5 - Cape St Francis to Coffee Bay

Lesley:  We slept really well the second night at St Francis in the ground tent, mainly due to the fact that we doubled the mattress and had our legs hanging off from the knee, so much better for the old backs.

Steve had suggested we leave for Coffee Bay at 8 or 9, but we were in the car and off by 7.30am after having coffee and cereal.

We had a lovely drive all the way through to Port Elizabeth and onwards past Grahamstown where we stopped on the side of the road for a quick snack.  We passed some interesting little dorpies (can’t call them towns) with funny names like Green Bushes and Good Earth!!

Steve:  We by-passed East London by going through Bisho and then back onto the N2 just after Komga. We stopped at the Shell garage at the Kei River for a toasted sandwich at Steers. After that it was just …….road works! It just went on for miles and miles. Much needed I might say as the road was terrible in some places. It was a relief to take the turn off to Coffee Bay…. Or so we thought. I think this must be one of the most nerve wracking roads to travel in South Africa. It starts off just trying to dodge pedestrians and taxis which was nothing new. Then the road deteriorates into massive potholes so now you have taxis on the wrong side of the road dodging potholes, while you are trying to do the same. Add to that more pedestrians and livestock and you get the picture. And all after you have had a long day travelling and you just want to get to your destination. A real test of your patience.

We finally arrived after taking nearly an hour and a half to do 75 kms from the turnoff. Coffeeshack, the place we are staying, is situated on both sides of the river. We are in a rondavel, up on a hill overlooking the river and we can also see a bit of the sea. A really nice view. A bit of a climb getting to the rondavel from the car but well worth it. The rest of the establishment is a backpackers but all that is on the other side of the river so we have a bit of peace and quiet.  L:  With the bongo drums going all the time, it is a huge relief….ha ha.  I was a bit apprehensive when I saw the place, but, it grows on you.

I was so exhausted when we arrived as it was a frightening drive through, with dead animals along the road to remind you how treacherous the road can be for those who do not pay attention!!

Tomorrow is a rest day so we aim to explore the area so we will be able to tell you just how primitive it is here…….

Moving armco barriers

Sunset from our stoep