Elgin /Grabouw, a place more than just apples

On the morning that we departed for the Elgin Valley Meander, “Sister Flu” decided to pop in unannounced but I informed her that she could not stay, so I gave her some goods just to get her on her way. She decided to tag along, what a nag she was, causing me headaches etc. The journey had a basket of interesting like-minded people on-board, i.e. @marindasou, @winelands, @choosytravellers, @FrankiBlack, @DeirdreGower, @BarrathS, @MariusSou, @RobertGPeters , @LumkileMzukwa

Our mode of transport was HG Travelling services, with a professional driver who knows how to give good service. The vehicle was comfortable with full air-conditioner.  The Elgin Valley is situated on an inland plateau, surrounded by mountains, only 10 km from the Atlantic Ocean and an hour’s drive from Cape Town. Along the route there are some portraits of beauty to behold. 

 

As we arrived in the valley, there are endless successions of hills in this secret countryside, where it is believed that it’s the perfect prospect for vineyards growing alongside pristine mountain fynbos in the Kogelberg biosphere. As said all good things come to those who wait and the ripening occurs slowly.

Our hosts, Tri-Active Events, welcomed us to Kunguru Lodge our base-camp.This is perfect accommodation for those who fear tent camping but love nature. They love all kinds of living things, great and small. I love being surrounded by creative people, who see beyond the horizon and this team is a true testimony to that . The staff  know their story around being hospitable and whisked us to our rooms as we needed to start with the mystery programme they had planned. Lunch was served before taking to the road. The                                staff  are always around to assist, one of the                                                    attributes that I appreciated.

The journey was a mystery and would unfold as we uncover the secrets that lie within the valley. Our first stop was at Nature Discovery. This valley has depictions that put your soul to rest and as you enter, it calls to you. Innovation is key when you visit here and has to be experienced to be appreciated. They present “Elegantly Elgin Wine Route” done in this vehicle, reminds me of a safari.

They have this cool E-bicycle powered by a motor, yes for those who want to take it all in while cycling, no peddling, this is your thing. You can view the estate , just apply power and the bike goes. How awesome is that. I am sure that I should get myself one of these for the Argus Cycling Tour, my hand will do the cycling. Feeling like you are the adventurous type then this is                                     where you need to stop. They even have motorbikes and a                               special one for females to explore the                                                               wine route and its wonders. I will definitely have to return, 
                            my adrenaline habit calls for it.  

Next we stopped at Oude Molen Distillery and brandy lovers will thrill over the tour they do here. Firstly a documentary is played around the history and where it all began. They pay tribute to Rene Santhagens, the man who made history by producing the first South Africa's Cognac-style brandy. I found the tour fascinating and the interactive stops really good, each time there was a tasting. At the end of the tour you sit in a cathedral Theatre with a grand finale to the tour. Don’t ask me what                            it is, you have to go and do it. 

 Next stop was Elgin Train Station where we visited the Winters Drift Tasting venue. By no way am I a connoisseur of wines but really loved the tastes of the 51 Miles Sauvignon Blanc with aromas that lured your palate of its different flavours. Another favourite was the 51 Miles Unwooded Chardonnay with its citrus fruits making its way through the tunnels of your taste buds.

This restaurant is on the platform of the station and has so many antiques, they begged me to take them home, pity I never had place in my suitcase. This adds to the ambiance of the place and with enough space for the kids to play, parents can relax enjoy the food and have a marvelous time.    

The day was far from being over and we jetted off to the next encounter which happened to be Kunguru Lodge. The fun started with the introduction of outcomes based activities. Each game had an objective coupled to a goal. For companies wishing to deal with challenges or create synergy among staff, this company has inventive, amusing ways to achieve it.

The lesson taught here for me was that sometimes a situation might seem difficult but it can be mastered, just don’t give up,                                       perseverance pays, an important lessons that we need to pass the baton on, i.e. next generation.

The evening ended with a networking session which included supper, thinking of it makes me hungry again. This coincided with cider tasting from Everson’s Cider. It’s a natural apple cider, a mix of 5 different apples, which is then fermented with French cider yeast. This was really a cider with a difference and has to be introduced to more cider-holics. The one with the most aroma and flavour for me was Mulled cider ,it's spicy, almost as if you                           eating hot-cross buns, that aniseed taste                       lingering. The best was when it's warmed, OMG!   

The night ended with great company laughter and fun as we entertained ourselves, hitting the sack with a memory that flooded all of our being.

The next morning was greeted with a wholesome breakfast, heading off for my thang, adrenaline pumping, Cape Canopy Tours. It was cold, the wind was blowing and it seemed as if this activity was going to be hijacked by two things, Miss flu who visited several of us and Mrs weather. The two together can be fearsome. Am i going to get it from the woman here? 

As we entered the venue we were greeted by Ryan the owner and were offered coffee before starting with our safety talk. The guide took his time, with some humour to explain the equipment and the importance of safety. This was emphasized several times and I felt this was to put the nerves of many at ease. You sign an indemnity form and then orders are taken for lunch when you return. 

Staff comes to assist getting you armed and ready, safety re-reinforced again. When everyone was ready we got into the trucks, travelling on a very bumpy road to the top of the mountain where the party starts. The wind was really playing tap dance with us, but it was not going to deter the spirit. Ryan got us ready for the first zipline and as he prepares each member, safety comes up again. Most important element all day. Once you have done the first one, the nerves settle and you are more confident than before. As I swang from the one side to the other i looked around me, my eyes saw the wonder of mountains, valleys, waterfalls and just pure unspoiled beauty.  It is then that it dawned on me that someone thought of this and made that dream a reality, to be able to do this in the Hottentots Mountain. Each platform and zipline are engineered with such precision and you get an appreciation and gratitude for the labour and vision to this work. Without this dream, I would not have had this amazing experience, Ryan you are the man!      

So if you ask me does Elgin/Grabouw have more to offer than its apples, I say come and discover it for yourself. 
Live a 

BEAUTY
FULL
LIFE 

Melktert Tyd - Wellington Stasiefees- 16 May 2015

For the past few years we have partnered with ATKV Wellington in the festival called the Wellington Stasie Fees. The festival is part of the 150 year of Wellington having a railway line.  In 1863 our very own locomotive which many might know as Blackie travelled from Cape Town to Wellington.

Each year rail tourism sees the train enthusiasts grow in numbers. This year was no exception and we stopped at several stations en-route to collect those who bought festival tickets. There were around 135 adults and children, many of them who have not travelled on our train before or travelled in many moons ago. The festival was held on the ground of the Wellington Wine Cellars.

One of the main objectives of the festival is breaking the record to build the biggest milk tart, a recipe that they adopted from tannie Evita Bezuidenhout. This year it was 152 liters and sponsored by Shoprite Checkers.

Another main attraction is travelling on the Tourism Train to Paarl and each year this is a sold out activity. When you ask the organisers why, they tell you that people want their children to experience the thrill of travelling on a train.

The festival included art and crafts , wine tasting, cultural stalls, games for the kids and for many people to experience that “local is lekker”. 

 

For many it was a great day out, especially for our small humans, they participated in many activities and the laughter could be heard miles off.

 This was all made possible through the dedication of a few individuals, who each year gives tirelessly of their time and energy to make a huge success of the day.  Wellington ATKV makes you proud to be associated with them and their partners.

There are a few special people that create the atmosphere at these festivals and keep people on their toes and one such phenomenal woman is Martelize Brink. She is truly a great programme director and a human we can learn much from.