WILD ON WILDERNESS #WOW - Angels in Eden

Wilderness is a seaside village situated a short distance from George, between the Kaaimans River and the Goukama Nature Reserve, surrounded by the Outeniqua Mountains, the nature lover’s paradise .With all this, what a better place to relax, explore and experience. The best part of all is that you don’t need to travel to do an activity, its right on your doorstep. 

Along the way we stopped to enjoy beauty and took these along a canola field, such beauty.

Before we got to the hotel we decided to stop and take view the beach. We saw the bridge where the Outeniqua Choo Choo, steam train used to travel on. As I gazed, I knew this, Eden welcomed me. 

The area is well known for outdoor activities such as kite surfing, surfing, paragliding, mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, horse riding, unspoilt beach walks  and as I discovered a host of other things. 

As we drove into the hotel parking we noticed an array of bird species. The climate was very welcoming as well. Our angel, @travelbugrose met us at the reception, hugs and kisses on the cheek and this set the tone for the entire visit.

Later that day we went for a walk on the beach, it was a journey back in time. @gotravelbug or Rose one of the angels introduced us to Mark Dixon,  from Garden Route Trail, is a  scientist and storyteller of note. He has an investigative passion for landscapes, geological beauty, dunes etc.                                               

He explains the influence of erosion on the rock pools, dunes and the importance of preservation.

While you listen to him you start to appreciate the gift of nature and our role to protect it.  I am definitely going to be doing one of his trails in the future. 

Our next stop was Oysters R Us, where we met with two passionate individuals, Natasha De Freitas and Natalie Oliver, who owns this smallholding where magic happens. 

                                        

Natasha gives some background around the company and then continues to talk about her love for oysters. 

Oysters R Us keeps fresh oysters live in tanks with the sole purpose of educating and selling to public and business’s in the area. The public has an option of doing a pairing or take –away.  

The knowledge gained here was invaluable, the added bonus on her sustainable programmes are amazing.

While we visited they were busy getting their take-away stand ready for the upcoming holiday period as this will alleviate traffic congestion, yes it gets very busy here. It’s advisable to book if you would like  to do the pairing.                                                                                                                                

Our angel whisked us just across the road of the N2 to Timberlake. Now when I drove past this place many times before, I just thought that it’s a factory of some sorts that sells timber/ wood. To my surprise this is a village that can afford a family some great downtime with so much to experience. From shopping for clothes, wine or going to Zucchini where we enjoyed a meal and don’t forget the Rustic Windmill for that cheesecake or if you love hugging trees, no not really but if you want to zipline, swing or test how you handle obstacles, then try Acrobranch WildWoods Tree Adventures.

If you are looking for a fun, vibrant “lekker” restaurant with good food and staff with an electric passion for service then you have to go to Cocomo. It’s colourful yet tasteful and during cold nights there are fires in drums to keep you warm in the courtyard. 

Frieda, owner/manager and an angel speaks to me around how the journey all started. She explains of her passion for development and the energy that they have invested into building community. This led to them giving a platform for musicians and now you can be entertained, each night when they are open, which is practically every day of the year. 

There’s a crockery store within the restaurant that belongs to her mother where patrons can purchase items on display. Where do you think Frieda gets most her crockery, you guess right, her mom.

This angel looks at how they can sustain and help a community to thrive financially and with their music programme and planting a 1000 trees project, it’s the start of building for generations.   

         

Day one of our #WildonWilderness(WOW) ended on a high note. Watch out for day two and experience Eden with me. Thanks for reading and for all the support.