After having taken a wrong turn that took us over the Lebombo mountains and past the gravesite of King Digaan, we at last found ourselves on the wall of the Pongolapoort Dam on Lake Jozini!
Luckily for us, we still had plenty of daylight to get to the LA Guest House in Piet Retief, so we were not too stressed by the hour that we had added to our travelling time. Forget about the road less travelled, it seemed to be a road almost never travelled. And certainly not by ‘tourists’.
Here are a couple of interesting facts about the dam:
It was constructed in 1973 at the eastern end of the narrow gorge separating the Lebombo and Ubombo ranges. The dam mainly serves for irrigation purposes for the sugar cane farms in the area. The Phongolo River is the dam’s largest and only perennial feeder.
And down a dirt road, just off the highway, I discovered this old church. I had seen it on a previous trip, but I decided to stop once again. My ever tolerant wife sat in the car while I crawled around trying to get an angle that I was happy with.
On the previous occasion, I was able to get into the grounds and get close to the building, but that access has now been wired shut, so I had to settle for shooting through the bars of the perimeter fence.
Road trips are about taking time to appreciate what can be found along the way, especially if the destination for the day is a small town with no real tourist attractions so to speak.
Our destination…the L.A Guest House in Piet Retief…once again. This wonderful space is a haven for the weary traveller and a treasure trove of bits and bobs for those who like ‘discovering’ interesting items.
Our room is the same one that we had stayed in previously, where the table and chairs are.
This is the family room that I was unable to access on my last visit. A huge room with self-catering amenities and a wonderful view out over the garden from the large balcony (the picture of the house above was taken from this vantage point)
This is the second part of the family room. Having said ‘family’, it does not have to be a family as such.
While my wife and I were there a group of women who were in town on a conference shared this room. And judging from the laughter that emanated from behind closed curtains, a great deal of fun was being had.
Just one of the quirky items scattered around the property. If I had been a VW fan I would have made an offer on this.
This way of growing succulents gave me an idea for our garden back home. So simple, yet very effective.
For the broken hearted that did not get a Valentine’s Day gift?
Another interesting item on display outside the front door.
The formal lounge. There have been some changes made since our previous visit, but it still is old-school decor, and why not!
I was informed by manager Cindy that the picture on the far wall had only been hung on the morning of our arrival.
Probably two of the smallest window I have ever seen. I have no idea what lies on the other side of them, but I think that it might be the bathroom of one of the rooms next to the dining room.
The other aspect that I like is the shape of the main window. I am almost certain that those rectangular windows with rounded ends are no longer manufactured. And more is the pity as it adds a touch of style and grace that is often lacking in modern establishments.
The guest house serves breakfast in this light and airy dining room.
A serious BOC (breakfast of champions)?
Although there is one of my Chef friends that insists that his BOC would consist of: Orange Juice, freshly squeezed from Blood Oranges. 2 eggs fried in Ghee. Two pork sausages, artisanal made. More crisply fried bacon than is decent. Saute potatoes. Large brown mushrooms, butter fried. Plenty of toast and good marmalade. Excellent coffee. And a damn fine head waiter……
With breakfast done, it was time to say goodbye and hit the highway home. Many thanks for the hospitality, we look forward to visiting again. Highly recommended.
To find out what they offer, click on the logo above.
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