Bonnievale…
Posted by Ruan Smit on April 28, 2010
I love experiencing a town or region through the eyes of someone that is inspired by what they have lived. In Bonnievale we found such a person. Her life and imagery that is recounted by passionate words are enough to inspire a nation. She lights up the sky almost like the stars here in the darkness with absence of city lights…
The 160km between Belville and Bonnievale becomes a roadtrip as we drive through Worcester and Robertson on our way to a weekend of exploration and camping at Bonnievale River Lodge. In the dark we pitch our tent and then my fire making skills are put to the test with wood that could steam food, its that wet. When we find the light switch we are amazed by the highway of stars. Here in Bonnievale, away from the city lights there is a different world captured within the stars.
Morning breaks, a whole day of excitement lies before us. We take a slow stroll into the town that
is showing off itself on this Saturday morning. A band is playing on one corner and everywhere someone is trying to sell something tasty. We find a market where we sit down to have some breakfast and soak up the beauty and heat of the morning.
Bonnievale has a great collection of wine farms and antique shops that can keep you busy for hours. Plus the town is so beautiful that you have to stop and stare every few minutes. Late the afternoon we find ourselves back at our camping site. Bonnivale Rover lodge is spectacular. It allows for canoe trips, fishing, mountain biking, hiking or just lazing around underneath the enormous trees to soak up the sound of river in the afternoon. It’s also more than just a camping site – with a log cabin, 4 sleeper house and cottage that could make winter weekends more bareable.
On sunday morning we decide to take the car and see what the surrounding area has to offer. we find ourselves on a dirt road that leaves you breathless because of its scenery. Because Bonnievale is so central it’s a short drive to Mcgreggor, Robertson, Ashton and Swellendam. Our road takes us to La Mont Cheese and wine farm just outside Ashton.
When the afternoon takes us back we decide to get onto that boat. Slowly we head off into the sunset. Fish jumping and the moon beginning to show itself… The water reflects a more beautiful version of our world… eventually our boat takes us back home. Another go at the fire, we’re getting better… or the wood is drying out…
A monday feeling wants to show its face but luckily the perfection and beauty of such a weekend, along with the lodge, we manage to latch onto the weekend feeling for a while longer.
Monday takes us back on a slow roadtrip… we want to prolong the weekend. We try and hide away from what the week wants to show us. We don’t want to give up the bliss and dreams of what has been shared.
In terms of writing this has been one of the most difficult experiences to put into words… how
does one share something like this… I’m not sure. If you read this article… shut your eyes and imagine it to be 10x better than my words could ever describe.
