The heat was getting the better of Marc and me. We decided to take refuge from the sun again, the vivid memory of heat exhaustion still fresh from the Gamtoos Valley.
The Constantia Padstal near Clocolan was a haven of shade and ice cold drinks. Marc made himself cozy on the bed outside in the tea garden and I found myself falling asleep under the umbrella on the groomed lawn. Possibly our first stop from midday to two o’clock that we stuck to.
We felt absolutely revived after our midday siesta. We had many people coming up to us at the padstal, asking where we have come from and where we are going. On answering most of them stood flabbergasted and replied with a monosyllabic: “Wow”.
The road to Ficksburg was easy going with the wind at our backs for once and the hills to our favour. Our hosts, the Pedlars, have been so kind and helpful. They have had the time to look after us while running around with wedding arrangements for next week. Unbelievable example of multitasking on Patty and Susan’s behalf.
It would be an unreal experience visiting during November when it is cherry season in Ficksburg. From cherry jam to cherry brandy to cherry syrup to cherry liqueur. Its all found in Ficksburg. Ficksburg is cherries.
I recall a remark made by Lourens, the barman at Lord Frasers in Wepener, that makes me laugh now. “Ficksburg has lekker cherries!”
So Marc and I have decided to add another country to our list and will do a day through Lesotho to Fouriesburg.
Regards from the border of the Mountain Kingdom.
