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Big Tree Trail Tsitsikamma National Park South Africa

Big Tree trail sign Tsitsikamma National Park Eastern Cape South Africa

Just up the road from the Paul Sauer Bridge I stopped to see the “Big Tree” in Tsitsikamma National Park.

Big Tree trail Tsitsikamma Natonal Park Eastern Cape South Africa

The boardwalk trail led through a dense forest of lush green.

Aasblom along Big Tree trail Tsitsikamma National Park Eastern Cape South Africa

Aasblom

Plants I did not know.  I asked the Ranger on duty what this unusual star plant is.

Forest Tree-Fern along Big Tree trail Tsitsikamma National Park Eastern Cape South Africa

Others had signs to explain.  This forest tree-fern found in Southern temperate regions, prefers wet to very-wet sites and grows in deep shade forming a dense understory.

The Big Tree Tsitsikamma National Park Eastern Cape South Africa

A short walk (the loop trail is only .3 m/.5 km) and I arrived at the “Big Tree” an 800 year-old Yellowood standing 120 feet/36.6 m tall.  Very impressive.

Big Tree trail Tsitsikamma National Park Eastern Cape South Africa

This was a great divergence from driving, but there was more to see in Tsitsikamma National Park.  I could here the sea calling my name.

South Africa, Tsitsikamma National Park , , 7 Comments

Paul Sauer bridge South Africa

St Francis Bay N2 west Eastern Cape South Africa

St Francis Bay

After a filling home-made breakfast at Seaview B&B and a greenhouse tour I hit the road continuing west on N2 enjoying glimpses of the Indian Ocean…

N2 West Eastern Cape South Africa

…and the rolling hills of the Garden Route headed towards Tsitsikamma National Park.

Paul Sauer Bridge Eastern Cape South Africa

First stop of the day was a tourist trap parking lot on the west side of Paul Sauer bridge with a 630 foot (192 m) arch over the Storms River.

Under Paul Sauer Bridge over Storms River Eastern Cape South Africa

Completed in 1956, the Ricardo Morandi designed bridge is unusual for having inclined spandrel supports that radiate out from the main arch rib.

Downstream Storms River from Paul Sauer Bridge Eastern Cape South Africa

The Paul Sauer bridge is one of the tallest bridges in South Africa standing 405 feet (123.44 m) above the the Storms River.

Yellowwood tree slab Paul Sauer Bridge South Africa

I stopped into the “gift shop” and bought some cool refrigerator magnets of South Africa’s Big 5 for Berta. Then continued down the road to hike the Big Tree Trail.

Garden Route, South Africa , , 9 Comments

Seaview B&B South Africa

Seaview B&B Eastern Cape South Africa

After seeing elephants and warthogs in the wilds of Addo Elephant National Park I just couldn’t bring myself to head into what looked like a big city to me, Port Elizabeth. So I continued west and pulled off N2 at the first sign for Seaview B&B. A very interesting old house that’s been used as a B&B in the same family over 50 years.

Bedroom at Seaview B&B Eastern Cape South Africa

My room was around back to the right. Very private with a place to park the car. My host and hostess let me use their computer and get online to check in at home.

Fig tree at Seaview B&B Eastern Cape South Africa

There is a swimming pool in the yard and a huge tent was still erected from their son’s wedding a few days before. The bride and groom were married under this huge and ancient fig tree.

Seaview B&B Eastern Cape South Africa

Breakfast was served in a separate building (pink building to right in first photo) used for banquets and Sunday brunch for the public.  I got private service for a breakfast way to big for me to finish. My host has a big greenhouse where he grows greens, tomatoes, strawberries and other vegetables used in their restaurant. He also makes compost and raises worms. I got the royal tour and was so engrossed forgot to take photos. I hate when that happens.

From here I continued west in the Eastern Cape to Storms River along the coast.

Seaview, South Africa , 13 Comments

Lijit

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