Melton Wold to Warmwaterberg Spa

After our two nights at Melton Wold, we set off on our journey once more en route to Cape Town. We were heading first of all to a camp site that had hot water springs that were near to Ladismith in the Cape province.

We had about a five-hour drive ahead of us which would mean we would be there in the early afternoon but things didn't go as well as we planned. Anyway, the journey took us through varying landscapes which once again showed us how dry the country was looking after very little rain.

This cutting in the unusual rock formation is known as Meiringspoort. This was named after Petrus Meiring who was a farmer in the area who made the first bridle path through the valley The first public road was then built and opened to the public in 1858.

           

We had stopped a couple of times along the way, to look at the scenery and at one place Rob played his bagpipes for a while and ended up with an audience which was rather fun. Then as we were passing through Oudtshoorn while stopping for fuel Rob was told that we had a flat tyre (remembering a certain time in Spain he was rather cautious) but it turned out to be correct. So as can be imagined it was rather a mission to get the spare wheel out from under all the camping equipment in the boot. Anyway, we coped and Rob soon had the spare wheel on and we could continue our journey.

We eventually saw the sign for Ladismith and while driving through we obviously had to take a few photos to prove eventually that we had been to the other Ladismith.

Town Hall

Royal apartments I think not Hotel!!

We still had a little way to go before getting to Warmwaterberg Spa but we eventually made it just after 6 pm but we then hit a slight snag as the reception was closed. There was an after hours number to ring but after a while, we gave up as no one was answering. Not sure what to do we spoke to a couple of people who couldn't really help us so Rob went back to reception and discovered a piece of paper with our name on it so finally we knew where we were to pitch our tent.

A bit dry and dusty but this was our spot for the next three nights. We had the whole area to ourselves except for the first night as we helped a fellow camper out. He had turned up on his motorbike just after us, hadn't booked in and couldn't contact anyone on the phone so as we had plenty of room he put up his tent on our pitch as well. He left so early the next morning that nobody knew he had been there!
                                                                                                                             

No emus here just peacocks!!!!

The bar and restaurant area where we had a couple of very nice breakfasts.

The whole campsite looked very dry and dusty and in places a bit neglected but the pool area was ok and of course, the water was really warm. Very good for aches and pains so they say.

The first 'sanatorium' to built here was in 1906.

This area showed some of the caravans they hire out, they all looked very tired and some were quite shabby but they were all being used.

This was the view from the campsite one evening.