Climbing the Skerpenheuwel To The Breede Otter Campsite -

April 4, 2022 Posted in Review / Travel / The Honey Badger Diaries / Videos

When you’re a Grey Nomad, you’ll probably answer to Hodophile too, and we’re both. The Honey Badger stood forlorn, dusty and neglected in a barn behind a locked and chained door, and she needed a weekend out, even if it's going loco on a road less travelled by us.

My response to the Knight’s invitation to join them for a weekend at the Breede Otter Campsite was immediate. My fingers flew over the keypad. “Yes. We’ll be there for two nights, with a prior luncheon engagement,” I said.

Sue didn’t realise that I knew all about their reservation and had been waiting patiently. I'd heard the news on the grapevine.

With a mop, a bucket and Mr Muscle, I tackled the grimy Honey Badger. Kalahari dust billowed around me as I swished my feather duster through the small space. Two hours later, we had a freshly made bed, a sparkling bathroom and a fridge stocked with delicious goodies. With fingers crossed, I’m hoping the mound of red sand, leaves and seeds I tossed out the door will be enough to produce a subtropical Zambezi seedling in the garden.

My gluing skills let me down once again. A small trinket bowl, caught up in my enthusiastic dusting, slipped and broke into three pieces. Mortified, I tried using Super Glue to repair it, and all I managed was to stick it to my fingertips and spoil my tabletop in the process. I inadvertently wiped the table, not realising I’d spilt a drop of glue. The combination of glue, dust and grime left an ugly smear. Werner Scheepers, porcelain restorer extraordinaire, said peanut butter should do the trick. Let’s hope.

The pies Butch brought home for lunch were disappointing, but they did the job. I could skip the dishes, and we could hit the road early. Just 25 km from our home, the short scenic drive took us through vineyards, busy cellars, olive groves, fynbos, game farms, and many weekend getaway spots along the Breede River.

Having known Dawie and Ronel, the Breede Otter owners, for decades, I feel confident their warm hospitality will make your stay memorable and welcoming. Our manicured campsites along the Breede River offer shady trees, expansive lawns, and uninterrupted river views, inviting outdoor fun and relaxation.

Our goal was to relax and enjoy the peaceful views, taking a gentle walk around the property to help you feel the calm and contentment of the setting.

We sliced the beautiful, freshly baked bread that Jana and Ronel made to accompany our sundowners. Campers could pre-order bread as a special treat.

Sue and Percy served delicious Masterclass Gourmet Hamburgers and a decadent hot-chocolate ball filled with marshmallows and a gooey Bar One sauce for supper. My palate itched! While they did the dishes, we slipped off for an early night, wrapped in our winter down duvet. The first autumn chills were upon us.

After a lazy Saturday morning start, we explored the farm.

Sue and I couldn’t resist clambering up the koppie behind the campsite. Covered in the most exquisite fynbos, aloes and succulents, we zigzagged our way up. The view was spectacular, and we were rewarded with a 360° view of the river, valley, vineyards and mountains surrounding us.

Going down was challenging as we slip-slid over shaley gravel, rocks and slate—anchoring our feet against thorny cacti. A few drops of blood and a scrape added to the drama and made our adventure more exciting. The boys were suitably impressed.

Triumphant, we made it!

The orange Sputnik (a submarine-like capsule used for rescue missions) was too much to ignore, so we had to explore it. Alighting from the Sputnik took my beloved some fancy footwork. I could imagine the attraction for children.

Neighbours joined us for supper, and Butch outdid himself with lemony barbecued chicken thighs. Our aubergines, roasted in the coals, were smoky, silky smooth, and smothered in a flavoursome Moroccan Tahini dressing, and they were a hit. I finished drying the last dish well past midnight. Once again, we failed to solve the world’s problems as we put Putin to bed for another day.

A well-stocked shop sells wood, ice, and essentials such as toiletries, cleaning agents, veg (which could be grown on the farm, e.g., butternut), and bread. The ablutions are spotless, and I had a most enjoyable shower. Unfortunately, I must confess, Butch didn’t; he reported spurts of hot and cold water. The amenities are tastefully decorated, fresh and immaculate.

On Sunday morning, we packed up early. Although I was looking forward to my luncheon date, I regret that we couldn’t spend more time at the Breede Otter. The birding is excellent, and I can recommend this large, well-appointed campsite to bird clubs for an outing; it’s perfect for family gatherings, reunions, or a couple of Grey Nomads, who will love it.

Pack your fishing tackle, binoculars, and bird guide. Walking shoes and sticks too. If you're inclined to climb, take good hiking boots. If you own a small boat, canoe, or paddle boards, take them along. There are slides and jungle gyms for the littlies, a foofy slide into the river for the brave, and sunset cruises on the Breede Otter flatboat can be arranged. The quiet roads are perfect for morning cycling. I recall that certain water sports are prohibited on the river. Check beforehand.

Ronel and Jana, congratulations on an excellent project. You’re one of the top ten campsites in our Breede River area, in my books. I believe you’re fully booked for Easter and the upcoming long weekends. A pity, but the early bird catches the worm.
Thanks, Sue and Percy, for giving us the nod. It’s been too long, and may this be the start of the Fab Four camping locally.