Spring Shenanigans and Daisies with Honeyed Hearts

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR  SUCCESSFUL FLOWERING IN NAMAQUALAND. Within hours, we had the Honey Badger packed, our bikes strapped on, our picnic basket brimming with delicious goodies, the fridge stocked, and meat in the deep freezer for six braais. My tummy clenched and unclenched like a teenager in love. We were heading on a road trip to see the magnificent Namaqualand, carpeted with flowers.

As Butch so wisely says, “Photographs, no matter how good the photographer, can’t do justice to the breathtaking beauty of the flowers this year.” I encourage anyone who can to visit Namaqualand and/or the West Coast now to feel the awe of this natural spectacle.

Here are some of my tips:

1. Check the weather on Yr.com before making any plans.
2. The flowers only open when the temperature is a minimum of 18°C.
3. Try to have the sun on your back to maximise the encounter. The blooms’ faces follow the sun.
4. Start your flower experience from as far north as possible.
5. Plan your route and accommodations to help you feel prepared and confident for your flower adventure.
6. The best viewing times are from 10h00 until 16h00; there's no early morning rush unless you need to travel to a new destination.
7. Spend the day or as long as possible in an area.
8. Pack a picnic basket or a small braai grid, a chop and braaibroodjies for lunch in the sun.
9. Take a chair, sit and take in the splendour.
10. Whatever you do, don't use the viewing time inside a restaurant or coffee shop

Who to call for flower route tips:

1. Call in at the Tourism offices, e.g. the lady at the Garies Info Center is brilliant; she'll mark a route/routes on a map. Purchase the latest T-shirt.
2. Speak to other travellers; they'll give you the best sightings and what to avoid.
3. Join Facebook and other Social Media groups, e.g. Namaqualand Flower Group, and share your tips and experiences to help others plan their trip.
4. Check the iOverlander App for camping spots. We made no reservations beforehand. Mark your spots if you're wild camping too.
5. Talk to friends who've been or are currently there.
    

What we packed in our picnic basket:

1. Pre-prepared tomato sauce (smoor) for Boerie rolls; we used leftover sausage from the previous evening.
2. Tapas platter with cheeses, pickles, olives, Rosa tomatoes, cold meats, hummus and seed biscuits.
3. Wraps filled with chicken espetada, leftovers from the previous evening's braai.
4. Fruit salad, Bircher, yoghurt, Muesli, honey, etc., for an early start.
5. Pita pockets filled with lettuce, beef strips, tomato and tzatziki or mustard.
6. Jaffles filled with Bolognaise sauce or Curried Mince. Sauces were frozen.  Pasta is easy to prep for an evening meal.
7. Soups and bread with condiments. Premade and frozen.  Beats the chills.
8. Butch says, "Don't forget the check tablecloth and 'lap' napkins."
9. I always have a Salsa Verde in the fridge, a delicious condiment.
    

OUR ROUTE:

1. From Worcester to Piekenierskloof campsite.
2. Maskam Guest Farm, south of Van Rhynsdorp; the owner allowed us to park in the parking area at their Kukumakranka Kombuis Restaurant.
3. Garies - camped at Dwalita's Klipkraal on a farm 30km south of Garies.
4. Nieuwoudtville - camped at Matjiesfontein farm.
5. Biedouw Valley - emergency campsite at Enjo Nature Farm.
6. Clanwilliam - day trip and walk at Ramskop Wild Flower Garden.
    

PITSTOPS:

1. Rietdakkie farm stall for coffee and Macarons.
2. Groot Lemoen Farm stall for oranges, naartjies and dried fruit.
3. Clanwilliam - Veldskoendraai farm stall for brunch.
4. Coffee and carrot cake for afternoon coffee at Kukumakranka Kombuis.
5. Pop-up coffee shop for a coffee and chocolate cupcake in the Bidouw Valley.
6. De Tol farm stall on the crest of Piekenierskloof Pass for Butch's hamburger craving. 
7. Shopping at the Tea Shop Carmien; their flatbreads look scrumptious. Do a tea tasting or tea pairing. It's on my to-do list.
    

PASSES WE CROSS-CROSSED:

1. Piekenierskloof.
2. Studers Pass, east of Garies.
3. Langkloof Pass, south of Studers Pass.
4. Rooiwalspoort Pass on the R358
5. Botterkloof Pass on R364
6. Klipfonteinrant Pass on R364.
7. Hoek-se-Berg Pass into Biedouw Valley.
8. Pakhuis Pass on R364 just north of Clanwilliam.
    

New word I learnt:

How to say Kukumakranka – with all the clicks: click-a-click-ma-click-ran-click-a (the K’s are clicks). We didn't see a plant.  I'm on the hunt.

The sudden cold spell we’re currently experiencing is a blessing in disguise.  Experts expect the flowers to bloom longer now.  That gives everyone time to plan a quick getaway.  All reports indicate that the West Coast National Park and the Namaqualand National Park are also excellent destinations; the Flower Church in Clanwilliam is always a good stop. In addition, the Main road has been adorned with huge baskets filled with Fynbos. Well worth the detour.

Things to remember:

1. Take your hiking boots or comfortable shoes.
2. Pack something warm, e.g., a puffer jacket, beanie and bed socks.
3. It's often windy, and temperatures may suddenly drop. Have an alternate destination, or enjoy a rest day.
4. Take your camera, a hat, sunglasses and a change of clothing; it can get quite hot/cold. (18C is cold in my books)
5. Take bikes. There are many great cycling routes. 
6. Keep meals simple.
7. There's always room at the Inn.
8. If you're interested, take a field guide, map and Namaqualand flowering book.
9. Pack a fold-up camping table and chairs.
10. Fill a flask with boiling water for a cuppa or a tasty soup for a quick lunch/snack.
11. We had chocolate bombs - add one to a glass of hot milk before bed. Decadent.
     

I’m afraid that future spring flowers might pale by comparison to the bumper year we’re experiencing.

These aren’t all of my photographs; there are so many more, but I didn't want to overload the download. I shall post details of our trip in my next blog. If you think the colours are overwhelming, believe me, they are.

MY A.B.F OF TIPS:

When taking photographs, I try to move around as much as possible. I get up close, shoot into the sun, use natural light, use fast shutter speeds, take advantage of a breeze, and shoot portraits, landscapes, and macro. All to tell a story and build memories.