CapeMog’s twelfth annual tour of the Cape, scheduled for November 2020, was cancelled due to the devastating pandemic – as was almost every group activity on earth. The world is slowly learning to live with the pandemic and in a spirit of optimism CapeMog held a tour in November 2021, entitled ‘On The Road Again’. The spaned four days instead of the usual six, with a total distance driven of about 530 kilometers and participants will follow sensible COVID precautions. The Garden Route gang had to make it a 5 night tour, staying over at the historic Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein, due to the distance to the start, and traveled almost double the distance!
Participants arrived in the early afternoon to check in at the delightful Ruby Rose Country House in Riebeek West, where we stayed 2 nights in this lovely village known for its outstanding wines and olives. The of group of 14 Morgan owners and partners had much to catch up on under the tree, renewing friendships and making new ones.
Sundowners were followed by a superb braai put on by our hosts at Ruby Rose including a superb whole sirloin and great salad selections.
On Day 2 , a wondeful sunny day, the group travelled four passes in the area; the Nuwekloof, Michell’s, Gydo and Bothmanskloof passes. After travelling through Prince Alfred Hamlet we stopped at the top of the Gydo Pass with its spectacular views and on the return journey we stopped at the “At Source” Handmade Foods shop.
We motored toward home on to the Bothmanskloof Pass to stop at Eight Feet Village for lunch of Pizza or salads with another spectacular view of the valley.
Our evening, ended with delicious canapés and drinks, followed by a sumptuous dinner prepared by our hosts at Ruby Rose which featured Salmon trout and probably the most succent and delicious lamb that I have ever tasted. The deserts, too, were amazing.
After breakfast on the third day, we drove about 140 km in the rain to Swellendam via Klapmuts and over the scenic Du Toit’s Kloof Pass instead of taking the tunnel, most with windscreen wipers that Lucas first made in the 1940’s! We stopped at Nuy on the Hill near Worcester for lunch, wine purchases and more spectacular views.
We continued over the new bridge in Ashston to Swellendam checking in at Schoone Oordt Country House, our accommodation for the last two nights. Their accommodation was truly luxurious and gracious and most of us admired the beautiful décor and antique furniture reflecting the period (built in 1830)
Although the rain had let up, our dinner entailed a drive to Greenlands Farm for an evening in a farm shed where it truly bucketed down. Ronnie featured a quiz before dinner called “Morgan Celebrities”. Who could have known how many world celebrities owned Morgans in the past, apart from Mick Jagger and Brigitte Bardot. Our dinner featured different choices of Meze/Tapas and a fun and pleasant evening was enjoyed by all. Since we had engaged transport the wines could be enjoyed without consequences.
Schoone Oord prides themselves on gourmet breakfasts of which they can truly be proud.. Our AGM was be held after breakfast and, amongst other matters, featured discussions around the 2022 Tour! Watch this space. A leisurely drive up the Tradouw Pass, with a photo opportunity at our traditional viewpoint before continuing on to Barrydale where we were entertained to reel dancing and singing by local charity for underprivileged children “Net vir Pret” (“Just for fun”). After lunch in Barrydale, a drive over the pass back to Swellendam left some time to rest and get ready for the finalé evening that always. concludes our annual tour.
The theme for the dinner was the “Masked Dinner guest” in the time of Covid and most entered into the spirit, dressing accordingly. Judging was entrusted to our host, Richard, and our Chairman, Ronnie, gave prizes to the best dressed and many other prizes as well. Ronnie and Bev always put on a great tour, taking so much trouble to make it a perfect outing, so now we await the 2022 Tour!
Tours such as this are an opportunity for likeminded enthusiasts to spend time together, fostering new friendships as they cement the established.
For more information contact info@capemog.co.za
Garden Route Gang 
