Barrydale, Route 62 South Africa
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| Tradouw Pass - Barrydale to Swellendam |
Exploring the small towns of South Africa is a fun experience. Sometimes its good just to get in your car and meander down Route 62.
We found this artwork in a field in the town - all made from colourful "junk" - it was fun taking photos while some astounded locals watched us!
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| "Art" in Barrydale, South Africa |
"The little town of Barrydale lies nestled at the foot of the
beautiful Langeberge in the heart of the Tradouw Valley, close to where
the northern exit of the
Tradouw Pass winds through the mountains to meet
Route 62, the longest wine route in the world, en route to
Swellendam.
Barrydale is one of those beautiful little villages that beckon one to linger. It lies on the border between the
Cape Overberg and the succulent
Klein Karoo,
which starts just north of the town. It is no surprise to learn that
Barrydale’s history began when farmers moved into the valley to search
for fertile arable land with water. The climate here is nigh on perfect
for growing fruit trees, and apples, pears, oranges, apricots, figs,
peaches and grape orchards lie scattered across the valley.
Any time of year in this valley is beautiful. Summer is ripe with
fruit, autumn heralds in the protea season, and winter is a tapestry of
colour as the surrounding Klein Karoo, renowned for its aloes, milkbush,
concertina plant and succulents, breaks into flower"
We stayed on a farm in the valley - this farm has been owned by the Cooke family for over 100 years.
The crops have changed over the years with carrot and onions currently being planted for seeds only.
Apparently, Japan is a huge buyer.
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| Part of the Cooke Farm, Barrydale Route 62 South Africa |
"Most striking about the R62 is the unbeatable scenery. This unique part
of South Africa is characterised by red soil, stark cliff faces, rivers,
orchards, and indigenous scrub. Fynbos, including the beautiful Protea,
swirl gently as cars rush by on the highway, generously letting every
passer-by experience their splendour".
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| Fynbos Route 62 South Africa |
While the Main Road through the village is not very long, there are some interesting places to pop into. We had a lovely chat to one of the owners of
Hardy's, a huge shop selling African Art. It must be one of the biggest collections I have ever seen. During the summer months, coaches of tourists stop here to browse for a memento of Africa and their trip down Route 62. Even if you don't buy anything, you are warmly greeted. A wonderful attitude to have.
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| Hardy's Barrydale Route 62 South Africa |
"Hardy Grun arrived on South African shores 30 years ago from Germany
ready for a new adventure. Fancying himself a bit of a wheeler dealer he
landed at the then Sea Point Flea market peddling reasonably priced
African Art and Curious. Over time Hardy evolved into a highly respected
and knowledgeable dealer and collector of high quality authentic
African Art and Gifts. After relocating to Barrydale eight years ago
Hardy still maintained close contact with suppliers and friends from
yesteryear, guaranteeing a steady supply of quality goods from all sub
Saharan countries, still reasonably priced. Hardy and his wife Jenny,
who hails from Shanghai, welcome you to visit and are able to converse
fluently in German, English, Afrikaans, Chinese, French, Spanish and a
bit of Portuguese and Italian. Hardys Memories of Africa is recommended
by Tour Guides as the No 1 stop for African Art and Gifts in the Western
Cape. Shipping of larger items and orders by surface mail to most
countries are facilitated"
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| The Makers Brew, Barrydale Route 62 South Africa |
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For those thirsty times, when only a beer will do, The
Maker's Brew offers great craft beer brewed on the premises in a micro
brewery. Their lineup includes an amber ale, a blonde ale, a saison and a
porter. Do try them all! The owner, Ryno Reyneke, is also a photographer and co-author of a book on Craft Beer, African Brew. The adjoining studio features works by Ryno's wife, Helen Vaugh.
While we were in Barrydale a mobile Pizza Oven, The Mystic Overlander, was serving delicious pizza at the brewery. As this young couple are free and easy, they do tend move around from town to town and thoroughly enjoy their nomadic lifestyle.
Antiques, The House of Books, The Donkey Shed, Diesel & Cream are all worth a browse/visit.
Stay awhile and enjoy the tranquillity of Route 62 in South Africa - it's quirky, it's quaint, the grocery store closes at 13.00 hrs on a Saturday and only opens again on Monday and an evening meal is hard to find over the week-ends during winter! Strange but true.
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| Treasure Chest Barrydale Route 62 South Africa |
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| Karoo Lodge Barrydale Route 62 South Africa |
For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa
