Road Trip Day 50. Montagu

Yesterday was too hot to do anything but laze around the pool and jump in frequently. Today was much cooler (by at least 15 degrees) with patches of drizzle every now and then. We decided to do a bike trip into town, find somewhere for breakfast, do some exploring and buy some groceries.

Not far from this view we found the Joubert House, the oldest existing home in Montagu.  The original mud walls have been plastered over but one section was left and protected by a piece of glass with a frame so we could see a man's hand print in the original mud wall. One wall in the bedroom, the west facing wall, was made of stone instead. This was so that it would retain the heat of the late afternoon sun into the evening. The kitchen floor is laid out with genuine peach pips.

As usual, I was attracted by the dolls, .....

                                                            ....especially the large wax doll.

2 Victorian corner chairs

The Montagu Hotel was built in 1875. In 1880, Paul Kruger, the president of the Transvaal, visited Montagu with a large entourage, including General Piet Joubert. At the last moment, the owner of the hotel, who did not agree with Kruger's politics, decided not to go ahead with the planned sumptuous reception in his hotel. General Piet Joubert was a relative of the owner of the Joubert House and the reception was held there, catered by the local women-folk.

In the back garden we saw what were apparently original herbs planted by the Koi San. Most of them I had never heard of before but I did find this one interesting.

Wormwood is used medicinally for various digestion problems and is also used in some alcoholic beverages like Absinthe and Bitters.


We had breakfast in the garden at Mystic Tin. At the back was a very interesting garden, incorporating  some old relics and newer garden decor.

There is a lot of accommodation around town and we did notice a couple of foreign tourists. One Dutch couple said Montagu was their favourite spot!

After our shopping we rode back to the caravan park. The birds around here seem to think we exist to feed them.

Tomorrow we make for Cape Town with our water tank full and 53 litres of water in bottles.