Post 27 Build it Journey

Blog Post 27

What an absolutely beaut weekend. I spent it at the enchanting, quaint and visually stunning Hogsback village. If that’s not enough the people were just so amazingly friendly too. I found wonderful digs at the “Away with the Fairies’ Backpackers which I can recommend to anyone. So much fun, cozy pub, always a fire going, unbelievable view point, numerous places to braai and best of all a huge bonfire every night. It really is a special place and if you are a bit older than the average backpacker like myself they have ensuite rooms about 300 meters away from the main backpacker lodge which also means peace, quiet and tranquillity.

Spring is just sprung so and there were so many beautiful flowers and tree’s flowering with the most vibrant colours/ I did a 4 ½ hour walk on Saturday which was awesome. The hiking around here is stunning. I also did some shorter walks on Sunday and all in all I just had the most wonderful weekend even if I did miss a good friend’s 50^th in Durban. Happy Birthday Brendan 

On Sunday as I was walking around town I popped into the information centre where I heard singing. In the same building about 10 parishioners were together for a Church service in a small room adjacent to the information centre. I joined them and attended the most wonderful and personal Church service. I was welcomed with open arms and pastor leading the service Neil Evans is just the nicest man alive. What a king – so kind to me and thank you Neil for the tea, sincere conversation after the service and for your special personal prayers. I can’t be more grateful and Hogsback is so lucky to have you. As I was lucky to have met you and ‘stumbled’ upon your Church. You are a good man with a good heart.

It was early rising again this morning only to find that I could not drive around to the backpackers as a massive wind had blown a tree over the road. I drove back to my room and walked to the backpackers to pay my bill only to find that the wind had also blown out Eskom and there was no electricity and therefore no till or payment facilities. After agreeing to do an EFT with management I was on my way. And to think if I had parked at the lodge I would have been literally stuck there for the day. I can only wish ha ha 

First up was Jireh Build It in Berlin where I met the gentle Sylvia. Unfortunately, the wifi was down but we still had a good chat about homeimprovement4u.co.za and I showed using my phone how Sylvia could get into her listing.

Then it was the mean streets of East London which is quite a scary city if I am allowed to say that. Frantic and quite chaotic and much changed since I was last there 20 or longer years ago. It is almost intimidating and definitely not for the faint hearted. I walked down the road and met with Vera of Buffalo Build It and was also lucky enough to get to say hi to owner Hayden Delport. We went through Buffalo’s listing and all was good. 

I then had a very hectic trip lost through the biggest ‘township’ one can imagine. Twenty none kilometres of twisting and turning through small streets as Google Maps got me more and more lost. Again the locals surprised me with their friendliness and always happy to help and direct attitude. It just made me realise again how close we all actually are in this country and all of our occasional fears are unfounded. It’s just a bad few on all sides that let us all down.

Anyway, I eventually found the Fort Jackson Build It and went through their listing with Jainete. Luckily Julian who owns both the Fort Jackson and Mdanstane Build It stores walked in just as I was finishing with Jainete so I got to chat to him about his Mdanstane store there and then saving me the drive there. With my confidence with directions at an all-time low I was very grateful for this serendipitous act of providence which was Julian’s visit to the store.

The day was getting on by now and so I decided to do the drive to Stutterheim, find a place to stay and then visit the Boardmans which is the local Stutterheim Build It in the morning.

It is cold today and drizzling outside. But all is good as a fire has just been lit in the cozy lounge where I am staying about 8 kms’s outside of Stutterheim in a lovely little place called Eagle’s Reach Country House. Been having a great chat with owner Alan.

Not a bad Monday after a really wonderful weekend in lovely Hogsback. If you have never been there you have to go. (Tip – Have the chicken salad at the Butterfly Bistro).