Woody Cape

Nestled between Alexandria and Addo's coast, lies an Eastern Cape backpacking gem. 

Not because it's a short drive from Grahamstown. Not because it's   reasonably priced (human concerns, of course). All because, they allow 
and welcome my kind. 

Apparently this is uncommon...but, who wouldn't want me in their house?

I also heard the humans rave about how relaxed the owners are. 
Apparently this is common about backpacking; hence all the more love.

Technically, dogs aren't allowed on the beach; that is Addo Park's property. 

The private accommodation is very private and rustic; which means my muddy paw prints didn't aggravate the humans too much.

Our visit was during the winter, but for the summer time there is a swimming pool, a volleyball net, an outdoor bar and a stage.

There is also loads of camping space if you're in the mood to rough it;
beneath me, of course.

The Adventure

Place: Woody Cape Lodge and Backpackers, Eastern Cape.

Map: link

Activities:

- Me: Barking at horses, cows or monkeys, chilling at the bar while the humans drink (rude, right?) and sneaking onto the beach.

- Humans: Swimming, playing pool, hiking, canoeing, horse riding, volley ball, chilling at the bar and keeping the dogs off the beach.

Hogsback part 2

Roughly a year after our first Hogsback trip, the humans finally decided to return to the quirky town in the Amatola Mountains.

A year. It took them a whole year to realise how much I desperately need to look at pine trees, smell pine trees and pee on pine trees. Lazy if you ask me.

On a higher note, I now own a lot of pine trees; and this time we didn't just stay in the cabin and drink red wine. Well, at least not only that.

We did The Bluff Scenic Walk at The Edge Mountain Retreat, which is situated at - wait for it - the edge of the mountain. 

As always, the tiny human's voice screeched to ultrasonic levels as I approached the cliff. This also happened on the hike to the top of Kettlespout falls.

We explored gravel roads to Cathcart and, on the way, I barked at some sheep in Happy Valley. This made me happy.

There isn't much in Cathcart, but if you are into antiques, you might want to stop at The Art Bus. My humans are rather thrifty; they even bought me second-hand.

At the end of the day, we all huddled around a venison stew simmering on the wood stove; aromas of smoke, meat and red wine filling the cabin.

I had dog pellets for dinner.   

The Adventure

Place: Hogsback, Eastern Cape.

Map: link

Activities:

- Me: Claiming pine trees, running, swimming, barking at sheep, guarding the     Starways cabin (from chickens and Samango monkeys) and begging for           venison stew. 

- Humans: Hiking, cycling, drinking red wine, chasing away Samango monkeys   and cooking the stew.

Battery Creek

This is me running off into the distance. I’m chasing after a 

troop of baboons.

All I remember is high pitched yelling (tiny human), 
heavy panting (big human) and one massive hiding.

This is me an hour earlier; it was a happier time.

 

We went for a small hike to Battery Creek Falls, 
just outside misty Kaapschehoop in Mpumalanga.

It’s doggy-breath-takingly beautiful, but be warned. 
Besides the baboons, there are also wild horses roaming 
free.  

Just another reason to get into trouble. Silly humans. 

The Adventure

Place: Battery Creek, Kaapschehoop, Mpumalanga

Map: Link

Activities

Me: Running through plantations, peeing on pine trees, 

chewing pine-cones, swimming, chasing baboons 
(followed by a hiding), chasing wild horses (also possibly 
followed by a hiding).   

Humans: Hiking, swimming, avoiding baboons and 
horses.