BARRYDALE Sleepover 18th May
The sleepovers just keep getting better!!
34 of us "took over" the Barrydale Karoo Hotel & a blast was had by all.
We met at the Engen Garage on the N2 to leave at 9 am for Barrydale. Our first stop was a bakery in Riviersonderend - we were about to experience "the worlds best pies". Our next stop was a delightful farm stall restaurant where we relaxed & freshened up. From there it was a left turn from the N2 to Suurbraak & the Tradouw Pass. On top of the pass, we stopped to take photos & enjoy the surrounding scenery.
It was there that we decided to head straight out to Ronnies Sex Shop - 25 kms beyond Barrydale. Many of us had only heard of this unique Karoo establishment, but have never stopped to actually see what it is all about. Entering the bar, your eyes feast on hundreds of different size bras & colourful broekies hanging from the rafters. One can also eat there & buy Ronnies Sex Shop t-shirts, caps, etc.
From there we headed back to the Barrydale hotel to unpack & settle into our rooms. Most of the rooms in this hotel have a unique theme & are quite a talking point among the guests. Little touches like Lindt chocolates on the beds made us feel very welcome (thanks to Marianna).
The later afternoon & up until dinner, we enjoyed complimentary sherry & Bruce's famous liquid melktert. While sipping our drinks on the veranda, we were entertained by the local brass band who got us singing to well known Afrikaans liedjies. Dinner was served at 7 pm - a choice of Karoo lamb curry or home made chicken pie - both delicious, followed by Malva & custard or delicious cherry ice-cream & coffee. After dinner we headed back to the bar & continued with the party - drink, laughter,fun & good music to set the tone.
Sunday morning was not rushed - we all had time to refuel our bikes, have a leisurely breakfast & at 11 am we headed back home via Montagu. We stopped in Robertson for a coffee break before taking an enjoyable ride through Rawsonville, then over Du Toits Kloof to stop again at the Engen garage on the N1 to say our final goodbye’s.
The distance there & back was approxinately 620 kms.
From the educated pen of Alan Joffe.
