The 8itch under the Bridge

On the lovely Garden Route as you head south from Wilderness to George you pass through a breathtaking river pass on elevated roads that meander around cliffs, rivers and valleys. This short section of road has always been one of my favourite drives in the region, until now. A grumpy 8itch has moved in and lives under the bridge and is sucking all the positivity out of the valley.

There is a small side road that one can take that leads to a slipway where the Kaaimans and Swart rivers merge. Traditionally a perfect spot to stop off for a swim, canoe up the river and picnic under the trees: but no longer. We pulled into the empty parking lot and stopped under a tree. As we got out to walk around, from across the small field, out of a container shop, emerged a huge woman. She swaddled into our line of sight, crossed her arms under her heaving breasts and started to shout at us to move our car and park straight in the demarcated spots. Now I understand parking, been doing it for some time now, but it was Thursday morning and only one other car in the entire lot. So, we moved our car.

Then we noticed that on every tree, yes, every tree, all 19 there was a laminated paper sign stating that NO FREE PARKING ALLOWED. Grumpy 8ithc watched our every move. As we got to the grass, more signs: STAY ON THE PATH, NO PLAYING ON THE RIVERBANK, NO SWIMMING, NO OUTSIDE FOOD ALLOWED, NO PRIVATE CANOES ALLOWED.

We had only gotten halfway across the grass when we were confronted by the woman now red in the face and heaving more than before asking if we were going to order anything else we would have to leave. So, we left. Not sure how anything ordered there would taste of anything but anger and regret.

How difficult is it to create a welcoming environment that opens its arms to visitors and customers who have actual money in their pockets to spend? I regret not taking photos to showcase this story on stage in the future, but at the time we were so shocked at this attitude we were only thinking about surviving the experience, not learning from it.

So, if you ever venture this way, do not turn off the beautiful pass road, continue to the Wilderness going north or to Vic Bay going south, but have much better coffee and people who smile.