Panorama North

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

It poured during the night.  The skies were quite gray when we woke up.  It looked like our Panorama drive was going to be a washout.  Since the weather was so crappy, we thought the morning would be a good time for a tour of the silk time.  We made plans at breakfast with the manager and the owner came down to meet us at 9am.  The tour is absolutely fascinating.  These are cultivated silkworms as opposed to wild ones.  The product is very different.  We learned all about harvesting the silk from egg to cocoon.  I won't go into detail about the whole process here but it really was very educational.  This farm works on a "green" principle.  It is small but they are in demand globally.  Oxford has contracted their silk for heart valve procedures.  Very cool.

We finished with the tour and the skies were still not cooperating.  It started raining as we drove into Graskrop. We went to the African Silk shop where they do the actual weaving.  The shop is fabulous and their work is truly remarkable.  Very impressive.  Nothing left to do now but to head out to the Panorama Drive in very dense fog.  The first stop was the Pinnacle - a giant rock in the middle of a canyon.  Fortunately, we were able to see that.  The next stop was God's Window - well that wasn't going to happen nor as Wonder View.  On our way to Bourkes Luck Potholes, we stumbled across Potluck restaurant. Took the turn down the dusty bumpy road and wound up a beautiful setting with lots of home cooking.  No electricity here so cash only.  A good place to stop and have lunch.

Continuing on we paid our fee for Bourke's Luck Potholes.  This was truly amazing!! These are natural formations - where the sorrow and joyful river meet. It is said that Bourke found gold at the bottom way back when. The sun was making its appearance as we walked  the trail all the way around. Thought about building our own carne but time was short. So much to see so little time. The next couple of stops were either road musings or scenic overlooks - all while driving along this gigantic green canyon.  Lots of photo ops. I admit that I became quite shutter happy.  When we got to the last scenic overlook, we decided to go back the way we came instead of circling around.  We saved Lisbon Falls for last in the event of rain. Also we thought we might have another shot at God's Window if it cleared.   Driving back you could actually feel the atmosphere changing.  It went from sun back to clouds and cooler temps.  The fog had pretty much lifted.  Still would not see anything from God's Window but Lisbon Falls was pretty special. The name is pretty special as well.  If you do not know, Lisbon Falls, Maine is where Moxie comes from. Also very cool.

Leaving the falls we headed to Graskop Grange. They didn't close until 5 and it was just about 4. 

Here they have an actual lift (elevator) that takes you down into the gorge.  We went by yesterday and the lift wasn't working. We stopped again this morning on our way into town and not only was the lift not working but the fog was so dense it didn't even pay to go to the viewing deck.  So we thought we would give it one more try.  The lift was still not working but it was clear enough to go to the viewing platform.  While we were oohing and aahing, we ran into some workers going into the lift. "Is it working?" "We're checking it out now."  They went down and up and viola!  Yes you can go - just get your tickets. $30 later we were at the bottom of the gorge.  This place is beautiful.  It is a rain forest down below with wonderful suspension bridges and wooden walkways.  Lots of information along the way.  Plus, we had the place to ourselves - too late for tour buses.  If you look across the way, you can see The Big Swing and the zipline - go across this great expanse.  Maybe in my next life.

We still had some time to kill before the Glass House opened for dinner, so we parked in front of the restaurant and walked around Graskop.  At exactly 5:30 we were back and seated at the restaurant.  This place certainly made up for last night's dinner.  The atmosphere was wonderful as well as the music.  Very relaxing.  And the food was divine - the trout was too die for!

Well it was time to go back to our lodging.  Got back in a little after 7 pm and are settling in for the night.  In the end, we had a pretty great day.  We are hoping that the skies will be clear in the morning so that we can give God's Window another shot before heading out for Kruger.

While we are in Kruger, I know there is no wifi but there's a good chance there won't be any service at all.  This means I can't use data either.  So if you don't hear from us for a few days, not to worry.

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

Next time... Driving to Kruger National Park