We traveled from KENHARDT on the R383 to PUTSONDERWATER…
The 73Km dirt road was heavy corrugated at some places… we had to slow down to a crawl – as slow as 10Kph at times.
The heat haze formed a shimmer on the horizon… It was dry and barren and the breathtaking scenery is difficult to describe…
the R383 to Putsonderwater
With farmland on each side of the road to our destination, and no traffic passing by… the only sound we heard, was the sound of the motor home’s wheels turning over the fine stones of the road…
railway crossing at Putsonderwater
We crossed the railway line and entered Putsonderwater.
there once was…
In this railway town, buildings that once housed families, were overgrown with tall grass and stripped down to brick walls and window frames…
some buildings looked better than others…
Even though these buildings have not been occupied for at least 20 years, some looked good enough to renovate… It seems like such a waste that these buildings had to go to ruins in the first place.
old hotel & trading store buildings
The buildings, of the original hotel and trading store, across the road, were very dilapidated.
the railway line
The railway line is still in use today. Upington to De Aar…
an old water reservoir
A huge water reservoir is still standing strong in front of the old Station Building.
a ghost town…
…and here we were… All alone! An old railway town without a sole! A railway line, still in use at least once every second day… Lots of old buildings…
untouched…
tall grass, full of ticks and little insects, and a happy weaver family…
a weavers nest
This huge weavers nest is home to many families.
weavers nests along the railway line
We found a few weavers nests, build on the poles, along the railway line in Putsonderwater. These birds are very active! That is why they are called social weavers.
a well at the station
Is this the famous well (put)?! Could be, because we did not see any water… This one is definitely a “Putsonderwater”
A Quiver Tree
This Quiver Tree could be as old as the Town… we did not see many of them around. Standing tall under the hot Karoo sun… sure (if it could speak) many stories would be told.
a sign of peace…
We decided to spend a day or two, and with this Unique Karoo setting to admire and enjoy… I did not want to be anywhere else but at Putsonderwater…
home is where the heart is…
The sound of silence… stars shining brightly in the Karoo Sky… a Magical Place to be…..
NORTHERN CAPE A-Z – DIAMOND COAST, WEST COAST, KAROO & KALAHARI
Off the Beaten Track!
Hi there, I check your new stuff on a regular basis.
Your humoristic style is awesome, keep doing what you’re doing!
Hi Bridgette,
I’m so glad that you enjoy my blog,
Happy Reading
Regards
Annie
Thanks for this lovely write up of your travels. Has inspired me to route the road trip i am planning to pass through that part of the world, was wondering if you have any information about camping/over-nighting there ? I will only have a tent. Mark
Hi Mark, I’m so glad that I can inspire you to follow our tracks. I’m sure you will enjoy it as much as we have! Putsonderwater is a ghost town…but worth a visit! You could rough it for a night and pitch tent by the station – just keep in mind that there is still train traffic (so stay clear from the tracks). You could pick up supplies to see you through, from Kenhardt or Marydale, depending from which way you travel.
Enjoy the experience!
Regards
Annie
Hi Annie
Thanks for the info about the town and the heads up about that live train track :-)
I should be routing from Marydale way then on to Kenhard and down to the west coast via Brandvlei and Calvinia.
You mentioned that the Kenhard road was a bit rutted? Do you have any other information on those roads please? If all goes according to plan i will be road tripping in a classic Mini, hence questions about the road.
I have to be in the Cape for three months (March to May) so figured on making the most of the road trip down…… just because one can .
regards
mark
Hi Mark, I’m getting all excited on your behalf… I’ll be sending you a direct email shortly with more information on roads etc. I like the route that you plan to travel. On our SHOP WINDOW page you’ll find more info on where to stay,shop & eat. Although this section is still in progress, every business & service advertised is there for your convenience.
Regards
Annie
Whoah this weblog is excellent i really like reading your articles. Keep up the good work!
Hi there,
Glad you’ve enjoyed the post.
Happy reading for the future.
Regards
Annie
I simply want to mention I’m newbie to weblog and truly loved you’re blog. Most likely I’m likely to bookmark your blog . You really come with exceptional writings. Thanks a bunch for revealing your blog site.
Hi Elbert,
I’m glad that you’ve enjoyed the articles. Many more to come…
Happy reading
Annie
Good day! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this post to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed the post. I’ll be sharing more on the towns in the surrounds of Putsonderwater. These were truly places worthwhile visiting.
Happy reading
Regards
Annie