...off to the Wild Coast...

Terry and Tony, of TnT Web Design, East London, South Africa, telephoned Seagulls Beach Hotel on Friday 30 January 2009, and made their booking for one night at Seagulls for Saturday 31 January.

Just like that. They decided to get away for a night, chose their destination, and they were off to the Wild Coast in the morning.

Even though Cynthia at Seagulls Reception had informed Terry that the 20 km dirt road from the pontoon crossing at Kei River Mouth would be fine for even a little car like an Uno, Terry and Tony stopped by at a service station and made sure all five tyres had enough air.

Terry and Tony and snacks for the trip were all loaded up, and their little escape from the ordinary began!

THE ROUTE TO KEI MOUTH

It is only about 75 km to Kei Mouth from East London, and a further 20 km on dirt road to Seagulls Beach Hotel.

Terry and Tony (two blondes) took the wrong route.

Leaving East London, the first turn off from the N2 to Umtata/Durban, to Kei Mouth, is the one to take. It's the one that says Haga Haga and Kei Mouth. And it's tar all the way to Kei Mouth.

But Terry had it in her mind that the second turn-off was quicker, not realising the first one was tar all the way. The second turn-off says Morgan Bay and Kei Mouth, and is about 20 km of dirt road before joining up again with the easier route.

But Terry and Tony didn't mind and enjoyed a slow drive through the rural countryside, stopping to take photographs.

FROM KEI MOUTH TO SEAGULLS

Once in Kei Mouth, it was onto the pontoon to cross the Kei River. They paid the R60 for the crossing and drove up the ramp. Five minutes later Tony hopped off at the other side, on the Wild Coast, to grab a shot of Terry reversing down the ramp.

Then it was 20 km through a delightful rural area of clay huts, and friendly locals waving hello. Occasionally meandering through and around donkeys, horses, sheep, cows, goats and geese, and even some huge bulls, Terry and Tony arrived at Seagulls.

ARRIVING AT SEAGULLS

After a warm welcome from Cynthia at Seagulls reception, and settling into a fresh, neat, clean room, a cup of coffee went down really well, lounging down at the inviting pool.

Then a shower, a change of clothes, a quick stroll on the beach, and down to the pub to await a call to the dining room for the much anticipated famous Seagulls seafood dinner.

THE SEAFOOD EXTRAVAGANZA

Good grief. What a dinner! Wonderful, chatty hosts Barry and Juan catered to every whim and need, and more. And more. And more.

First up was a hot bowl of creamy mussel soup. And garlic bread.

Then a fresh, tangy, creamy but crisp seafood cocktail.

Then, oh my word, a huge platter for two, of about 20 fresh oysters. And a bowl of cockles in vinegar.

All fresh.

Then each diner still got more! A plate with savoury rice and salad, calamari with and without batter, a piece of battered line fish, 2 huge langoustines, and 3 large prawns. A challenge for even the biggest seafood cravings.

Seafood cravings finally sated, try making space for a large portion of delightfully light and sweet, fresh homemade lemon meringue tart.

THE SEAGULLS PUB

After coffee it was back to the pub to try squeeze one more drink into full, sleepy stomachs.

Host Barry entertained with a few songs, and conversation at the bar revolved around Dire Straits and Abba. And the movie Mamma Mia.

Then off to welcome sleep.

BED AND BREAKFAST

Hot nights? A fan is well positioned above the bed. And works very well, if you're not too sleepy to remember to put it on. Terry and Tony (two blondes) forgot. And woke up at 4am dying of heat and thirst.

Although still full from the seafood, Terry and Tony had to try the breakfast.

Star fruit and kiwi fruit. Yoghurt, muesli, cereals, super smooth cold juice.

Hot sweet porridge.

Toast, eggs, bacon, spicy chicken livers, tomato.

Thick butter, jams and marmalade.

Coffee.

Country style hospitality feeding country sized appetites.

Amazing hosts and helpful, quick staff. And a cute dog named Lolly.

Then, sadly, Terry and Tony had to return to the ordinary, leaving Seagulls far behind.

Through all the animals again, and across the pontoon.

But one more slice of extra ordinary.

NATUREL, IN KEI MOUTH

Naturel

Naturel guest house, restaurant, backpackers, and deli, in a quiet little area of Kei Mouth, surrounded by trees and shrubs.

What a delightful, arty place. Quaint, old-fashioned, and just the place to spend hours exploring.

Or try their huge homemade scones and fresh fig jam. Stay for a scrumptious Sunday lunch buffet.

Walls and tables are packed with knick knacks to buy or simply admire. Paintings and other artwork fit in where there's space - or obscure other items where there isn't. Floor to ceiling wine rack. Books, beads, art, semi-precious stones, handmade beachwear, second-hand arty junk you feel you just have to have.

Naturel is natural. Stunning white floor boards are visible here and there between the various displays of colourful objects.

Terry and Tony want to win the lottery to buy the place, and pop over to Seagulls Beach Hotel everyday too.

Then it was back home to East London. On the tar this time.


Also see:

Where to stay in East London

East London photographs and attractions

East London Aquarium

A daytrip to Hogsback


Written by Terry and Tony
February 2009