Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Knysna - a day out on a Lightley's House Boat

Knysna House Boat Adventure

“Plain sailing” was what this was - the easiest and most relaxing way to experience Knysna, South Africa's "best town". I was at the tiller; husband was taking photos of me and our son. Blue sky, blue lagoon, absolute bliss. Suddenly, without warning, the engine stopped. Just seemed to stall. Oh help, I thought, how weird! The warnings in the briefing flashed through our minds. “Not much can go wrong. Just keep the buoys on your left. Travel from buoy to buoy.” Well that’s what I thought I was doing. But I misunderstood quite how close to the buoy one has to be. We had run aground. (Some unprintable language from the men in the party could now be heard). Quick action from our son. He tilted the engine and fortunately a few minutes later we were moving again, and we were off the sandbank. Needless to say, I was banished from the tiller.

The cabin was just right for me. Light and airy, Knysna, floated by. When I felt a bit cool I climbed on the roof of the cabin and stretched out in the sun. Under the bridge of the main road, past Crab Creek, past Belvidere, under the next bridge and the Knysna Waterfront was on our left, through to Thesen Islands.

We moored and lazed watching other yachts, people fishing, the paddle steamer and the ferry boats. Who would ever want to leave this gem in the Western Cape?

But the tide was coming in and there are only a limited number of hours in the day that you can pass under the bridge. We hadn’t planned to stay on board over night so our day of sublime relaxation and serenity was sadly coming to an end.

Next time we will plan to stay at least a night on board, probably longer. Paradise does exist and it’s right here in Knysna. On the water and off. Take a Lightley's House Boat for a day, a night or longer if have the time. It’s a sublime experience.Remember that Knysna is on sale and much more affordable during the winter months!
Click here for more info about renting a Lightley’s Houseboat.

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