K for Karoo and Karmann Ghia

Karoo and Karmann Ghia might seem like an unlikely mix, but I am working on the assumption that some people like scenery and others like machines. But on the other hand some of us like me, love both.

The name Karoo comes from the Khoisan (Bushman) word meaning 'land of thirst' as the area is devoid of surface water, except when it rains. Temperatures range from way above 40 degrees Celsius to as low as -16 degrees Celsius (3.2F) at Sutherland

When it rains the coutry comes to life for a short spell. This scene was taken on the road between Matjiesfontein and Sutherland in the Northern Cape.

The Karoo is so big and there is just so much to see that I had great difficulty in choosing pictures, so for this post I have mostly chosen pictures that show the desolation and aridness of the place.

Looking back to the mountains of the Western Cape, this is a typical Karoo scene near Prince Alfred

It is situated on a plateau covering an area of about 400,000 square kilometres (slightly bigger than Germany), in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa. Elevation ranges from 400m to 2,000m above sea level, with the greater part being at the 1,200m level.

The Karoo is dotted with koppies (hillocks) like this one. The country side is dotted with Karoo Bush.

The Karoo vegetation consists of assorted succulents and low scrub bushes spaced from one foot to several feet apart.

The Noors plant - a succulent with a milky sap taken near Jansenville, Eastern Cape.

At one time the Karoo was a massive lowland swamp with an abundance of wildlife. This is why the Karoo is rich in fossils, which provide an interesting record of prehistoric creatures from this part of the world.

Desolation of the Karoo between Steytlerville and Jansenville

The first inhabitants of this area were the hunter gatherer Khoisan. These days much of the region is devoted to sheep farming and eco tourism. There are some fantastic places to see, which will be featured in blogs to come.

Abandoned farm buildings near Prince Albert.

And now it's the turn of the........

The Karmann Ghia is an all time classic, built by Volkswagen from 1955–1974.

But let's foget the specs and enjoy the ride.

My love for the Karmann Ghia started with this one, named Olga. She belonged to my father in law and was his absolute pride and joy. When Sue and I got married he allowed us to use it as our going away car. This was the greatest privelege he could have bestowed on anyone - he is a car fanatic and did not allow anyone to drive his cars. He must have died a thousand deaths before it was returned.



This fine speciman can be seen at the Volswagen Auto Pavillion in Uitenhage, along with a stable of VW classics

Keeping the Karmann Ghia tradition alive in the family. This one belongs to my son, who from an early age decided he wanted one. Note "wanted" not "needed". .

She needs a lot of restoration, but I am sure that she will soon be strutting her stuff through the streets of Port Elizabeth