We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
T.S. Eliot
They say travelling broadens the mind
Hmm, I hope so
It cures my itchy feet and unsettles my heart
It challenges me to acknowledge difference
and creates an opportunity for introspection
It is a privilege and an opportunity
In 1786, the Dutch East India Company began work on erecting the Timber Shed in order to store timber before shipping Jan Jakob Jerling held the contract for construction of the Timber Shed, which began shipping out timber in August 1786 (see van Plettenberg Historical society)
The site was declared a national monument in 1936
There is a little placard which explains more about the Shed
Looking up and looking down
The window frames are made of yellowwood: some are intact and some have fallen down over the years
It’s incredible to see the way the stones were fitted together
It’s a great pity to see the disrepair and litter despoiling the site, nevertheless the location is beautiful
The view from the road
Location for the Timber Shed 14 Meeding St, Plettenberg Bay, 6600
VAN PLETTENBERG MONUMENT
In 1778, Joachim Baron van Plettenberg, the governor of the Cape, erected the beacon during one of his visits to the outposts in the colony
Blink, and you’ll miss the entrance to the monument, which is inclosed in a fence
One of the placards is bleached by the sun, but it is possible to read up about the site
The coat of arms of the Dutch East India Company is visible, although rather weathered by the elements
The view from the deck nearby is incredible, even on a cloudy day
Location for the van Plettenberg Monument It’s easy to miss, but it’s on the corner of Hopwood Street and Meeding St, Plettenberg Bay, 6600
Make a day of it. Visit the beacon, visit the Timber Shed, and then head to the beach for a beautiful swim and walk.
Snapshots from the car are quick and dirty but give a unique view of our beautiful country
This time it’s of our trip from PE to Hogsback: a magical forest filled oasis that is unexpectedly otherworldly. Even the journey there is filled with wonder
particularly if you can listen to wisdom that pops up in unusual places