Into the Wilderness

Have you ever found yourself yearning for an escape, a way to break free from the monotony of everyday life, and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature? Do you dream of the feeling of crisp, fresh air filling your lungs, as you embark on a journey through a dense forest, with nothing but the sound of leaves rustling beneath your feet? There is something truly enchanting about venturing into the wilderness.

As I step onto the forest trail, I am instantly greeted by a symphony of birdsong, their melodious tunes weaving through the trees, creating a harmonious soundtrack to my adventure. The sunlight, filtering through the canopy overhead, dances upon the forest floor, casting ethereal patterns that seem to guide me deeper into the heart of nature.

The forest beckons me further, luring me with its secrets and mysteries. Each step I take reveals new wonders to behold – vibrant wildflowers dotting the path, their colors ranging from delicate pastels to bold, captivating hues. Tiny creatures scurry about, their presence a reminder of the intricate web of life that thrives in this ecosystem.

I find solace in the tranquility of the forest, away from the noise and chaos that often consume my daily existence. Here, amidst the towering trees, I am reminded of my place in the grand tapestry of the natural world. The majestic trees, some standing tall for centuries, bear witness to the passing of time, and the resilience of life itself.

This journey into the wilderness is not without its challenges. The forest demands my attention, my focus, and rewards my efforts with a sense of accomplishment and self-discovery. I navigate winding paths, test my endurance on steep inclines, and occasionally find myself face to face with unexpected obstacles. Despite the difficulties, I press on, knowing that each step brings me closer to a deeper understanding of both the forest and myself.

In this sanctuary of green, I am reminded of the importance of preservation. As I marvel at the intricate beauty surrounding me, it becomes clear that we have a responsibility to safeguard these natural wonders for future generations. It is in the wilderness that we can truly appreciate the fragile balance of the world around us, and the power we hold in our hands to protect it.

So, I invite you to embark on your own journey into the wilderness. Let the forest be your guide, your mentor, and your sanctuary. Allow yourself to be captivated by the wonders it has to offer, and let the power of nature ignite a newfound appreciation for the world we call home.

When it comes to the running calendar, the Knysna Forest Half Marathon stands out as one of the most exciting events. And guess what? You can experience it to the fullest in the amazing Ford Everest Sport!

By Catherine and Alan Valkenburg

Imagine waking up to a breathtaking sunrise over the Knysna Forest. There’s a certain magic in the air as you step out into the crisp, cold morning, gearing up for a run. It’s not just any run though; you’re pushing yourself to the limit, striving for race-like conditions.

About seven years ago, I decided to lace up my running shoes and give running a try. Since then, I’ve participated in countless half marathons and earned an impressive collection of medals. Some might call me materialistic for cherishing these medals, but they represent so much more than just metal and cloth. They’re a tangible reminder of the determination and strength I discovered within myself.

To be honest, I’ve never been one of those people who genuinely loves running. It’s hard work, and it often feels like an uphill battle, both physically and mentally. During my runs, my eyes are constantly fixed on the road ahead, my inner voice providing a constant stream of encouragement. I repeat phrases like “this will all be over soon” and “you’re feeling good today, you can do this” over and over again. It’s almost like I’m trying to convince myself that I actually enjoy running, and eventually, those affirmations start to seep into my subconscious.

I’ve run in different places in South Africa like Stellenbosch, Durbanville, and Gordon’s Bay. I’ve had the chance to run in beautiful vineyards and along the coast. I even ran in Mitchell’s Plain and completed the Two Oceans half marathon wearing a tiger onesie. But there’s one run that I’ve never been able to complete, the most prestigious one: the Knysna Forest half marathon.

I had plans to do it in 2018, but the flu got in the way. And in 2020, just when I thought I had another chance, the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic struck. But when I heard that the organizers were organizing a “virtual” run in 2021, I immediately suggested to the editor that I run the not-quite-Knysna Forest half marathon.

My family was also excited about the idea because we missed our Knysna holiday in 2020. However, this presented a slight challenge. We needed a vehicle that could accommodate my wife, our three kids, all our luggage, and prepare us for the chilly weather in Knysna in July. Thankfully, the kind people at Ford stepped in and offered us an Everest Sport.

Now, let’s talk about how to get there.

So, the biggest challenge for me when I was driving to Knysna wasn’t going too fast. The Everest is so comfortable at high speed that I had to keep reminding myself to slow down. Eventually, though, I discovered the cruise control feature, which made it much easier.

One thing that really stood out to me was how spacious the interior of the Everest is. My kids are used to squishing together in our smaller car, but in the Everest, they had plenty of room to spread out. They felt like royalty! The other great thing about the Everest was the huge trunk in the back. It gave me a clear and unobstructed view of the road behind me.

The drive to Knysna took about five hours, but it felt like it flew by. Once we got there, we went straight to our accommodations, the Forest View Guest House. On the way, we passed signs advertising the Simola Hill Climb, an event that I had heard about before. It’s basically a gathering of the wealthiest and fastest people in the motorsport world.

The Everest handled the climb up to the guest house with ease. Some parts of the road were so steep that it was like going up a 1:5 incline. But the Everest didn’t have any trouble. It shifted through the gears smoothly and effortlessly. We were so comfortable in the Everest that we barely even noticed when the road turned from pavement to gravel at the top of the hill.

Let’s do this!

So, here’s the deal. I had this crazy idea to replicate the Knysna half marathon as authentically as possible. I wanted to start at the same spot, follow the same route, and finish at the same place. Oh, and attempt to match the start time too, well, close enough.

Now, let me just say, the real deal starts at 7am. Runners are hauled in by shuttles over an hour earlier. They gather in the chilly forest, bundled up in cozy blankets, and huddle around warming fires. It’s quite the scene, let me tell you.

But in my version, without a crowd, there were no shuttles, blankets, or fires to be found. And let me tell you, dragging myself out from under the cozy covers at almost 8am was no small feat.

A while back, I reached out to Wayne Kidd, one of the race organizers, to let him know that I planned on running the actual route. He connected me with a few fellow runners who would guide and support me along the way. And that’s how I met up with my friend Sandy, who had already completed the race, as well as members of the Knysna Marathon Club: Corinne, Danelle, and Mike – an inspiring 78-year-old. Once we introduced ourselves, we were ready to go.

Normally, private vehicles wouldn’t be allowed on the route, but due to Covid, we had the advantage of having Cath as our support vehicle.

I was worried about getting lost, but it turned out to be unnecessary. The organization of the event was top-notch, with marshals positioned throughout the route and even some Covid-friendly water and snack stations. As we ran, we had great conversations with our hosts, who told us all about their running group, Runners Inc.

Being part of the Knysna Marathon Club and Runners Inc was an incredible experience. The members of these groups not only showed us the ropes but also kept us thoroughly entertained.

In particular, there was this guy named Mike who was the life of the group. He constantly zipped back and forth between us and other runners, always ready to strike up a conversation. Whether he was exchanging a few words with us or chatting with the marshals, Mike was always in motion.

Curious about his attitude, I asked, “Aren’t you worried about Covid, Mike?” To my surprise, he simply replied, “I just run.” It seemed like running was his answer to every problem life threw at him. Feeling low? “Just run.” Trying to stay healthy during a pandemic? “Just run.”

I’ll tell you about my experience with the Everest Sport. It was a really comfortable shoe. I wore it on all kinds of surfaces – on pavement, in the mud, and on dirt paths.

Let me tell you about a particular run I had in these shoes. It was a run with a great view. We started by going up a steep hill. Before the run, I had debated whether or not to take off my warm top and leave it in the Everest Sport. Eventually, I decided to leave it in the shoe. As we ran and I started to warm up, I noticed that my fingers were getting cold. That’s when I realized why some runners wear gloves. I made a mental note to remember that for next time.

When I reached the top of the hill and turned onto the Old Cape gravel road, something magical happened. Even though a fire had ravaged the area in 2017, the beauty of the route was still undeniable. The views were absolutely breathtaking, especially as the sunlight filtered through the trees during sunrise. As I ventured further along the path, I found myself descending onto a rocky track that led me deeper into the forest. It was this part of the run that I found the most enjoyable. Surrounded by nature, the act of running suddenly felt less daunting. After about 6km, I finally reached Old Cape Road again and passed by the Simola Golf Club. From there, it was a smooth run down to Knysna Town.

The descent felt like it was over in a flash. Looking back, it’s an ideal half marathon course – just when you start feeling worn out, they give you a nice downhill stretch to recharge your energy. And then a quick two to 3km of flat terrain – with one tricky loop where we could spot the finish line but had to circle around – brought us to the finish at Knysna Deli. We bid farewell and received our well-earned medals. Another trophy for the collection.

My Adventure in the Mountains
I woke up early in the morning, excited for my upcoming adventure to Fernhill Guest Farm. I had heard about the breathtaking views and decided it was time to experience them for myself. After packing our bags and loading up the car, my wife and I set off on our journey.

The drive was beautiful, with the road winding through picturesque landscapes. As we approached the Phantom Pass, a narrow and seldom-used road, I couldn’t resist the urge to take a detour and explore it. The twists and turns of the pass made my heart race, and I could feel the adrenaline surging through my veins. I held onto the steering wheel tightly, knowing that even a small mistake could have dire consequences.

My wife, who was clearly not as thrilled about the idea as I was, pleaded with me to be cautious. She shouted my name whenever I approached a curve too quickly, fearing that disaster was just around the corner. But much to her frustration, the Everest’s traction control system was on my side, swiftly correcting any missteps I made. It seemed like the car was always one step ahead, never allowing me to deviate from the intended path.

After our thrilling encounter with the Phantom Pass, we arrived at our destination – Fernhill Guest Farm. We were staying in a unique treetop tent, perched high above the ground. It was an incredible experience, being surrounded by nature and feeling the gentle sway of the trees beneath us.

During our stay, we discovered another dirt road near the treetop tents. With the recent rain, it was potentially treacherous, but I couldn’t resist the temptation to tackle it. I pressed on the accelerator, and for a brief moment, the wheels spun and skidded on the wet surface. But just as quickly as it happened, the Everest regained its grip and continued on its way, undeterred.

As I reflected on our adventure, I couldn’t help but appreciate the capabilities of the Everest. It was a powerful vehicle, capable of taking on challenging terrains with ease. Each twist and turn, each obstacle overcome, only added to the exhilaration of the journey. I felt a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the opportunity to explore such remarkable landscapes.

So, here’s what happened…
I put the Everest to the test. I wanted to see just how much it could handle. I stuffed it with all the gear I could find and took it for a spin on rough terrain. I even pushed it to its limits, driving at 120km/h. And you know what? It didn’t flinch. Not even a little bit. It was like the Everest was made for this.

But wait, there’s more!

Check out this awesome place:

Hey there, welcome to Forest View Guest House!

Let me tell you, we lucked out with this place. It’s super close to all the action and we couldn’t have asked for a better spot to start our adventure. The house itself is amazing – spacious, elegant, and has a fantastic outdoor area for socializing and BBQs. Just a word of warning though, those cheeky monkeys are always up to mischief. We lost a carrot to their pranks, so keep an eye on your snacks!

Pricing starts from R2,400 for three bedrooms with double beds, and there are sleeper couches in the lounge if you need extra sleeping space. This means the house can comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests. Please keep in mind that there is an additional R800 cleaning fee.

If you’re interested or have any questions, feel free to give Gregory a call at 082 556 1837 or shoot him an email at [email protected] You can also check out our website at knysnaforestview.com for more information.

Now, let’s talk about Fernhill Guest Farm and their amazing tented treehouses.

When I stayed at the Fernhill Tented Treehouse, my kids were absolutely thrilled. They couldn’t get enough of the hot tub and the 3km hike through the forest. And let me tell you, the ice cream and brownies were out of this world.

For two people sharing, you can book a treehouse starting from R1 200 per night. If there are four of you, the rate goes up to R1 600 per night. If you prefer a farm cottage, it starts at R1 000 per night for two people.

On our way back home, we decided to make a stop at the Kam’Bati River Resort in Swellendam. The cabins were simple, but they had everything we needed. Most importantly, they kept us warm and comfortable.

If you choose a cabin, the rate starts at R990 per night for two people sharing. If you prefer camping, it’s R240 per person per night, and children between the ages of 4 and 17 are only R120. And if you’re feeling luxurious, you can try the glamping option with a hot tub tent, which starts at R1 340 per night for two people.

Motoring Match Up

The Ultimate Road Trip Vehicle

Hey there! Let’s talk about the Ford Everest Sport 2.0 SiT 4×4 10AT, the perfect ride for your next adventure! This beast might seem big for everyday tasks like the school run or grocery shopping, but trust me, it’s a whole lot of fun to drive around town. And what’s even better? It’s got loads of storage space, plus you can fold down the rear seats for even more room. How cool is that?

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. This bad boy boasts a powerful engine that can handle anything you throw at it. With 132kW of power at 3,500 revolutions per minute and 420Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,750 revolutions per minute, you’ll have no problem conquering hills and highways alike.

And let’s not forget about the smooth transmission. Shifting gears has never been easier, my friend. Whether you’re cruising down the open road or maneuvering through city traffic, this vehicle glides like a dream.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – how much is this beauty gonna set me back? Well, the Ford Everest Sport 2.0 SiT 4×4 10AT can be yours for just R718,000. Trust me, it’s worth every penny.

Contender 1:

Toyota Fortuner 2.4GD-6 4×4:
When I first laid my eyes on the Toyota Fortuner 2.4GD-6 4×4, I couldn’t help but be captivated by its undeniable charm. The 2020 facelift has only served to enhance its appeal, with updated powertrains that ensure a thrilling driving experience both on the road and off. Plus, with its impressive off-road ability and exceptional resale value, it’s no wonder the Fortuner remains a firm favorite among SUV enthusiasts like myself. Another welcome change is the brand new black interior, which replaces the outdated brown one, giving the vehicle a sleek and modern look.

What sets the Fortuner apart from its competitors is its remarkable performance. With a powerful engine that delivers 110kW of raw power at 3,400 revolutions per minute and an impressive 400Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,000 revolutions per minute, you can be confident that the Fortuner will tackle any terrain with ease and precision.

Now, let’s talk about the price. At R641,000, the Toyota Fortuner 2.4GD-6 4×4 offers incredible value for money. When you consider all the features, capabilities, and reliability that this SUV brings to the table, it’s clear that this is an investment worth making.

So, if you’re in the market for a versatile SUV that combines power, style, and off-road prowess, look no further than the Toyota Fortuner 2.4GD-6 4×4. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Contender 2:

Meet the Isuzu MU-X 3.0 4WD

When I first laid eyes on the Isuzu MU-X 3.0 4WD, I couldn’t help but notice its seemingly affordable price compared to other options in its segment. However, upon closer inspection, it appears to be a bit on the pricier side. Additionally, the materials used in the interior leave much to be desired, and the engine lacks the power one would expect. But I must admit, the noise, vibration, and harshness levels are quite impressive. It’s important to keep in mind that a new model is set to hit the market before the year’s end, so it might be worth waiting for that.

If you’re wondering about its performance, the Isuzu MU-X 3.0 4WD boasts a maximum power output of 130kW at 3,600 revolutions per minute and a torque of 380Nm in the range of 1,800 to 2,800 revolutions per minute. Now, let’s talk about the price. You can park this beauty in your garage for R770,000.

What do people have to say about it?

I had a chat with Ran from Knysna. According to him (and also Linda Brown), the Isuzu MU-X 3.0 4WD has some room for improvement. But hey, everyone has their own opinion, right?

The Knysna Forest Half Marathon was such an incredible experience! I got there at 8:30am, super excited for the race. Of course, I had to start with some mandatory selfies to capture the moment.

It was a bit chilly in the beginning, but as soon as I started running, my body warmed up. The whole atmosphere was just breathtaking. The forest scenery was absolutely stunning, and I couldn’t resist stopping every now and then to take pictures and soak up the beauty of nature.

I feel really fortunate to have been able to participate in an event like this, especially during these challenging times with the pandemic. It was a reminder of how precious and amazing life can be. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Knysna for organizing such an incredible event. Memories of this marathon will always hold a special place in my heart.

Thank you so much, Knysna!

Warm regards,

Bianka Ruhrmund (and Jayson Marriott, Lindse Tessendorf, Dieter Ruhrmund, Bianka Ruhrmund)

‘Wow, what an amazing time I had running through the forest with my friends! It was such a beautiful experience, surrounded by nature and good company. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.’

Kirsti Wells

I have to tell you, the race I just ran was absolutely incredible! The folks at the Knysna Marathon Club really know how to put on a show. They had three water tables that were stocked to the brim, so I never had to worry about getting dehydrated. And let me tell you, the route was out of this world. It was marked so well that I never once got lost. Plus, the weather was picture-perfect. All in all, it was a day that I’ll never forget!