Even though my Mini Cooper S is now nearly 3 years old, I still have a big smile on my face every time I climb into it and zoom around the suburbs….it’s sexy, robust, fun, goes like the clappers and when you whizz past people, they smile at you rather than giving you the finger. This is the first car that I have had that feels like an extension of me, I am told it suits me so am quite happy to accept being sexy and fun – not so sure about the robust but I can live with that. 
We travelled down the Western Cape’s Garden Route these last two weeks taking the roads less travelled in my Mini Cooper S. Although there is a big brother 4 x 4 Mini on the market, at this stage I am very happy with my “When I grow up I want to be a 4 x 4” version.
Slipping and sliding along gravel roads with wheels spinning, my little Mini did not let me down, not once!
We drove +- 2 200kms over some amazing Passes with the most spectacular scenery. Prince Alfred’s Pass between Knysna and Uniondale was truly a Garden of Eden with what I can only describe as forests of Proteas which were all just starting to blossom. I can only imagine what an amazing sight this will be in a couple of weeks – it was already simply gorgeous. Couple this with cascading waterfalls, deep ravines and then some mist to just wet the sand road and hey presto, my Mini thought it was in heaven….as were we.
Look out for my posts over the next couple weeks as I write about my adventures and the “secret” hideaways that I have found, also the very interesting people I met and of course the wonderful scenery which I hope my photographs do justice too.
In the meantime, take a look at some of the roads we traversed.
- Well packed boot with all the essentials including my box of Pierre Jourdan Champagne
Prince Alfred's Pass between Knysna and Uniondale
Steep dirt roads and beautiful scenery
Single Concrete Strip Road between Willowmore and Steytlerville
This Ellie could easily have squashed my Mini....
Think the ostriches thought this was a red lady bird? - they looked very interested...
And now you can't even read my registration number...
Hi Cynthia,
You really make my feet itch! This is the type of holiday both Graham and I enjoy. Glad your Mini travelled so well – I saw Darryl cleaning it on your return and no doubt it needed several cleans along the way. Hope the weather was good for you.
Chat to you soon,
Pam
Hi Pam, it took 4 hours to clean…. and I am still finding dust….it was really great, happy to pass on all the info to you and will tell you all about it too soon.
That looked so lovely!! Got me itching to do it too!! Going to work on Tony!! xxxx
Dear Cynthia, we are always green with envy when we read your fab blog, and long to be back in SA and doing it with you and Darryl….and your dear red mini, bless….I suppose most cars want to be a 4×4 don’t they???
lots of love,
Val and Eddy
Good to hear from you down under Val – in answer to your question, well I am not sure if it’s the car or the driver who wishes the car to be a 4 x 4
Come visit soon and we can take off together for a couple of days, am sure Ed has lots to teach me about photography
Hi Darryl and Cynthia, so glad you both had such a lovely holiday. Just to say – my first car was a red mini 1275 and I did have a bit of car envy when I saw yours! Glad she took you safely to out of the way places. Will be in Cape Town next week and will drop off your oil.