Residents and visitors did not have to drive very far to build a snowman or have a snowball fight as snow continued falling in surrounding areas throughout Thursday morning, leaving quite a thick, icy, white blanket in some places.
The freezing temperatures that swept through most of South Africa last week brought along a magical winter spectacle for CX residents who braved the falling mercury to experience the joy of frolicking in the snow.
By Thursday 22 July, Plettenberg Bay was surrounded by snow-capped mountains – the most spectacular showing being that of Formosa Peak overlooking town.
Residents and visitors did not have to drive very far to build a snowman or have a snowball fight as snow continued falling in surrounding areas throughout Thursday morning, leaving quite a thick, icy, white blanket in some places.
KPH journalist Yolande Stander, family and friends were some of the first to experience the snowfall after an early start on a snow-chasing journey. A few kilometres from Avontuur on the Prince Alfred’s Pass, the snow chasers experienced their first flakes gently falling at about 07:00.
Photo gallery: Freezing temperatures leave a pretty wonderland
“I’ve been in snow before, but I have never had the experience of snow falling. It was quite magical. It evokes a child-like joy that is indescribable,” Stander said.
It didn’t take long before the chill penetrated the layers of socks and clothing, leaving some cold extremities, but a warm heart.
Snow covered the area between De Vlugt and Avontuur on Thursday 22 July. Photo: Ewald Stander
By midday, hordes of CX vehicles had made their way up the pass to join in the fun and soon snowmen and -women sprouted in the surrounding fields. The timing was perfect for the little ones who could join in the fun as the extension of the school holidays coincided with the snowfall.
Several towns in South Africa recorded the lowest temperatures in recent history. According to the South African Weather Service, based on preliminary data, 19 chilly records were smashed between last Wednesday and Thursday. The number one spot went to Kimberley, that recorded a minimum temperature of -9.9C. This shattered the 2000 record of -8.1C.
It does however seem that the freezing temperatures have subsided for now with a little more sun predicted for the remainder of the week and weekend.
KPH journalist Yolande Stander and her spouse Ewald enjoying snow falling near Avontuur.
A word of warning to motorists wanting to embark on such a journey during the next cold front: the pass can become quite perilous when ice starts to form on the road surfaces. There are also several sharp turns on the Thomas Bain-engineered road, making it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles approaching. Some of the corners are also along significant drops.
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