AA Traveller Winter 2022

Horseshoe
viewpoint
Bradshaw'sMill
like nougat, knives and herbal ointments.
In the back ofthe property, you’ll find
Sandra Thomas, her husband, Brian, and
their chocolate labrador, Borris, selling
breakfast and hot drinks next toSandra’s
art studio, Just Off Centre.
Liesl van Zyl helps out at the stall and
hands over the last pancake. “You do know
why it’s called the centre ofthe universe,
right? Because you can find the best of
the best here. Pancakes, coffee, ice-cream,
koeksisters, cheese, live music and natural
therapies. She hands me her business card
for equine-facilitated psychotherapy. “Oh,
and don’t forget the artists!”
Afew metres down the road, awardwinning
master potter Richard Pullen
is hard at work behind the wheel. When
freelance artist and illustrator, Tori Stowe,
isn't designing homeware for Woolworths,
she isillustrating children's books and
producing ceramics, drawings and fabrics
with her team atThe Corner Gallery.
Then there’s Sandra, with her intricate
pencil and oil masterpieces of local flora.
“These are all scenes of the Albany
thicket. Ilove walking on the commonage
and along the Lushington River. Iam
going toWaters Meeting Nature Reserve
next week to get more inspiration,
especially now with the season changing
to autumn. Painting all these leaves can
drive one crazy. Dot, dot, dot, dot …” she
cackles. “I feel more comfortable inthe
bush, than in the pub”.
OFFTHE BEATEN TRACK
Itook Sandra’s advice and ditched the
bar for the bush. Waters Meeting Nature
Reserveisa4,4 km drive along adirt road,
starting from the four-way intersection in
the centre oftown.
From Horseshoe Viewpoint, you can
watch the Kowie River carveaUthrough
the landscape. The river’s fresh water
and the ocean’s salty currents meet in the
eponymous reserve.
Heading back totown, arustic building
with abig bell and arch pops up next
to the road. In front ofalong stoep,
next to abench with the word “rest” on
it, two signs dangle from apost: The >
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WINTER 2022 | AA Traveller