S1 - Ep 388 - Riversdale - Walking Through the Historic Old Jail!

Our trip to Riversdale was absolutely delightful. The day was stunning, and the journey to the N2 on a gravel road was a pleasant adventure in itself. Upon reaching the town, we were immediately greeted by the Voortrekker Memorial, commemorating both the centenary celebration of 1938 and the 150th celebration of 1988. While the train station was no longer in use, it was surprisingly well-preserved. We also completely unexpectedly happened upon a restored locomotive, which brough big smiles to our faces. However, the true highlight of our visit was exploring the old jail, where we bought a delicious takeaway lunch. The experience of walking through this historic site was truly incredible, making our trip to Riversdale a memorable and enjoyable one. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #travelongravel #westerncape #riversdale
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[@emmerentiagroenewald3694]

In die 80er jare het ek nog met die "melktrein" van Kaapstad-stasie na Riversdal toe gery...! SO genoem ,omdat dit by elke plek gestop het!! .....selfs by "sidings"! Waar is die goeie ou dae?! Het 6 jaar klas gegee in Langenhoven Hoërskool...! Van die lekkerste tye in my lewe.! O ja! En die skoolhoof het my met sy bakkie kom haal!!❤❤

[@DustBugsTravel]

You're fortunate to have those memories. You must've obviously passed that beautiful old station building many times then. 🚂🛤️ I'm happy that our video reminded you of so many good times in the town and area. 🚙😁

[@terrimeyer3815]

Garcia's Pass.....spectacular mountain range. I've always loved this place but never took the time to explore. I'll be stopping there on my way through next time. We live in a gorgeous country. I knew you would find a train.....lol she is an old beaut ❤🚂❤

[@DustBugsTravel]

We never expected to find a train, it was such a big surprise! And a beautiful green one at that! 😍🚂 It'll be worth your while to make a pitstop in Riversdale, I think it's a town many folks have gone past before, just like we did until recently. The natural beauty is just incredible on that pass, those rock formations were next-level! 🚙⛰️

[@lkn4jolly]

Those same one directional alto stratus clouds are with you today. I knew about the trade winds being reliably southerly for a certain amount of months, then northerly for another certain amount of months, allowing for the sailors to trade between India and equatorial east Africa. Just musing this might be the start of such habitual winds that are seen down in South Africa.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Your comment read like a short extract from a history textbook about the Dutch East India Company. ⛵ The clouds were not as puffy as they normally are that day, so I know what you mean. I don't know enough about clouds though to explain all the different ones. 🚙☁️

[@desh7120]

The old jail is so thoughtfully curated - and quite an extensive network of rooms! Really lovely to see it preserved and repurposed! Those beautiful cats 🐈‍⬛ 🐈‍⬛ were like two familiars guarding and bewitching the spaces that make up the jail. I absolutely loved this exploratory visit to Riversdale and seeing those attractive churches. Your excitement upon discovering that well maintained steam engine was contagious. The scenery is breathtaking! I would have taken the Weaver’s nest home with me.

[@DustBugsTravel]

The old jail is definitely a much more extensive facility than what I expected, the rooms just kept on coming! I was quite enchanted by those two cats too, especially because they're black-and-white like three of our four were. 😍😻 These two looked so at home around the place, they clearly have no idea that it was a jail before! 😳 That old loco was the biggest surprise in town as you most likely heard, we couldn't believe our eyes! 🚙🚂

[@kiewietahlfeldt8665]

Wat n pragtige plekkie dankue julle twee,dat julle ons op hoogte hou van ons SA se dorpies❤

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for coming to Riversdale with us, it was a pleasure having you along for the ride! 🚙😁

[@1812nico]

Hi you two! Thank you for this sunny trip to Riversdale. Again so much history everywhere to be discovered by Sonia, from religion to education. The numerous church buildings are impressive. So are the other well kept white painted buildings scattered all over. The old jail is a comfy place -- well stocked with everything from baby dolls to a gallows! The locomotive you stumbled upon seems brand new, ready to go, only waiting for a track. The views of the mountains at Garcia pass are breathtaking. The natural beauty of that part of our country is really impressive and I hope to spend some time there before my age catches up with me. Thank you again for this much appreciated trip. I am ready for next time. Keep safe!

[@DustBugsTravel]

The old jail is most certainly a comfy place nowadays, but I did feel a little chill run down my spine when I saw the execution chamber. I left that one rather quickly, especially after having heard that one person was indeed hung there! 😨 That loco was the surprise of the day, smelling of fresh paint and all. It was super cool to see its bright green body as we turned the corner! 😍🚂 The green of the surrounding landscapes and the rugged rock formations on Garcia's Pass were just phenomenal and the perfect way to say goodbye to Riversdale. ⛰️🌳

[@mk-xq1tt]

Beautiful scenery especially around Garcia pass. Lovely area.

[@DustBugsTravel]

That is the truth, the natural beauty in that area is spectacular! 😍🌳⛰️

[@hannesvanniekerk499]

Riversdale was fabulous. We really enjoyed everything but the mountains were breath-taking. Thank you.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Natural beauty is always superior to everything else around. And it will be that way until the end of time! 🚙⛰️

[@dawnbarnes1361]

Hello again Sonia & Curtis, I am just thinking how very Cold BRRRR it must have been in those Prison Cells, Riversdale No windows & damp walls joh! What beautiful cats, very friendly😊 Haven't finished watching video as I'm going for Tea & Cake at my Niece whose birthday it is today 30/9/2023 🎉❤

[@DustBugsTravel]

I agree, I can imagine few things as cold as being locked up in a bare prison cell. But then again, they must've been there for a reason and punishment was due. 🤷🏻‍♂️ The cats were super friendly, I loved them too. 😻😍 I'm sure tea and cake at your niece's birthday celebration went down a treat! 🥳🍰

[@simonemason5352]

So surprised by Riversdale! The more I see if the western and eastern cape the more I'm bowled over. That old jail had so much character and old worldly charm. Like being transported to some secret place. Much appreciated Sonia and Curtis.

[@DustBugsTravel]

It just goes to show that there's always more to a place than meets the eye. For a very long time, we had no idea what the town was about and always just zoomed past on the N2. The old jail was for sure a fascinating place which I'm sure could tell a few stories if walls could just talk. 😨 Glad you enjoyed Riversdale with us! 🚙😁

[@Tk-cp9pm]

Thank you so so much for an amazing video

[@DustBugsTravel]

Our pleasure! Thank you for joining us. 🚙😁

[@hilberryable]

That Garcia Pass road is so nice to travel along. Quieter and one can look around going inland.

[@DustBugsTravel]

The scenery is indeed spectacular along that road, the rock formations on those mountains are magnificent. 🚙⛰️

[@axelmertens7762]

An absolutely stunning drive through Riversdale!! The spectacular jail and the beautiful road! Thank you kindly for traveling to all the small towns in SA where I could go to only with a finger on the map! 🙃🙃🙃

[@DustBugsTravel]

It is a pleasure and a joy to be visiting towns and places which we don't or hardly know. 🇿🇦😍 I'll happily continue pointing my finger to the next place on the map and I'm happy to have you along for the ride! 🚙😁

[@emmerentiagroenewald3694]

Die "boegoe" ruik mens op pad uit na Ladismith....en soms na Heidelberg!! Jy kan dit nie mis nie!!

[@DustBugsTravel]

We most definitely missed it! Or didn't recognise the smell. 🤷🏻‍♂️👃🏻

[@Tk-cp9pm]

I can't get enough of this video I'm from Riverdale and last went home 15year ago

[@susannaemmerich1166]

If that is the sleeping beauty, she's got one big nose!!!!🙃😂🙏❤

[@DustBugsTravel]

So that she can smell the buchu! 😁⛰️👃🏻

[@mariusroos]

Thanks for this trip. It was wel done and the jail was the highlight. Amazing to see it and the gallows -wow!! I know Riversdle well but now saw what I have never seen before. Thats why I love your trips. Keep it up. Next trip coming up and I am already buckled up!!

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm always happy if we showed you something you haven't seen before and especially so in a place you know well. The jail is a super interesting place and well worth a visit when you're in town again. We're always pushed for time, but I'm sure one can while away a few hours there and have something to nibble on at the same time. That execution room was rather macabre, I must say. 😨 I'm glad you're buckled up already, it's almost departure time again! 🚙😁

[@deonzar]

I just cannot remember how many times I have driven the N2 through Riversdal, and quite a few times into the town as well....but never been to the old jail or seen that locomotive. Next time I will stop at the loco for pictures.

[@DustBugsTravel]

That loco! I'm telling you, it was the surprise of the entire visit! 🤩🚂 We were super happy to have found the old station building still standing and still very beautiful, but never expected a brilliant green steam engine right in the centre of town. You must definitely go and check it out when you're in the area again! 🚙😁 You can also order some toasties at the old jail and stroll around while you wait for them. 🥪

[@annawitter5161]

Very pretty gravel road. I so wanted to visit the Grootvadersbos but never got the opportunity, and didnt really have the money, it was quite expensive back in them days! After working hard in my garden, its nice to relax with a glass of wine and enjoy travelling with you guys. Really appreciate all the trouble you go to to produce such good quality work. Impressive voortrekker monument. And what a magnificent tree! I have been to Riversdale station by train, back in 1999. I went on a Union Steam train tour that took us through Riversdale and on to the Garden Route. Very special. So sad to see it now, but at least I have the memory of it being a functional station. The old jail looks a fascinating place to visit. Love the twin fat cats, and had a giggle at Die Galg Plaasbrood. And is that a trek toilet that I saw? Good old days, they could flush anything down! Must have been quite some vibes in there. But you know, you dont need a bricks and mortar prison to be a prisoner.😥

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm glad to hear you find our videos relaxing, that is a big compliment. 🚙😊 I always love me a Voortrekker memorial and this one was a rather big one. 🏛️ You're lucky to have seen that gorgeous station building while it was still in operation. Yes, there were some old-fashioned toilets in that jail, including the high-level cistern with the chain. 🤭🚽 The two cats were super cool and strutted around there as if they own the place. Perhaps they do! 😍😻

[@tomnyleegb7745]

Thanks for taking me back home. There's so much more to see. The ideal guide would have been the late Keith Eksteen(RIP).

[@hendrienel2259]

We are addicted to your wonderful travel story. Have withdrawal symptoms as we wait for ep 389. The big question. Where are the going next?

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you so much! Not long to wait until the next episode goes live. Have fun playing the guessing game in the meantime! 🚙😁

[@charlietreston4035]

Hi thanks for the information you must have been a good music teacher all the best from Kent England

[@DustBugsTravel]

And in good company too with C J Langenhoven as a student of the school! 🎶

[@charlietreston4035]

Hi guys historical clean bustling town loved the drive in especially Sonias comment on (Gravel road blue skies and green mountains) .the voortrekker monument had a Greek temple vibe and also the urn on top .the park looks well cared for and the bowls club fully functioning great to see the old power station the ornate Dutch style gable on the station was stunning and you got th station sign. It's so sad to think a amazing railway system left to rack and ruin. St Mathew's church was with the little grave stones. The old jail was a surprise love all the old furniture and items the roaring fire set the scene. I did notice the old toilet cistern. A rather sobering place especially the gallows room I wonder why they had such a big jail ? The old property's were fantastic just love the old colonial style. The big Anglican church was different in blue!!! And the space in front looks like a village green. The DRF church was huge. Shame you couldn't get in the museum. But the surprise steam train made up for it immaculate condition so nice to see .its interesting that the guy who wrote Die Stem should have taught at the high school. I bet the show ground is mega busy when it's on. Loved the old bridge with its arches they have a soul of their own. The drive through Garsias pass mind blowing beauty of the mountains totally awesome. Thanks for taking me along cheerio till the next one

[@emmerentiagroenewald3694]

Langenhoven,who wrote the words of Die Stem, was a student here... And I was a music teacher here! 🎹🎼🎵🎶🎶

[@DustBugsTravel]

That old station building really told us a tale of a once-bustling station with passengers coming and going, trains arriving and departing. It didn't take too much imagination either. 🛤️😥 I also wondered about the size of the jail. It might've been that the town was the hub of a large area and all the naughty ones were sent there for punishment, but I really have no idea. 🤷🏻‍♂️ The loco made our day! 😍🚂 I would imagine the showgrounds is a bustling place come showtime, it certainly looks very organised. Thanks for visiting Riversdale with us! 🚙😁

[@charlietreston4035]

@@emmerentiagroenewald3694 hi very good information I'll bet you was a great music teacher all the best kent England.

[@martincronje5242]

The powerstation is still operational. It has a huge diesel generator in it. It's actually crucial to the support the town infrastructure during load shedding. We can see and hear it when Eskom switch off the lights. Back in the 80's Riversdale's train station won an award for the best kept garden in the country. It was later repurposed as a restaurant, but has since been left due to the bad management of transnet. Its a shame that its not kept anymore.

[@koosvonlandsberg5353]

Erg intresant 😊

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm glad you enjoyed. Thank you for watching. 🚙😁

[@fidelisdevries9071]

How did you miss out on tbe famous Oakdale agucultural school just outside of Riversdale?

[@tillabezuidenhout6460]

How facinating.

[@user-ql6fq8me4t]

Some years agony uncle the late Matewis Koen actually bought that old prison. His one daughter Louise could have told you so much so such a pity you couldn't meet her!

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm sure there is a lot of history associated with the jail. I was totally happy wandering through on my own though. 👍🏻What a fascinating place!

[@supremevoorman1-ku5ri]

Hi guys love watching yr video's to see parts of the country I would love to visit 🎉🎉keep the videos coming

[@faa9261]

Beautiful, now I see why many African Americans are moving to South Africa.

[@ChristineMoseley-ri8ly]

Hi to you both - from a wet and cold Northern Ireland. In the past we have often refuelled in Riversdale on our way to Knysna. We both enjoy your your visits immensely. Are you able to provide a hint of your next location at the end of each episode? Chris and Christine

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, I'm very happy to hear you enjoy our videos! 🚙👌🏻 I'm not keen to give any indication of our next stop ahead of time, we never let the cat out of the bag before the actual video is published. 😁

[@danavanniekerk9868]

Sad to see how few stations are still functioning

[@davidwilliamson2115]

Dont forget Herbit'sdale just outside on the far side of Riversdale

[@DustBugsTravel]

We visited Herbertsdale in Episode 405 already. 🚙

[@martincronje5242]

The ladies at the museum is extremely relaxed. You should have just stopped. There is a phenomenal art collection there. The museum is also free.