ANOTHER WELCOME TO NIEU-BETHESDA
Just as you again cross the Gats River and make your final approach to Nieu-Bethesda, you will be greeted by the welcoming avenue of old pear trees along Martins Street.
In spring these two lines of trees along the dusty road explode into the most majestic display of pear blossoms.
It may be a good idea to stop and enjoy the open armed welcome of the trees lining the street before you drive the last 1.5 km to our lovely village. This stop will enable you to grab this easy park and find geocache hidden on the side of the road 
.
I am not sure of the cultivar of pear trees that form this guard of honour, but the Packham's Triumph pear is common in South Africa. The pear is part of the Rosaceae Family. The botanical name of the Packham's Triumph is Pyrus Communis 'Packham’s Triumph'. There are almost 3000 varieties of pear grown world wide. According to the Learn2Grow website, Packham's Triumph was developed in New South Wales in 1897. Pear trees thrive in full sun and can grow between 4 and 12 meters high with a width of 3 to 6 meters. According to Wikipedia the world wide pear production in 2014 was 25.8 tonnes. Growing pears takes patience: you will have to wait 4 to 5 years for the first crop and up to 12 years for a regular large crop.
The photos contained in this listing are used with the consent of Jacquie Olivier, a resident of the village, who previously published the photos on Facebook.
Please remember: There is no filling station or ATM in Nieu Bethesda, you have to ensure that you have enough fuel to reach Graaff-Reinet (60 km) or Middelburg (80 km) from here.