A Tribute to Trusty Dusty

By Emmalie Koenig

Trusty Dusty was our favourite car,

Who carried us places near and far.

My Oupa bought her at a very good price,

Whatever it was, I think she was nice.

She was a Renault Duster, an automatic, people say,

But I will describe her to you in another way:

She was royal blue all over;

She glittered in the sun;

But I promise you she was faster

Than anyone could run!

Her seats were firm and high

So you could see everything

As they pass slowly by.

For seven hours straight

She could drive non-stop,

That is, if her tank was full

Or she wasn’t stopped by a cop!

Once, she drove us from Cape Town all the way

Past Mossel Bay and on to Plettenberg Bay.

She awaited us about a week

Before we set off again to seek

Adventure, sights, coffee, and food

Near places along the Garden Route.

We toured the Birds of Eden sanctuary

Where there were paths and birds that vary.

Then on to Tsitsikamma National Park,

Where we hiked and explored until it grew dark.

We will also never forget that day

When Trusty took us all the way

To the Overberg and Swellendam,

Where we breakfasted on eggs and ham.

Next we drove a gravel road - oh so dusty,

Reached Bontebok National Park - we did it with Trusty!

We stayed there for a couple of nights,

Where we saw animals and many other sights.

One holiday, a family took a trip —

They packed clothes and drinks and chips—

They loaded Trusty and off they sped

To drive to Addo National Park, where it’s said

Are dungbeetles, kudus, zebras, meerkats

And elephants in their natural habitats.

The family drove on and saw a sunset, too

At Blyde River Canyon, with its spectacular view

They stayed in the Drakensberg, and went to see

Falcon Ridge, where birds of prey flew free.

Another day, Trusty took them to a fine

Log cabin to sleep by Zur Alten Mine.

The one place we must not forget —

It’s one of the largest Trusty’s seen yet —

Where the Big Five freely rule and prowl

And hyenas and jackals let out a howl

Where night animals, such as the aardvark

Burrow; this is Kruger National Park!

Trusty drove along its roads and loops

And past watering holes with many hippos in groups.

Many memories we with Trusty hold —

Less than a quarter have been told,

But we are now sorry to say

That Trusty has sadly gone away.

Still, we have reason to cheer,

For another car will soon be here…

We hope our guests will also enjoy

This new vehicle we’ll employ

This silver car, whose name will be

The new Nissan Magnite, our marvellous Misty!

Who will drive her through our gate

Where adventures for Misty await?

Here she stands, looking out to the sea

Wondering who her first guest will be

So put on a smile and wipe your brow,

Don’t overthink it; just book now!