The Road to Tsitsikamma

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

The day started out beautiful with some more great sites.  Now, however, we have been held up at NedBank in Plettenberg for over an hour.  The  ATM machine ate our card and we are trying to rescue it so that we can get on with our trip.  This is a major BUMMER.  We have to leave the bank now - hopefully they will have the card by the morning and we can make a made dash back down here before our kayak trip. Oy Vey!! So wish us luck.

Getting back to the nice part of the day - Said our goodbyes to Trevor and we were off to pick up some supplies for our self-catering cabin in Tsitsikamma Park. Our first stop was at the MTN mobile where we took Elmore's (our beloved travel agent) advice and bought some data time so that I can carry on with the blog.  The nice gal showed us how to use the phone as a hotspot so that I can upload from the notebook and at a pretty reasonable price.  Ah modern technology!  Next stop, the Pic n' Pay for breakfast goodies and pbj for traveling lunches.  We even picked up a cheap French press for coffee.  We're all set. All we needed now was a few more Rand. Went to the first ATM - PIN no good- tried again - still no good.  Well let's go and we'll try it again later.

Back on the road, we were headed to Plettenberg Bay. Again on Elmore's advice, we took the turn off to Robberg Peninsula.  He told us of some great hikes not to be missed.  Along the way, we spotted a small bike shop. As usual, Geoff is on the hunt for a South African bike shirt.  He was just about to give up hope, when we walked into this shop and the guy said come with me.  Lo and behold!  Several kinds in some very strange sizes. Geoff picked out the shirt that was worn by the South African Championship Bike Racing team -- pretty classy.

With that done, we proceeded to the hike.  I had my doubts that it would be good hiking.  It was a bit overcast and it was extremely windy.  But when we got to the gate, we held onto our hats and paid the small entrance fee.  Guess we were committed.  There are three hike lengths.  We chose the smallest at 2.1 km.  There really was not much wind on the trail and the sun decided to come out after all and WOW! More jaw dropping views.  The terrain was over some boardwalk, dirt paths, steps,  and even a bit of amateur rock climbing.  When we reached the top,  I was so grateful that all my parts were working - knees, feet, back, etc. in order that I was able to experience this sight, I was crying tears of joy - literally. 

We completed our circuit and sat down for a picnic. It might be a hobo's lunch but it had the best view in town.  Feeling good.  There was only one more errand to make before the park - the ATM. We stopped in Plettenberg Bay, went to the first ATM we saw. Tried yet another PIN and still no luck on the next try the machine ate our card.  So we are truly bummed.  To make matters worse, Geoff just noticed that we are driving on a toll road. We will have will have to pay again when we go retrieve the card. 

I hope this is one of those stories we will laugh about later

It took about an hour to get to the park.  Our cabin has a great sea view with pounding surf.  More of the fabulous South African coastline.  We got ourselves settled and went to the restaurant on the premises, which looks more or less like a mess tent -- with awesome views.  Not only was the food reasonably priced, but it was unexpectedly good.

Back in our cabin, we are contemplating what to do about the card situation.  We have some options. Stay tuned.  As for being here, we are looking forward to our water adventure tomorrow.  Sweet dreams.

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

Next time... Kayaking and Lilo

Hoping for Sunshine

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

It continued to rain all through the night.  We awoke to cloudy skies and brisk temperatures - but the forecast looked promising.  As soon as we finished breakfast, we put the kayak in the water and paddled off.  This time we were equipped with a map of all the channels - so at least we knew where we were going.

The sun was starting to come out.  It was a bit windy but it wasn't much of a deterrent.  We covered most of the channels and found ourselves down by Harbour Town.  We could see the old power plant structures and how they built housing around them - even incorporating the walking bridges.  Very cool.  We took another channel back and it was time for our next activity.

Fresh Fisheries

Last night there was talk of renting a bike and going out to The Heads - more scenic overlooks and beautiful beaches.  With the clouds coming and going and the cool temperatures, we opted to drive across the causeway, check out the path along the lagoon and see how we felt about the bikes then. Off we went.  Parked the car and started strolling down the path.  Not the most scenic I have to say. Saw a few birds - got kinds of bored so we turned around.  Took a look inside the Fresh Fisheries which is a fish market as well as a restaurant.  The fish delivery was just coming in when we got there.

What now?  We were back in the car heading to The Heads.  Get ready for some  more beautiful pictures of coastline.  First we stopped at the View Point.  You park on the road and take the pathways down.  There are several different viewing stands.  One side views the lagoon and the other pretty much the ocean.  Hung out here for a bit.  Talked with the Feller family from Tel Aviv who were here for a 10 day vacation.


On the way down, we tried to get to the beach we saw while up above.  Made a wrong turn so we  decided it was lunch time!  Popped into the East Head Cafe and had the best fish we have had since we have been here - Kob.  We will have to look for that.  Geoff found Obama in the men's room and couldn't resist taking a photo.  After lunch, we walked around the area and read about the shipwreck that happened there.  Treated ourselves to a gelato and it was off to find the beach.

You have to go up before you can go down.  Up we climbed, took the right turn this time and we landed at Coney Glen Beach.  More very nice paths and walkways leading in all sorts of directions right down to the ocean.  We took each and every one of them.  By this time, the sun was out in full force and the ocean was just breathtaking.  We looked up and spotted the view point decks we had just come from.

It took a while to extract ourselves from the scenery.  After we exhausted every path and boardwalk there was, it was time to go back.  Trevor was home when we returned. Said hi and headed to the deck for some r &r.

Ventured out for dinner one last time on Thesen Island.  Wound up at Sirocco.  The meal was absolutely wonderful.  First we treated ourselves to a plate of mixed oysters from various origins - both wild and cultivated. Then I had the salmon and Geoff had the tuna poke bowl -- very delicious. All this while watching the sunset.  Ironically, the view across the marsh from us was East Head - so our day came full circle.

PLEASE NOTE: There may not be any accessible wifi in our next location.  So I maybe out of communications for three nights or maybe even more. Will continue as soon as we get access to wifi.

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM


Next time.... The Road to Tsitsikama

Exploring Knysna or Rain, Rain Go Away!

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

Well it finally rained today, but not until we got in a nice paddle around the channels. 

Geoff and I planned to get to the kayak first thing before the rain.  Although it still seemed iffy as to whether it would rain or not.  Finished our daily dose of breakfast and political discourse.  Trevor had to ask what side of Trump we were on and, of course, we had to tell him.  The morning started out sunny enough but as we talked the clouds started moving in and the winds were picking up.  No more time for talking.

Quickly got the boat in the water, gathered our paddles and we were off!  We went around houses and under bridges - not having a clue as to where we were.  Met fellow kayakers who also had no idea where they were.  Everything looks pretty much the same.  Nevertheless, we had a good time until it got cloudier and windier.  Tomorrow morning we can explore more. Best be going back before it gets worse.  Got back to our dock - rested up a bit and then headed out.

First stop gas station.  You get service in this country and today we even got all our windows washed. Well that was the kiss of death!  As soon as we pulled out of the station, it started raining.  Now what?  Where else - shopping. UGH!  Found ourselves back at the Quay where we had dinner last night. Queued up with everyone else avoiding the rain, going in and out of the shops.  By the time we went through them all, it was lunch time -- it was also pouring. 

We had heard of a great place on Thesen Island, Il de Pain.  Got seated after about 10 minutes or so.This restaurant is part of an old boat building factory which also houses a hotel.  Had a lovely lunch and sat next to a couple from Guernsey. Well I was gobsmacked!  I read "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" a few years ago.  Absolutely loved it.  Never did I think I would ever meet someone from Guernsey, a tiny little country, in a cafe in South Africa.  We chatted about the book, the movie, and about the history.  Fascinating. Said our goodbyes and walked around the building a bit.

big engine

Still raining, we headed to the Pick n' Pay for some ground coffee to make in our room.  The store is located in Wood Mill Plaza.  On display around the plaza are various reminders that this town was known for its steam sawmill.  Got our coffee and took some wet photos.

Back in our suite, it is still cloudy but the rain may have stopped.  Don't know, don't really care. I'm very cozy. Later....

With very little enthusiasm for going out into the rain again, we gathered what strength we had and made our way outside.  We decided to go to The Island Cafe which is in The Turbine Hotel in Harbor Town on the Thesen Island.

In the early 1900’s Charles Thesen bought Paarden Island (now known as Thesen Island) and began processing timber.  Using waste from the timber processes, a power plant was created on the island and began supplying electricity to the Knysna and Plettenberg Bay municipalities.

Fast forward several decades, and the wood mill is no longer in operation, being shut down due to environmental concerns.  The power plant no longer supplies electricity to the municipalities, replaced by a much more reliable power producer in Eskom, read into that how you will.  The old power plant has since been converted into one of the most beautifully restored and modernized hotels you’ll have the pleasure of visiting. 

The meal and service were excellent as well as the atmosphere.  After dinner, we walked around the hotel in awe taking lots of photos.  Talked to the nice man at reception and we think we have a plan for tomorrow -- if it doesn't rain!  So glad we chose to go out.  It really was a good time.

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

Next time .... Hoping for sunshine

The Road to Knysna

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM


It was hard tearing ourselves away from the De Wet's this morning.  Not only does Gert make terrificcoffee (attributed to his wonderful commercial  machine that he got at auction) but this morning he baked us a loaf of sourdough bread that was to die for! We had a terrific breakfast before we had get ready and pack the car.  Eventually, it was time to say goodbye -- lots of hugging -- and we were back on the road.

The drive to Knysna was not very long from where we were so we had to stretch it out some.  We stopped at Victoria Bay which was absolutely magnificent. Great surfing beach and the I loved the little houses and apartments that lined the walk along the water.  We took our time and just hung out there for a while. 

The next stop was Wilderness and quite honestly we really didn't see what there was about the place. It is along side of the highway with no real views.  There are some shops and restaurants but we weren't in the mood for any of them. 

We were getting closer to Knysna and we still had time to kill.  On a lark, I called the man who owns the Go Self-Drive agency we hired for a lot of this trip.  He wrote to me a few days ago and wanted to get together in Knysna for coffee while we were there.  Since we had time to kill, I called to see if he was free.  Yes, he would meet us a Nautical South restaurant at Brenton on Sea a few km before Knysna.  OMG, another stunning ride up and down the coast.  With a huge lake on one side and the ocean on the other.

We sat and talked with Elmore over a good cup of cappuccino. Lots to talk about from traveling to politics.  Also got caught up on some of the logistics of what we can expect in the way of getting visas going into Zambia and Zimbabwe when we visit Victoria Falls.  It was really wonderful meeting him.  His agency is a family run business that we are very happy that we chose.

We said our goodbye and Geoff and I headed down to the sea to take in the view before heading out again.  Oh boy, yet another jaw dropping coastline -- this one with a parking lot and benches.  We chose a bench out on the cliffs and sat and ate our lunch.  Geoff made sandwiches from yesterdays leftover dinner with Gert's sourdough - very yummy. Plus, we could not have a for a better spot to enjoy lunch.

Finally it was time to get to Knysna.  Actually we are staying on Thesen Island with another  ATC member.  I phoned Trevor when we were about 15 minutes out and he met us at the security gate. This place is harder to get into than a naval base.  Geoff had to hand over all his ID plus fingerprints so that we can come and go without being checked all the time.  After that procedure was done, we followed Trevor to his home.

This house is lovely and our accommodations are really 5-star.  Yes, Gert you were right.  We are right on a canal with our own entrance leading down to the dock.  We have access to a canoe and a tandem kayak.  The room is fully equipped with mini-fridge, coffee supplies, tv, even a small safe as if we were in a hotel.  They have really thought of everything.  Don't get any ideas, you won't find any of this in our house!  Well maybe kayaks.

The sad news is that Trevor's wife, Sandy has just passed away last month.  That is truly heartbreaking.  I will not go into detail, but it was unexpected.  I really feel bad for him and yet he still has invited us into his home.  Maybe it helps not to be so alone - I don't know.  We chatted for a while and learned that he is a retired pilot that flew for South African Airways for many years. The water was beckoning and Geoff and I quickly changed and jumped into the canal for a swim.  Wonderfully refreshing. 

Took our time, I called my brother -  talked to him for quite a while and then it was time to get ready for dinner.  When we came out of our room, Trevor  had some company over.  A couple from England - we talked with them for a bit and off we went to dinner.

Back now from a lovely dinner in the harbor in Kynsna.  This town is a bit more touristy than our last two places.  Although the island we are on is extremely quiet.  We'll do more exploring tomorrow.  There is a threat of rain tomorrow!

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM



Next time... Kynsna

Another Day, Another Beach

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

Sitting on the beach this afternoon, it is still hard for me to wrap my head around being here.  This country is so powerful.  I also think that being in home stays  affords you the opportunity of being more of a visitor than a tourist.  As a tourist, you are always on the outside looking in.  As a visitor, you are much more on the inside of things -- the people, the community, the culture, the politics. Yes the politics here are quite complicated.  We have had many discussions with our hosts, most if not all, have grown up through the apartheid era.  We can find many similarities between our two countries.  I will not go into a political diatribe here. However, I will say that I am hopeful that in the near future the US will right the ship --  or at least get back on course.  South Africa is a bit more complex and may take generations, I'm afraid.  But as I sit here today watching the families of black, brown and white enjoying a pristine day at the beach, it is a start and I feel fortunate to be here.

The morning was overcast, and we took our time getting motivated.  Sonja was off to church - which started the morning's conversation about religion. Not going too far down that rabbit hole either right now.  But it seems that Gert and the two of us are basically on the same side of that topic.  Finished breakfast and packed the car for another beach day. Gert found some chairs and an umbrella for us to borrow -- for which I am eternally grateful!

It was still a bit overcast and chilly so we decided to go to the Point at Mossel Bay to see the lighthouse.  Well I had expected your everyday lighthouse -- nay, nay.  This lighthouse was high up on the cliffs and totally fenced in.  The climb up the cliffs was absolutely mind blowing! And most importantly, tourist free.  The sea was roaring and the waves were pounding.  I could not stop taking pictures.  We walked through a cave along the way where they found some artifacts. When we reached the top, the path just kept going.  We, however, picked out a nice bench and sat before hiking back down.

The sun was out full blast by the time we reached the bottom.  Time to head to Santos Beach just down the road.  Picked out spot for the day and set up camp.  I'll say here that Geoff did not feel all that well this morning.  So we took it easy.  The water here was the calmest yet - very near the harbor so it was protected.  I went in for a dip but Geoff mainly stayed and read.  As mentioned above, the families came and went as we relaxed all day.

Having a later than average breakfast and not having lunch, we opted for an early dinner at Jackals on the Beach.  Just where we were parked.  Found a seaside table and were soon joined by a couple from Belgium who vacation here often.  Ate and chatted until it was time to head back.  A great way to end our stay here Groot Brakriver. 

Packing and staying in tonight.  Geoff is starting to feel better. Hopefully by tomorrow it'll all be over - whatever it is.

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

Next time ... The Road to Knysna

Mossel Bay

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

In my research of this area, I stumbled upon a little unknown museum called Janine Iron and Washing Museum - who knew such  a thing existed?  Since my brother, Jerry, is such a fan of doing the laundry, this was a must see for us.  The fact that it was on the way to another beautiful beach made it all the better.

We finished up a delicious breakfast and good conversation and headed out to find this gem.  It took some doing, but we found the museum hidden in among a cluster of buildings called Laundry Land!  Curses! It was locked up tight.  After ringing the bell several times, we walked around the property and someone finally came out to open the museum up.  We had the place all to ourselves. 

The museum is filled with irons, washing machines and various other laundry related products some dating back to the 1800's.  Jan Ellis started the collection in the 70's and has since added on quite a bit.  Dedicating the museum to his late daughter Janine who died at the age of 33.  It is completely free of charge with no entrance fee of donation expected.  We had a great time rummaging about the place and signed Jerry's name in the guest book as an honorary visitor.

Moving from the museum, we went further down the road to Diaz Beach.  A beautiful stretch of white sand.  We were able to rent an umbrella but no chairs.  Sonja gave us some beach towels so at least we had something to sit on.  The ocean is a bit tamer here and the water temperature delightful. We hung around till about 2ish - packed it in for lunch on the beach.  While waiting for our food, we watched the surfers riding the waves and the parachutes falling from the sky.  It was quite entertaining.

We are back now and the De Wet's family is visiting -- have to go be social .... later.

Sat and had a lovely chat with the family for a bit.  Made a plan for tomorrow - going to visit another beach and another lighthouse.  Went out to the new local restaurant, Searle's Village.  Lovely place with great decor that even extended to the men's room.  However, we were so tired, we could barely put a fork to our mouths.  Tried to split a salad - gave up and came back to the house. 

Said good-night to our hosts and crawled into bed.  Going to finish up the blog and then it's lights out!

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

Next time... Another day, another beach

The Road to Groot Brakriver

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

We said our goodbyes to Winston and Marlina and we were on the road a little after 9. Our first stop was Hermanus.  This is a famous whale watching spot. Unfortunately, they are not here this time of year.  The people, however, still are.  We arrived in town and grabbed a parking space on the main road then immediately ducked into the first bistro we saw for the loo and a cup  coffee.

Coming into town I noticed what looked like a road leading down to the coast. We walked down and mega WOW.  Unbeknownst to us, it turns out that this is the popular Cliff Tops walk - much like in Newport, RI.  The views were simply awesome.  Good for us, it was still a bit early and the crowds weren't out yet. There are lots of photos because I just couldn't stop. We walked down to the end and made our way back to car.

It was back in the bus for another or so until we reached Bredasdorp. Here we would have to make a decision.  Do we drive down to the southern most point of Africa - where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet or go straight to Groot Brak.  This was going to add another hour to a pretty long drive.  Well, when we arrived in Bledasdrop there really was no question.  We popped into the information center and the very friendly woman said it was a must. You really can;t come this far and not go down. 

Boy was she ever right.  I was expecting another experience like the one at the Cape of Good Hope - where we arrived just after the Japanese tour bus! The Japanese are fine in their own country but get them on a tour bus and they become like a swarm of bees -- no offense to anyone.  Getting back to Cape Agulhas -- no tour buses, just a few people milling about.  A few kms from the lighthouse is the southernmost point.  There is a wonderful walkway that leads down to the plague and a giant sculpture of Africa.  The wind was blowing, the ocean was roaring and the skies were clear. We were both so happy we made the trip.

As we were driving back up to the lighthouse, we hadn't really counted on stopping.  We had gotten the picture earlier.  But when I looked hard enough I saw that there were people  up on top by the light.  Well that clinched it -- we paid our 33 rand and up climbed.  Now we were at the highest point at the southernmost point.  FUN!

Driving back through town, we stopped for a quick lunch.  Calculating the distance to Groot Brak, we had a little over three hours of driving yet to go. We had toyed with the idea of staying down there over night if the we could find a calm beach.  No luck - the winds were pretty strong and the waves were very rough.  I phoned Sonja and said we would probably be rolling in around 7 or so. Hopefully.

We are now riding down the Garden Route listening to some tunes. The Garden Route happens to be very brown at the moment due to lack of rain - although I did manage to capture some nice shots driving.  I am keeping busy by writing the blog.  I think I am all caught up now.  Later...

Panic set in when I looked at the GPS and noticed that the address I had for our next house did not quite seem right.  It seemed much further than where I had thought it was and also not in the right town.  After we passed Mossel Bay, I thought it best to give Gert a call.  Good thing.  We were quite close and he was able to talk us through the directions.  We arrived very gratefully at the top of the hill at their beautiful home over looking the town of Groot Brakriver.  Pictures tomorrow.  We sat and had coffee (the best we have had so far) and talked with Gert and Sonja for a bit before heading out for dinner.  Went to a local place for a quick small meal and some local entertainment.

It is now approaching 10pm.  Way past our bedtime...

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

Next time.... Mossel Bay

Beach Bums?

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

Well the best laid plans and all that. Beach day - not so much.  Had a wonderful breakfast with Winston and Marlina and made it out of the house by around 10:30 or so.  All set and packed for a day at the beach.  The minute we opened the door, the wind almost knocked us down!  Being the brave souls that we are and very determined, we set our course for Bikini Beach in the hopes that the wind would be blocked. HAH!

Took in the views and decided to just walk around the little village.  The beach path was wonderful - fully equipped with workout stations.  A few shops across from the beach. Bikini Beach Books is a pretty famous and popular hangout.  Lots of books in all languages piled high.  We really did not know what to do next.  Brought up the GPS and programmed a ride around Betty's Bay.  There is another African Penguin colony there.  However, Winston said what we saw up in Simon's Town was better - don't bother - so we didn't.  I found a restaurant, On the Edge, at the water's edge down at the bottom of the bay.  Thinking this would be a good lunch destination, we set our course.

The ride down to the bay was exquisite - lots of photo ops.  We even saw a film crew.  This is the second one we have seen since we have been in this country.  It seems everywhere we go, they are making movies.  Mark Wahlberg was making a movie in Bogota when we were there last year.  I could not find out what they are filming here. I did hear that Ridley Scott is filming a new sci-fi TV series here, called Raised by Wolves.  Maybe that's what it might be.

Finally weaved our way up and down to the sea and wouldn't you know, the restaurant was closed!  Found a small lunch spot on the way out of town for a couple of veggie burgers.  We had hoped to take a less traveled road back but it turned out to be a dirt road.  A little too less traveled for our tastes.  So we opted to take the highway up and down another set of mountains to complete our route around this small peninsula. We ended up at Mary Ann's Natural Way, a vegan restaurant that sells all sorts of natural products as well.  We were hoping to check it out for dinner but no luck.  They were just closing the lunch buffet - they do not serve dinner.  So we enjoyed a lovely cappuccino and a piece of vegan blueberry cheesecake sitting high a top a tall hill overlooking the bay.  By the way, the blueberries were the size of huge grapes!

Passing Vineyard

We were back at the house before our hosts left for the evening.  Marlina very kindly did our washing.  That is a tremendous help to us.  They won't be home till after 10pm so we have the place to ourselves.  We may order in or go back to the Ocean Basket - not sure.

Tomorrow we have a very long drive to our new hosts at Groot Brak.  Plan on getting an early start.

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

Next time.... Groot Brak

Gordon's Bay

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

Strand Beach

Not much to report today.  Check out at the inn was 10 am.  The drive down to Gordon's Bay was about 30 minutes.  The Strand Beach is just before you get to Gordon's Bay.  We took Beach Road - passed the Dune Park, Water World, and Putt Putt, pulled into a parking space.  Looked around at this great expanse of sand with practically no one on it and said WOW!  Upon further inspection, I noticed a group of chaises and umbrellas.  Perfect!  We hired ourselves 2 chaises and an umbrella for 150 rand = $10 for the day.

Settled in for a day of sunshine and cool breezes.  Neither of us went swimming.  Put our toes in and the water temp was refreshing -- not Maine cold.  Had it been a hotter day we might have ventured in.  As it was, we were happy to relax and read.  After a while, we took a stroll down the beach.  The sand is hard packed, fine, and the beach very clean. 

Around 2:30 or so the winds started picking up.  We held out till around 3 and then packed up and drove down the beach to see what we could see.  Nothing really fascinating.  The usual beach shops along the way.  Pulled into a space, parked, and went into a cafe for a coffee.  We needed to reload our SIM card if we wanted to make any more phone calls . Found an MTN store not too far from where we were.  Lickety split, 50 rand for  50 more minutes of talking time.  BTW, if our friend Steve is reading this -- many thanks again for the iphone.  It's been a really big help.

We have landed at the home of our new hosts in Gordon's Bay.  They are very welcoming and lovely folks.  After settling in, a shower, and some lively conversation, it was time to head out for dinner. The Ocean Basket is a local chain, but the one in this neighborhood, sits right in the harbor.  The views were wonderful.  We finally had fish and chips (which is very popular here) along with a dozen oysters.  The food was fine and my guess is we will be back tomorrow night.

Tomorrow not much more to do than find another beach.  Ho hum.....  sweet dreams

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

Next time ... Beach Bums

Winery Bike Tour

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

WOW!! What a fabulous tour.  We arrived at the Adventure Shop in plenty of time to gear up and meet our fellow cyclists.  A family of four from Utrecht, Holland - adult children fortunately - and an older couple from Dublin, Ireland.  We made a very interesting group.  The bikes were full on mountain bikes.  At first I was a bit worried it would be too heavy but the bike was fine.

Our first stop was an old 1800's general store.  Reminded me any old general store in Maine - filled with stuff and a bit claustrophobic.  No pictures please - not sure why.  From here, we set out about the town stopping at various old Dutch style buildings that have now been appropriated by the University.

Our guide, Tayne, told a good story of how the original magistrate's building burned to the ground.  One fine evening the magistrate walked outside for a smoke on his pipe.  The winds being what they are here, took a bit of ask from his bowl and poof!  It hit the top of the thatched roof and that was the end of that.  This is the rebuilt version. Our guide made sure to point out he Roos Athletic Field which is named after Paul Roos a local legendary rugby hero.

We rode through the streets but primarily along tree lined paths following the river.  Our first winery stop was at Stark Conde winery.  We had a tasting of three wines and a very good explanation of each. For the non-drinkers, soft drinks or juice and of course water was served.  The wines were lovely.  After the tasting, we walked around the grounds and took in the views.


From Stark Conde, we rode to the Lanzerac Winery.  Here we did a wine and chocolate tasting.  Tasting five wines perfectly paired with the corresponding chocolate.  A wonderful treat.  This is one of the best wineries in the region.  We were fortunate enough to get a tour of the cellar where the wine making process happens.  The grapes are first sorted and hand-picked over removing stems and such.

Then the giant vats are filled from and automated grape crusher (no foot stomping here) and mixed in with yeast.  The barreling process is next.  That is a whole science in itself.  The kind of oak is important.  Most of the oak is imported from US or Europe.  It was all very educational as well as beautiful. The views of the vineyards are tremendous. It is harvest season, so we didn't see too much in the way of grapes.

Going back into town, we crossed through the heart of the university - lots of chaos.  Winding our way back through the streets to the Adventure Shop. The clouds never did appear.  But the ride was breezy and we were by 1:30, so it never felt that terribly hot.  Although the temps are high here, it is relatively free of humidity -- which makes life much more bearable.

Made it back to the pool to score two chaises in the shade.  We chatted with a group from Seattle. Mostly talking about the state of our nation.  It is almost dinner time again.  We'll see where we wind up tonight!

Just back from another good dinner.  I have to say the food in this country is excellent.  And since we started splitting dinner, the bills  come out to $20 and under and that includes a glass of wine.  That's a good deal!  We have to pack and get ready to leave tomorrow. Early check-out at 10 am.  I have to say that we really enjoyed our time here.  I wasn't quite certain if wine country was a good fit.  But we were able to relax and still have a tour or two.  In hindsight, it was a very good thing that we did not go to Franschhoek today as planned.  Yesterday there was a huge fire up there it may have just stopped.  People were complaining that all they saw was smoke.  So we planned that one right!!

Tomorrow we are back staying with one of our travel club folks on the coast.  Looking forward to some beach time.

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM 

Next time.... Gordon's Bay