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