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