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