Coasting

After settling in so well in Hogsback, we somewhat reluctantly packed up and headed down the mountain for the coast. We thought Steve and Kirsten might like to spend some time getting re-acquainted so we all went down to the sleepy sea side town of Kenton-on-sea for some R & R.  After spending a wonderful few days frolicking in the cool waters, walking along the rocky coastline and chatting over sunsets, we departed for the west coast.

Not having explored the Garden Route much, we ambled along the coast, gasping at the impressive gorges we crossed, marvelling at the dense, green indigenous forest, and being blown away by the amount of development taking place. Kirsten insisted we check out Monkeyland and Birds of Eden which is located at The Craggs, just outside the urban jungle of Plettenberg Bay. The weather for the day was ‘mysteriously misty’ which made the pictures  John took a bit dark, but the place is amazing and definitely worth a visit if you heading that way. The few-days-old ring tailed lemurs and the variety of birds was just wonderful.

We found a local backpackers in Natures Valley called Wild Spirit Lodge, an awesome place which envelops you as you walk in the door, its hospitality inviting you to stay. The lodge is located in the forest and is very eco-friendly – and the food is home cooked with love – Yum. After taking a tour of the farm, cuddling the kittens and enjoying the sunshine, we headed for Cape Town. 

On route we passed some rather interesting little villages, as well as the usual popular seaside resorts, almost bursting at the seams with developments and fancy houses!! We were keen to get our Western Cape bird list going, and got very excited when we saw about 40 blue cranes hanging out in a field!! As forests turned to farmlands, villages to towns and stop streets to traffic lights, we entered Cape Town, looking as vibey and awesome as usual.

Not sure where to stay (we sadly realised we actually don’t know too many people in Cape Town) we headed to a backpackers in the city – very swish and modern and we ended up with our own apartment with a great view of the mountain. It was there that I realised, with horror, that I had (very uncharacteristically) left our passports in Hogsback!!!! To cut a long story short, we stayed an extra 2 days in Cape Town while the passports were couriered to us where I now keep them under watchful eye. We did manage to catch up with my cousins studying at UCT, go to the beach for some walks and got John a much needed hair cut!

We stayed with John’s family friend, Rob, in Table view – eating out at the bay, watching whales and people passing by.  One of the striking things I noticed in Cape Town is that come 4:00pm – any day of the week, the beaches fill with locals, either running, walking dogs, partaking in water sports, boating, spending time with loved ones, kids running around etc. It was so great to see people spending time together, outdoors with their family – nice one Cape Town.  Pity Joburg hasn’t really got that kind of culture (well we don’t have a beach either!).

From Cape Town we headed up the West Coast – all new territory for us. The weather was warming up, the trees were getting smaller and the roads were getting quieter, except for the occasional tortoise. We passed quaint little fishing villages, fish factories and farms then made our way into Jacobsbaai, to meet Rob and Pauline, some radio ham friends for lunch. All the houses in Jacobsbaai are built in a similar style, which adds charm and character to the place. After a very pleasant afternoon we ended up staying the night, being lulled to sleep by sea gulls and crashing waves.

After losing some time waiting for passports in Cape Town, we had to make up some ground so the next day was a bit of a long haul to Springbok. We took the more scenic coastal road, driving along seemingly remote areas, much more rocky and mountainous than we thought it would be. Here and there were splashes of colour from left over flowers, dotted with sheep and the occasional farm house. You can tell you are in 4X4 enthusiast territory when you have to pay a toll to use the dirt coastal road, even though there is a perfectly good tar road that’s free!! The longer days as a result of the sun setting later here in the west still take getting used to, but make the day so much longer – great for travellers.

Springbok is quite a big town, the last one before the Namibian border, where we will be heading to next. It will take us 2 days to get to the research reserve where we will be until 6 November. So I am afraid you will all have to wait a while until the next set of rambling news – but it promises to be an exciting one J Here comes another solid month in the bush for us!

QUIZ: To keep your minds occupied, and sticking with the nature theme – here is this month’s quiz. Identify this tortoise. Send answer’s to liz at toad.co.za

Have a fabulous October – lots of beer drinking and Eisbien eating I assume J And most of all October means summer is on its way, holidays and happiness.

Love Liz