You will note that the Afrikaan language has many words with double letters that you do not see in the English language such as Paarl and a word I spelt wrong yesterday Franschhoek.
Today we returned to Paarl but we got a late start as Carroll had to do a wash as we were running out of clean clothes and the machines were not beening used. We actually ran out of time yesterday to see any sites and we did want to see the TaalMonument which and I quote " represents the growth and developement of Afrihaans and gives recognition to the language's roots that are spread over 3 continents, Africa, Europe and Asia". This huge concrete Monument was construct on a small mountain ( the whole area is mountainous ) outside of Paarl and provided an excellent view of the city and the valley below with all the fields of grapes in the Vineyards. It is amazing to see all the perfectly aligned rows of grapes. I won't bore you with any more details but if you are interested I'm sure you will Goggle it.
By this time it was around 2 PM and we wanted to see the glass Blowing at one of the winery's which the lady at the Information place told use was a "must see ". We did get to the winery but the Glass Blower was not available and in fact he has not been around for a while. I ask the lady running the shop, how long since the glass blower has been at work because the shop looked like it had not been activated for some time. Her answer was "a while" so i said is awhile; a week, month or year and she sneared at me and said " awhile". I think I might be off her christmas card list.
So it is now past our lunch time so we decide to find a winery that served lunch; as if that is hard to find. Within half a KM down the road we found a winery, which is something we are good at doing. As expected i did the perverbable 6 different wine tastings and talk to a couple of young guys visiting from the UK and Cape town, then we had our lunch/supper before returning to Camp and sat around the camp fire contempating our move tomorrow as we are now heading down the home stretch.
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Friday, 30 December 2011
29 Dec Thursday... Trip to Paarl.. Rep A/C
We started the day by looking for a shop to repair the vehicle A/C. It quit about a month ago but the weather was not hot enough for us to waste a day having it repaired. But that has changed since the temp is creeping up to the mid 30's. So we first ask the Camp owner for a recommendation ( that was my first mistake ) because when they called the Mercedes garage, they had to change my English request to their Afrikan language then back to my English and it quickly became a lost cause. Finally, I took the phone and the lady at the garage said simply " we don't repair A/C". My thoughts were , why the hell did she need to know my name, the make and model of the vehicle if can't fix it anyways. I guess you have to be an Afrikan to understand that. I decided it was better to find a repair shop myself so I grabbed the iPad and found the address to 3 or 4 shops, so off we go to find them. After checking on 3 shops that were closed I ask a guy standing outside one shop and he said everything is closed until 2 Jan.
So , as not to waste the entire day, we headed for the city or town ( we did not know which ) of Paarl. We actually expected a small town but once we arrived there we realized how wrong we where. As we drove around I guessed at least 100,000 population,( as it turns out the pop. is 189,000) so we figured that just maybe the Mercedes dealer could either fix our A/c or direct us to a shop that would repair it. The dealer advised us the this shop only worked on passenger cars but they had another shop nearby that worked on Commerical vehicle so we took it to that shop. This shop apparently was overloaded with work so they sent me to a small shop that only did A/C and auto-Electric repairs and they jumped on it right away. It took them about 1 1/2 to repair and recharge the A/C with gas. The cost was R350 ( about 43.00 cdn ) I can't believe they can make a living at that price.
It was now around 2 PM so we went to the Information bldg to find out what to do in the city. They were very helpful with maps and some " must see " monuments etc. Then she gave us the Wine route map and I'm thinking: those monuments can wait for another day, lets hit the wine tasting. We ( mostly carroll ) decided to go to the winery that also had "Cheese tasting" , which incidentally I had never heard of before. Well, did we hit the " Mother Lode". We pulled into the parking lot and there must have been a 100 cars in the lot. I thought , this must be a huge place and it sure was. First you had to decide if you wanted to taste wine and cheese or just wine or in Carroll's case, just cheese. You gave you a "stick-on " badge which indicated your posion. I took the whole meal deal of 6 wine and 8 cheese tastings at a cost off R25 ( 3.00 cdn ). Carroll got the 8 cheese tastings for R12 ( 1.50 Cdn )I know, this dam drinking is going to break me. The tasting bar, of which there were 6 , where an oval shaped bar, that held about 20 drunks, I mean tasters each with two waitresses in the middle pouring wine about as fast as we could drink it. With 6 bars you can visualize the size of the place. And you could float from the wine bar to the cheese bar which was in a separate room. Incidental Carroll made two passes at the cheese bar while I rode shotgun on the wine bar. I started Kibiting with the waitress as she was approaching my age so we had something in common. After I finished my 6 drinks she gave me a taste of the most expensive wine the make , even though it is not on the tasting list; as she said that was because I was from Canada.I also ask the waitress if it was always this busy and she said from 15 Dec to the 1 st week of Jan it is "bedlam" at their winery.
I made myself a "promise" of no more wine tasting on this trip as i want to leave some for another time. ha ha.
Then we headed to a town called Franchoek which means "French Place" for supper. It has another name and it called " Tourist trap " and it was crawling with tourist. But the meal was great as always.
We arrived home around 6 PM, build a fire and made plans for tomorrow. This dam planning never seems to quit. But somebdy has to do it. Happy New year
So , as not to waste the entire day, we headed for the city or town ( we did not know which ) of Paarl. We actually expected a small town but once we arrived there we realized how wrong we where. As we drove around I guessed at least 100,000 population,( as it turns out the pop. is 189,000) so we figured that just maybe the Mercedes dealer could either fix our A/c or direct us to a shop that would repair it. The dealer advised us the this shop only worked on passenger cars but they had another shop nearby that worked on Commerical vehicle so we took it to that shop. This shop apparently was overloaded with work so they sent me to a small shop that only did A/C and auto-Electric repairs and they jumped on it right away. It took them about 1 1/2 to repair and recharge the A/C with gas. The cost was R350 ( about 43.00 cdn ) I can't believe they can make a living at that price.
It was now around 2 PM so we went to the Information bldg to find out what to do in the city. They were very helpful with maps and some " must see " monuments etc. Then she gave us the Wine route map and I'm thinking: those monuments can wait for another day, lets hit the wine tasting. We ( mostly carroll ) decided to go to the winery that also had "Cheese tasting" , which incidentally I had never heard of before. Well, did we hit the " Mother Lode". We pulled into the parking lot and there must have been a 100 cars in the lot. I thought , this must be a huge place and it sure was. First you had to decide if you wanted to taste wine and cheese or just wine or in Carroll's case, just cheese. You gave you a "stick-on " badge which indicated your posion. I took the whole meal deal of 6 wine and 8 cheese tastings at a cost off R25 ( 3.00 cdn ). Carroll got the 8 cheese tastings for R12 ( 1.50 Cdn )I know, this dam drinking is going to break me. The tasting bar, of which there were 6 , where an oval shaped bar, that held about 20 drunks, I mean tasters each with two waitresses in the middle pouring wine about as fast as we could drink it. With 6 bars you can visualize the size of the place. And you could float from the wine bar to the cheese bar which was in a separate room. Incidental Carroll made two passes at the cheese bar while I rode shotgun on the wine bar. I started Kibiting with the waitress as she was approaching my age so we had something in common. After I finished my 6 drinks she gave me a taste of the most expensive wine the make , even though it is not on the tasting list; as she said that was because I was from Canada.I also ask the waitress if it was always this busy and she said from 15 Dec to the 1 st week of Jan it is "bedlam" at their winery.
I made myself a "promise" of no more wine tasting on this trip as i want to leave some for another time. ha ha.
Then we headed to a town called Franchoek which means "French Place" for supper. It has another name and it called " Tourist trap " and it was crawling with tourist. But the meal was great as always.
We arrived home around 6 PM, build a fire and made plans for tomorrow. This dam planning never seems to quit. But somebdy has to do it. Happy New year
Thursday, 29 December 2011
28 Dec Small jobs Day or How to waste a Day
Yes , we had a few odd jobs to do so today seemed like the right time. First I badly needed to have the MH washed and waxed as it was getting gruggy ( is that word ) and the Wash Rack is located within a stone throw of the mall. I dropped the MH off at the " all Black " wash and polish place,( did you think there is an all white wash Rack... I doubt it ) and they needed 2 hours to do the job at a cost of R250 ( 30.00 CDN). So we decide to have breakfast at our favourite place the Mugg and Bean as it also comes with 30 mins of free WiFi which i always use.
When I paid the bill at the Mugg and Bean I realized that my money was running low so I had to visit the ATM at the same Bank, whose's machine that ate my card earlier in the week. However, it is the only bank that will give me R3000 as the others have a limit of R2500 or less. Needless to say , it never ate my card this time.
Then our Cell phone ran out of Airtime last night while Carroll was talking to our Host Friends in Johannesburg so we had to find a store that could sell and install the Airtime as we are not real Techys when it comes to Cell phome.
Then we still had time to kill before the MH was ready so we did some grocery shopping.
When we got to the Wash Rack they were just finishing up the polish job. Since half of the day was now shot, we decided to spend the next few hours at the Beach and this time we chose Gordon's Bay but still on the Indian Ocean, on the advise of a few people but it was not as nice ( there are no bad Beaches in ZA )as the one in Strand, plus the wind was blowing off shore so there was no waves to body surf. We arrive home around 4 PM and as we drove by the pool in the camp site it looked inviting and the temp was in the mid 30's , so we spend another 1 1/2 at the pool. By now it was a little past " Miller Time " and who am I to miss Happy Hours, especially when the neighbour expect you to be there.
Just another gorgerous day in Paradise.
When I paid the bill at the Mugg and Bean I realized that my money was running low so I had to visit the ATM at the same Bank, whose's machine that ate my card earlier in the week. However, it is the only bank that will give me R3000 as the others have a limit of R2500 or less. Needless to say , it never ate my card this time.
Then our Cell phone ran out of Airtime last night while Carroll was talking to our Host Friends in Johannesburg so we had to find a store that could sell and install the Airtime as we are not real Techys when it comes to Cell phome.
Then we still had time to kill before the MH was ready so we did some grocery shopping.
When we got to the Wash Rack they were just finishing up the polish job. Since half of the day was now shot, we decided to spend the next few hours at the Beach and this time we chose Gordon's Bay but still on the Indian Ocean, on the advise of a few people but it was not as nice ( there are no bad Beaches in ZA )as the one in Strand, plus the wind was blowing off shore so there was no waves to body surf. We arrive home around 4 PM and as we drove by the pool in the camp site it looked inviting and the temp was in the mid 30's , so we spend another 1 1/2 at the pool. By now it was a little past " Miller Time " and who am I to miss Happy Hours, especially when the neighbour expect you to be there.
Just another gorgerous day in Paradise.
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
26 th and 27 th Dec... Wine Tours/ Tastings
We took a 2 day Pass for wine tours just so we could visit the winery's, taste the wines and not have to drive while " Potentially " under the influence. These winery's are not just a tasting room where they pour you a dribble of wine and hope you purchase a bottle or two. These winery's are really upscale and most have a resturaunt and some also have a " Guest House " which is a B and B to us. On the 26 th we went to a Brandy distillery. I'm sure you all know that Brandy comes from grapes but it is the process and the length of time it takes to make good brandy that was interesting. We were toured thru the processing plant, then to the storage area where the Brandy is store in a " Zillion " Oak barrels. The fumes from the evaporation is so strong that a Flash Bulb could cause a fire so we could not take cameras into the Oak storeage area. One intersting aspect was the Old "Cooper" ( a barrel maker ) demostating how a barrels was constructed right from cutting the right angle on the Barrel stave. Of course, nowadays they use machines to cut,shape and groove the pieces but it still takes a Cooper to construct the barrels and this company employes 20 Coopers so you can imagine the amount of Brandy they turn out. You could taste up to 5 different ages of Brandy but I opted for 10 yr old and 12 yr Old. Carroll took the 20 yr old, not for her but for me.
After tasting the Brandy's, the tour guide ask for opinions and everyone lied and said it was great. Then she ask me; I said your 10 yr old was like gasoline; your 12 yr old was a better grade of diesel but the 20 yr old was as smooth as anything I have every drank. She agreed with me. Carroll purchase some fruit cake made with Brandy but we have not tasted it yet.
We visited a total of 5 winerys and most will give you a taste of 5 wines from a selection of 10 or 12. they usually pour a generous shot.
Our tour had 5 people from Switzerland, and 3 from German. The Swiss come to ZA often as it is a direct, 12 hour flight with no time change, so they do not feel the jet lag. Much the same for the Germans. We did have a few interesting conversations but the Germans were there to drink.
On the 27 th we had a different crew on our Tour. We had a young Cdn couple who are presently living in Thailand and working for the Cdn Embassy. We also had a young guy from Italy who spoke good English and a German guy who lives and works in Switzerland. He spoke fluent English. This was a tour of 5 winerys but one winery gave us a rundown on the process for making different wines and a walk thru of the "Cellar" , actually where they store the wine in bottles and we did the tasting of several varities as we ended each Cellar. Apparently from Jan , when they start picking until early apr; the Brew Master and his crew are on 24/7 with little or no time off.
However, the highlight of the day was swapping stories with the other people on the tour. The young couple from Thailand said we must come to Thailand as it is the safes country in the world. The young lady says she never hesitates to go shopping by herself. It was another great day in ZA
After tasting the Brandy's, the tour guide ask for opinions and everyone lied and said it was great. Then she ask me; I said your 10 yr old was like gasoline; your 12 yr old was a better grade of diesel but the 20 yr old was as smooth as anything I have every drank. She agreed with me. Carroll purchase some fruit cake made with Brandy but we have not tasted it yet.
We visited a total of 5 winerys and most will give you a taste of 5 wines from a selection of 10 or 12. they usually pour a generous shot.
Our tour had 5 people from Switzerland, and 3 from German. The Swiss come to ZA often as it is a direct, 12 hour flight with no time change, so they do not feel the jet lag. Much the same for the Germans. We did have a few interesting conversations but the Germans were there to drink.
On the 27 th we had a different crew on our Tour. We had a young Cdn couple who are presently living in Thailand and working for the Cdn Embassy. We also had a young guy from Italy who spoke good English and a German guy who lives and works in Switzerland. He spoke fluent English. This was a tour of 5 winerys but one winery gave us a rundown on the process for making different wines and a walk thru of the "Cellar" , actually where they store the wine in bottles and we did the tasting of several varities as we ended each Cellar. Apparently from Jan , when they start picking until early apr; the Brew Master and his crew are on 24/7 with little or no time off.
However, the highlight of the day was swapping stories with the other people on the tour. The young couple from Thailand said we must come to Thailand as it is the safes country in the world. The young lady says she never hesitates to go shopping by herself. It was another great day in ZA
Sunday, 25 December 2011
Christmas Day in ZA
Let me just say the Christmas is no big deal with the ZA people that we are camped with nor the ones I have talk to. The stores certainly are not into Christmas in a big way. Being a Santa Claus ( Father Christmas to them )is about as interesting as a 1942 newspaper. There are about 2 dozen little kids in the park and of course the parent brought some gifts along but it does not carry the same "pazza" or excitement as getting gifts under a beautiful Christmas tree. Some folks went to church but many just carried on like any other day.
After breakfast we decide to tour the city of Stellenbosch since all the stores were closed and the streets where vacant. That way we could just meander around without being pushed by the traffic. I will say that the drivers are very polite, in that they seldom honk their horn, by they do speed by you, whether they have the right away or not. I am convinced that running a Red light is their "Fourth National sport" behind Soccer; Rugy and Crichet. I ask a tour driver if the speed limit on all freeways was 120 KMH and without hesitation he said No; that is our "take-off" speed, cruising speed is a little higher.
We had scheduled our Christmas dinner at a local resturaunt for 2 PM but changed it to 1 PM so we could hit the Beach again today. The meal came with a "Starter" and a dessert. Anyhow, the serviced seem slow but we we seen that the waitresses were busy so we waited: until two table who came after us got served ahead of us ; so I got a knot in face and let the waitress know I was unhappy. Apparently, our order got lost, which of course only happens to the Eslers. Since our dinner took 2 hours, it was to late to hit the beach so we returned to camp and went to the camp swimming pool, which was a relief from the heat. It was very hot and muggie today but I do not know the temp but I would guess in the high 30's. Apparently they don't have thermometers in ZA. It is either Hot, Cool or rainning and if you can't tell the difference you are in trouble.
The evening cooled off very nicely so we sat around the fire. Merry christmas to All
After breakfast we decide to tour the city of Stellenbosch since all the stores were closed and the streets where vacant. That way we could just meander around without being pushed by the traffic. I will say that the drivers are very polite, in that they seldom honk their horn, by they do speed by you, whether they have the right away or not. I am convinced that running a Red light is their "Fourth National sport" behind Soccer; Rugy and Crichet. I ask a tour driver if the speed limit on all freeways was 120 KMH and without hesitation he said No; that is our "take-off" speed, cruising speed is a little higher.
We had scheduled our Christmas dinner at a local resturaunt for 2 PM but changed it to 1 PM so we could hit the Beach again today. The meal came with a "Starter" and a dessert. Anyhow, the serviced seem slow but we we seen that the waitresses were busy so we waited: until two table who came after us got served ahead of us ; so I got a knot in face and let the waitress know I was unhappy. Apparently, our order got lost, which of course only happens to the Eslers. Since our dinner took 2 hours, it was to late to hit the beach so we returned to camp and went to the camp swimming pool, which was a relief from the heat. It was very hot and muggie today but I do not know the temp but I would guess in the high 30's. Apparently they don't have thermometers in ZA. It is either Hot, Cool or rainning and if you can't tell the difference you are in trouble.
The evening cooled off very nicely so we sat around the fire. Merry christmas to All
Saturday, 24 December 2011
24 Dec Christmas Eve
Today we decided to visit a small city/town, some 4o KM away and maybe just maybe drop in to one of the 152 winery along the way. Well, the town was full of excitment for sure. First, it appears to be a town that provides the winery's and Olive Groves with workers so it is mainly a " Black " town and that was obvious. Also there was two funerals going on at the same time and they appeared to be mainly Black people. What got our attention was that a Bus delivered the people from the church to the cemetary. However, when you think about it most Blacks do not have a vehicle , especially if they are just a farm worker and you will understand why later in this Blog.
Since it was hot and the excitment about the funerals was over we decide to head for the closes beach which was in Strand , about 55 KM away. However, we thought we would drop into a winery, grab a few " Tastings " and possibly some Lunch. But along the way we spotted an Olive farm with a " We are Open : come on in for a Taste " sign, so in we go. The owner was most congenial and gave us the entire rundown on growing, processing and selling the Olives. We tasted Green, Black ( actually purple )and dried ( not my cup of tea ) salted black Olive. He also processes Extra Vigin Olive oil and he walked us there that process. He advised us that once you open a glass bottle of Olive oil you will let air in and it starts to oxidize the oil causing it to go Ransach quickly. To overcome this problem he has started to bottle his Olive Oil in a plastic wine cask and that way no air can get in the container when you open and close the valve.
Moving on with the story, this farmer also grows " eating " grapes which are very hard to manage as they need the right amount of sun to reach there proper sugar content. He says he should be picking this week but due to the cool temperature he is at least 2 weeks behind hence his customers ( Woolworths ) are waiting for the grapes. He has 125 hectarces of both Grapes and Olive and I forget the split but he says he is moving to 100 percent Olives once the grapes are past there prime growing age. We ask about labour and he says he has 20 full time workers who live on the premises in housing provided by him. When picking is in full swing he picks up 20 to 40 workers each day in the nearby town. We ask about the pay and he say a new worker gets R6.50 ( 1.00 cdn ) per hour and the ones who come every year get up to R8.50 ( 1.50 Cdn ) per hour. Now you know why the workes don't have a vehicle.
The farmer spent about 1 1/2 hours answering our question and providing us with the info. He also said he spent 6 months during one winter in Nippawon , Sk and I said and you servived. He said some friend took him Ice Fishing which he thought was quite novel since they do not have ice here. I said, what hell took you to Sask and he said his EX-wife who is a doctor was covering for a cdn doctor.
After leaving the Olive farm, and since it was around 1 PM we headed for the Beach ( Indian Ocean ) and stayed there for 3 or 4 hours. The water was beautiful and the sun was " Tan " perfect.
So: you ask, what are we doing Christmas Eve. Well, we bar-b-Q steak for supper and we will sit around the fire, like 50 plus other campers waiting on Santa. Merry christmas to all
Since it was hot and the excitment about the funerals was over we decide to head for the closes beach which was in Strand , about 55 KM away. However, we thought we would drop into a winery, grab a few " Tastings " and possibly some Lunch. But along the way we spotted an Olive farm with a " We are Open : come on in for a Taste " sign, so in we go. The owner was most congenial and gave us the entire rundown on growing, processing and selling the Olives. We tasted Green, Black ( actually purple )and dried ( not my cup of tea ) salted black Olive. He also processes Extra Vigin Olive oil and he walked us there that process. He advised us that once you open a glass bottle of Olive oil you will let air in and it starts to oxidize the oil causing it to go Ransach quickly. To overcome this problem he has started to bottle his Olive Oil in a plastic wine cask and that way no air can get in the container when you open and close the valve.
Moving on with the story, this farmer also grows " eating " grapes which are very hard to manage as they need the right amount of sun to reach there proper sugar content. He says he should be picking this week but due to the cool temperature he is at least 2 weeks behind hence his customers ( Woolworths ) are waiting for the grapes. He has 125 hectarces of both Grapes and Olive and I forget the split but he says he is moving to 100 percent Olives once the grapes are past there prime growing age. We ask about labour and he says he has 20 full time workers who live on the premises in housing provided by him. When picking is in full swing he picks up 20 to 40 workers each day in the nearby town. We ask about the pay and he say a new worker gets R6.50 ( 1.00 cdn ) per hour and the ones who come every year get up to R8.50 ( 1.50 Cdn ) per hour. Now you know why the workes don't have a vehicle.
The farmer spent about 1 1/2 hours answering our question and providing us with the info. He also said he spent 6 months during one winter in Nippawon , Sk and I said and you servived. He said some friend took him Ice Fishing which he thought was quite novel since they do not have ice here. I said, what hell took you to Sask and he said his EX-wife who is a doctor was covering for a cdn doctor.
After leaving the Olive farm, and since it was around 1 PM we headed for the Beach ( Indian Ocean ) and stayed there for 3 or 4 hours. The water was beautiful and the sun was " Tan " perfect.
So: you ask, what are we doing Christmas Eve. Well, we bar-b-Q steak for supper and we will sit around the fire, like 50 plus other campers waiting on Santa. Merry christmas to all
Friday, 23 December 2011
23 Dec Friday Wine Tour.
Today we decided to drive along one of the many wine tour route in this area. First I will tell you that Stellenbasch has 135,000 population of which 22,000 are University students. And there are 152 Winery's within a 20 KM Radius of Stellenbosch. Just try to falthom that if you can.
I must also tell you that a winery does not have to be a large grape farm in one area. As an example, we stopped at one winery and they only had 17 hecacres at the home winery but they had 2 other farms somewhere in the area. Which only makes sense when you think about it as you can't make several wines from the same grapes grown in the same field with the same soil.
Many of the winery's also have a lunch plate of several different cheeses, bread, several meats and olives , pickles and sauces. We had that plate for lunch. Some winery's have a resturaunts and even a conference rooms.
One of the several we stopped at today blew me away with the decor and the ambience. It was 5 star all the way. This farm also grew olives but did not process them. I have been told that others also have strawberries and/or other fruits. However, by the look of the grounds and the tasting area, there must be " Bokoo" dollars in winery's.
After I had enough tasting, we drove to the town of Francshoek which is a quaint, but busy tourist town. The resturaunts where many and seemed to be side by side and most were very busy. I ask, what was the ocassion and I was told it is like that every day during there summer.
We then dropped into two more winery's on the return trip and I limited myself to two small sips as i am the only driver. But I'm sure you could easier get drunk as the do poor a stiff tasting shot and there is no limit. I was even ask if I wanted to taste any for the 2nd time just to decide which i like best. Of course I declined.
We stopped at the grocery store on the way home and a guy was going thru the garbage can for food so I went and bought him a sandwich and wish him a Merry Christmas. However, in hind sight I doubt he will have a merry Christmas.
I must also tell you that a winery does not have to be a large grape farm in one area. As an example, we stopped at one winery and they only had 17 hecacres at the home winery but they had 2 other farms somewhere in the area. Which only makes sense when you think about it as you can't make several wines from the same grapes grown in the same field with the same soil.
Many of the winery's also have a lunch plate of several different cheeses, bread, several meats and olives , pickles and sauces. We had that plate for lunch. Some winery's have a resturaunts and even a conference rooms.
One of the several we stopped at today blew me away with the decor and the ambience. It was 5 star all the way. This farm also grew olives but did not process them. I have been told that others also have strawberries and/or other fruits. However, by the look of the grounds and the tasting area, there must be " Bokoo" dollars in winery's.
After I had enough tasting, we drove to the town of Francshoek which is a quaint, but busy tourist town. The resturaunts where many and seemed to be side by side and most were very busy. I ask, what was the ocassion and I was told it is like that every day during there summer.
We then dropped into two more winery's on the return trip and I limited myself to two small sips as i am the only driver. But I'm sure you could easier get drunk as the do poor a stiff tasting shot and there is no limit. I was even ask if I wanted to taste any for the 2nd time just to decide which i like best. Of course I declined.
We stopped at the grocery store on the way home and a guy was going thru the garbage can for food so I went and bought him a sandwich and wish him a Merry Christmas. However, in hind sight I doubt he will have a merry Christmas.
Thursday, 22 December 2011
22 Dec Thursday Stellenbosch
We left our camp site in Hermanus for a lesiurely 1 1/2 hour drive to Stellenbosch, where we will call home until 31 Dec. Stellenbosch is the wine capital of ZA, but more about that later and you will hear other " wine tour " stories in the next several days. The first city we met on the way was Somerset West and it has a huge mall which I needed because my iPad had run out of Airtime. I guess I'm on the computer too often but what the heck!!
We found the Vodafone shop as there is at least 2 in every mall. They definitely have a corner on the Cell phone market , however, Cell "C" is their competion and it is the cell phone that we have. The young guy at Vodafone started to ask me technical questions about the SIM card and I was lost so I said, hold on a minute and produced a copy of my last purchase of airtime. He said that will do, punched some numbers into the computer, and ask me how much airtime I wanted so I told him 500 MB and paid him. So in about a minute I was on my way.
So now we are headed for Stellenbosch which we thought was an hour down the road but surprisingly enough, there are very few mileage signs on the highway, just city or town signs so we were not sure of the distance. In about 20 mins we were in Stellenbosch and drove right past our camp site but that was not our first mission anyhow. We were heading for the main Mall to pick up out tickets for Victoria Falls as the Cape Town office did not have them ready when we were there a week ago so they were going to fwd the info to the Stellenbosch office. We walked into the Flight Centre and I identified myself , assuming my name would ring a bell. Not a chance, the lady had no info about us and had never been contacted by the Cape town office and i thought " Here Goes trouble ". She said , do you have a name or a number I can call and I said, I have an email from Austin Edwards that says you have our tickets and itinerary. She said can i see the email , so i whipped out my iPad, pulled up the email and handed the iPad to her. She started to laugh and said " the magic of technology". She said to give her 20 mins to get all the deatails so we went to our favourite breakfast/lunch cafe called the " Mugg and Bean " where they also provide Free WiFi.
After picking up our ticket etc; we headed to the camp site to sign in. We were advised that they only deal in cash so I had to fork over R2000 for the site and another R200 ( refundable ) for the remote to open the gate. I only had R3000 on me as that is all I can get at one time from the ATM and I paid R120 for the Airtime so i'm getting low on cash. Also, I like to use NedBank ATM as they sometimes give me R5000. So now, Carroll ask the lady at the camp site about a place to reserve for Christmas Dinner and she called around and got one but we had to visit the place and pay R300 to reserve a seat. I'm sure you can see were I'm going... I'm running out of money so we decided to go to the Information Centre, get a list of things to do for the next week and then get some money and groceries. The Info centre was very helpful: getting money from the ATM was a different story. We parked at the Grocery store; convinced the parking marshall we would pay him when we returned and headed for an ATM at my favourite bank. There where 2 ATM machines outside the bank and it is closed because they close at 3 PM. I put my card in the machine and it ate my card and there is nobdy to help me. Luckily a lady came along and she seen my fustration and inquired. She went to my machine and played with the buttons to no avail. So she goes to the other machine and it ate her card. Now she is really mad and I found out that you do not want to Piss this lady off. She goes to the bank door and motions for someone to help but they ignore her. Then a lady comes out of the bank so she ask the lady for help but she convince me and her that the machine will eventually return the card. Neither me or the lady is buying that BS so she phones the bank and they answer; incidentally, it is her bank. Finally a lady comes out of the Bank to inform us that help is on the way and they will retrieve our card; and I'm thinking no way. Finally a "Loomis " type truck arrives with an Armed Guard and they retireve our cards but they hand them over to the bank lady. She takes both of us inside the bank and we have to sign a document plus produce my Passport to get my cardback. The Loomis guys says to try the machine as he "rebooted "it. I said, no way: One bitten.. Twice shy. thanks but I'll try another machine which I did.
So finally we get to shop for some groceries, which was our original plan then return to our camp site and make supper. Incidentally it has been rainning since noon but starting tomorrow it will be nothing but sunshine for the rest of the year
We found the Vodafone shop as there is at least 2 in every mall. They definitely have a corner on the Cell phone market , however, Cell "C" is their competion and it is the cell phone that we have. The young guy at Vodafone started to ask me technical questions about the SIM card and I was lost so I said, hold on a minute and produced a copy of my last purchase of airtime. He said that will do, punched some numbers into the computer, and ask me how much airtime I wanted so I told him 500 MB and paid him. So in about a minute I was on my way.
So now we are headed for Stellenbosch which we thought was an hour down the road but surprisingly enough, there are very few mileage signs on the highway, just city or town signs so we were not sure of the distance. In about 20 mins we were in Stellenbosch and drove right past our camp site but that was not our first mission anyhow. We were heading for the main Mall to pick up out tickets for Victoria Falls as the Cape Town office did not have them ready when we were there a week ago so they were going to fwd the info to the Stellenbosch office. We walked into the Flight Centre and I identified myself , assuming my name would ring a bell. Not a chance, the lady had no info about us and had never been contacted by the Cape town office and i thought " Here Goes trouble ". She said , do you have a name or a number I can call and I said, I have an email from Austin Edwards that says you have our tickets and itinerary. She said can i see the email , so i whipped out my iPad, pulled up the email and handed the iPad to her. She started to laugh and said " the magic of technology". She said to give her 20 mins to get all the deatails so we went to our favourite breakfast/lunch cafe called the " Mugg and Bean " where they also provide Free WiFi.
After picking up our ticket etc; we headed to the camp site to sign in. We were advised that they only deal in cash so I had to fork over R2000 for the site and another R200 ( refundable ) for the remote to open the gate. I only had R3000 on me as that is all I can get at one time from the ATM and I paid R120 for the Airtime so i'm getting low on cash. Also, I like to use NedBank ATM as they sometimes give me R5000. So now, Carroll ask the lady at the camp site about a place to reserve for Christmas Dinner and she called around and got one but we had to visit the place and pay R300 to reserve a seat. I'm sure you can see were I'm going... I'm running out of money so we decided to go to the Information Centre, get a list of things to do for the next week and then get some money and groceries. The Info centre was very helpful: getting money from the ATM was a different story. We parked at the Grocery store; convinced the parking marshall we would pay him when we returned and headed for an ATM at my favourite bank. There where 2 ATM machines outside the bank and it is closed because they close at 3 PM. I put my card in the machine and it ate my card and there is nobdy to help me. Luckily a lady came along and she seen my fustration and inquired. She went to my machine and played with the buttons to no avail. So she goes to the other machine and it ate her card. Now she is really mad and I found out that you do not want to Piss this lady off. She goes to the bank door and motions for someone to help but they ignore her. Then a lady comes out of the bank so she ask the lady for help but she convince me and her that the machine will eventually return the card. Neither me or the lady is buying that BS so she phones the bank and they answer; incidentally, it is her bank. Finally a lady comes out of the Bank to inform us that help is on the way and they will retrieve our card; and I'm thinking no way. Finally a "Loomis " type truck arrives with an Armed Guard and they retireve our cards but they hand them over to the bank lady. She takes both of us inside the bank and we have to sign a document plus produce my Passport to get my cardback. The Loomis guys says to try the machine as he "rebooted "it. I said, no way: One bitten.. Twice shy. thanks but I'll try another machine which I did.
So finally we get to shop for some groceries, which was our original plan then return to our camp site and make supper. Incidentally it has been rainning since noon but starting tomorrow it will be nothing but sunshine for the rest of the year
21 Dec. wedesday winery
Carroll decide it was time to wash clothes and since the camp site did not have a laundry facility we had to try to find one in Hermanus which should be fairly easy. So we went to the information bldg and ask. Luckily there was one around corner but they don't allow you to wash it yourself and Carroll wanted to do her own as she had some stains on a few shirts and tops. Carroll thought she spotted another one when we past a Strip Mall so in we go. They also do the laundry for you so Carroll, said go ahead. This was about 10 AM and our laundry would not be ready until 5 PM. So now we had to kill the rest of the day. How better to do that, then to check out the Winery Route. The Wineries are located in the mountains along a 30 KM stretch of road just outside of Hermanus.
We drove along the road admiring the Mansions that these poor Grapes Growers are living in. The grapes are not ready to be picked until Feb but most farms had many " Blacks" spraying the crops or what seemed like they were trimming the plants. Finally we drove into one winery for a taste and possibly lunch. I did a taste of 3 or 4 wines and Carroll ask about lunch and they did not do lunches anymore even thought they advertised it. A couple from the UK heard Carroll ask about lunch and sent us down the road to another Winery ,with a Resturaunt, high in the mountain ( actually a high hill ) overlooking the valley, with a magnificate veiw.
This winery grows their own grapes and make their own wine. It also grows Olives but does not process them. Not all wineries grow their own grapes and not all grape groaners make there own wine. And some growers blend their wine with other growers. Anyhow I tasted about 5 or 6 wines and decide that I had reached my DUI level since it is 0.05 in ZA. Then we decided to have lunch, and OMG was it good. I had what they called Rump but I call steak and Carroll had Almond Chicken. As per normal , we drummed up a conversation with a man at the next table who was from Sweden. He comes to Hermanus every year for 8 weeks during Dec and Jan. He did mention his wife, so Carroll says, were is she. He says ( with a straight face) she is a nurse and it was her turn to work Christmas and New Years so she won't be coming until the 3 rd of Jan. Now I 'm thinking that must be " grounds" for divorce.
By this time the afternoon had " whiled" away so we headed back to Hermanus and drove around the marina and along marine drive checking out the upscale house that are within a stone throw of the township area where the Blacks line in their small tin shacks.
Since it was getting close to 5 PM we went to the laundry shop, picked up the laundry which cost 17.00, picked up some groceries and called it a day. This is our last day in Hermanus as we go to Stellenbach tomorrow until the 31 dec.
We drove along the road admiring the Mansions that these poor Grapes Growers are living in. The grapes are not ready to be picked until Feb but most farms had many " Blacks" spraying the crops or what seemed like they were trimming the plants. Finally we drove into one winery for a taste and possibly lunch. I did a taste of 3 or 4 wines and Carroll ask about lunch and they did not do lunches anymore even thought they advertised it. A couple from the UK heard Carroll ask about lunch and sent us down the road to another Winery ,with a Resturaunt, high in the mountain ( actually a high hill ) overlooking the valley, with a magnificate veiw.
This winery grows their own grapes and make their own wine. It also grows Olives but does not process them. Not all wineries grow their own grapes and not all grape groaners make there own wine. And some growers blend their wine with other growers. Anyhow I tasted about 5 or 6 wines and decide that I had reached my DUI level since it is 0.05 in ZA. Then we decided to have lunch, and OMG was it good. I had what they called Rump but I call steak and Carroll had Almond Chicken. As per normal , we drummed up a conversation with a man at the next table who was from Sweden. He comes to Hermanus every year for 8 weeks during Dec and Jan. He did mention his wife, so Carroll says, were is she. He says ( with a straight face) she is a nurse and it was her turn to work Christmas and New Years so she won't be coming until the 3 rd of Jan. Now I 'm thinking that must be " grounds" for divorce.
By this time the afternoon had " whiled" away so we headed back to Hermanus and drove around the marina and along marine drive checking out the upscale house that are within a stone throw of the township area where the Blacks line in their small tin shacks.
Since it was getting close to 5 PM we went to the laundry shop, picked up the laundry which cost 17.00, picked up some groceries and called it a day. This is our last day in Hermanus as we go to Stellenbach tomorrow until the 31 dec.
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
20 Dec Tuesday packing and beach day
Today was programmed for us to do inventory and to try to pack and repack until we got most of the ZA purchases into the large hockey. We are not sure if we will have room to bring any of our clothes home now that the big bag is full.
We took everything out of the camper, catologue it because, sure as hell, someone is going ask us what we are bringing back to Canada and my memory is like a seive and Carroll doesn't have one. The dam giaffe was about 3 to 4 inches longer then the bag but Carroll being a "Geometery Major " elongated the bag in opposite corners and "Bravo" the Giraffe is packed. Now everything else had to fit around it. But by Carroll's packing majic most of the " stuff " was in the bag ready for the trip home.
The next exercise was to "Shoe Horn " it back into the storage area in the MH without breaking anything. Mission accomplished and the morning was shot.
So now we had the afternoon to worry about so we headed for the beach again and spent the entire afternoon Body Surfing, polishing our Tan, reading and snoozing. Yeh !!! basically we just wasted the day in beautiful ZA. Then we had supper and sat around the fire until it was lights out. Life's not bad!!!!
We took everything out of the camper, catologue it because, sure as hell, someone is going ask us what we are bringing back to Canada and my memory is like a seive and Carroll doesn't have one. The dam giaffe was about 3 to 4 inches longer then the bag but Carroll being a "Geometery Major " elongated the bag in opposite corners and "Bravo" the Giraffe is packed. Now everything else had to fit around it. But by Carroll's packing majic most of the " stuff " was in the bag ready for the trip home.
The next exercise was to "Shoe Horn " it back into the storage area in the MH without breaking anything. Mission accomplished and the morning was shot.
So now we had the afternoon to worry about so we headed for the beach again and spent the entire afternoon Body Surfing, polishing our Tan, reading and snoozing. Yeh !!! basically we just wasted the day in beautiful ZA. Then we had supper and sat around the fire until it was lights out. Life's not bad!!!!
Monday, 19 December 2011
19 Dec Monday trip to Gordon's Bay and area
As you probably noticed, I got the wrong date on Sunday. Today we took a 65 KM drive of which 30 KM was a,long the coast line on the edge of the mountains, passing thru several small beach lined hamlets, namely Klienmond, Betty's Bay and Rocky Point, home of the small Africa Penquin. The mountain drive provided beautiful scenery that we never seem to get enough of. We reached Gordon's Bay as we neared our destination and it is another tourist town that never seems to run out of beaches. It is not hard to see why it attracts visitors from Cape Town and other areas of ZA with it's many beaches, caravan parks, chalets B and B and guest house .
Gordon's Bay actually runs into another city of about 50,000 ( just my guess as they do not post the population) but it too has miles of Beach Waterfront. We decide to stop by and take a stroll on the waterfront and we just happen to stumble into a Mall. Carroll just wanted to " look" which means that I have to get out my credit card. She found a dress shop and after a half hour of " try on's " she left with 2 outfits which I advised her , was her birthday present since she got ear rings earlier in the week for Christmas.
Then we cruised along the waterfront until we came to a huge Mall in the city of Somerset. It was fairly crowded with Christmas shoppers but I needed to visit a Vodafone store to ask about checking my SIM card in my iPad. As it turned out I could not remember my password ( I have too dam many of them ) so that idea failed. Then we walked thru the mall looking for a sweater for Carroll, as she burnt a hole in the only one she brought. And yes we do need a sweater on some evenings. Then we grabbed some lunch and since the guy next to me was friendly, we had a conversation about politic and mainly their gov't and it policies.
Then we headed home and on the way we stopped at a " Farm Stall" for coffee. A Farm Stall is a coffee shop/ resturaunt/ small grocery store and this one had a bakery all in one. We also found room for desert which we definely did not need but had it in lieu of supper. After our coffee wE drove home and just " wasted" the rest of the day. I should mention that the neighbour gave us a Lobster about 7 pm so we could not refuse such an offer so we cooked it and that was supper. Yep !!!! That's how to waste a day in ZA.
Gordon's Bay actually runs into another city of about 50,000 ( just my guess as they do not post the population) but it too has miles of Beach Waterfront. We decide to stop by and take a stroll on the waterfront and we just happen to stumble into a Mall. Carroll just wanted to " look" which means that I have to get out my credit card. She found a dress shop and after a half hour of " try on's " she left with 2 outfits which I advised her , was her birthday present since she got ear rings earlier in the week for Christmas.
Then we cruised along the waterfront until we came to a huge Mall in the city of Somerset. It was fairly crowded with Christmas shoppers but I needed to visit a Vodafone store to ask about checking my SIM card in my iPad. As it turned out I could not remember my password ( I have too dam many of them ) so that idea failed. Then we walked thru the mall looking for a sweater for Carroll, as she burnt a hole in the only one she brought. And yes we do need a sweater on some evenings. Then we grabbed some lunch and since the guy next to me was friendly, we had a conversation about politic and mainly their gov't and it policies.
Then we headed home and on the way we stopped at a " Farm Stall" for coffee. A Farm Stall is a coffee shop/ resturaunt/ small grocery store and this one had a bakery all in one. We also found room for desert which we definely did not need but had it in lieu of supper. After our coffee wE drove home and just " wasted" the rest of the day. I should mention that the neighbour gave us a Lobster about 7 pm so we could not refuse such an offer so we cooked it and that was supper. Yep !!!! That's how to waste a day in ZA.
19 Dec Sunday Beach Day
This will be short because it was a beach day and the beach areas are everywhere along the Indian ocean. Our camp site, although on the water does not have a " swimming " beach. So we chose Grotto beach, some 8 KM away , on the outskirts of Hermanus. There was a charge of R 10 to enter the parking lot and the road that bordered the shore line. I believe this is another make work project because they had 3 people doing the work of one person. One lady said it will cost you R10 and I said OK so she told another lady to give me a reciept and the third lady took my money. Such is the way to employ more people ZA.
We proceeded to the parking area and it was full but the road actually continue for at least another KM or two so we drove along until we found a road side parking spot . The walk to the beach wzas no more than 100 ft and when we seen it; it was unbelievable beautiful. There must have been a 1000 people there but when you spread them over several KM of beach it was not crowded. The waves were great for body during and Boggy Boarding and you could walk out about 300 m before you got your " Bingo Card" wet, so it was great for kids and non- swimmers like Carroll.
We spent 4 hrs at beach, swimming, reading our books, enhancing our Tan and even grabbing a short snooze. I enhanced my Tan on my upper legs a little too much, but such are the hazards I have to endure.
We return to our camp site, killed a couple of beer, Bar-B-Q lamb. Chops for supper and called it a day. Life's a Beach in ZA
We proceeded to the parking area and it was full but the road actually continue for at least another KM or two so we drove along until we found a road side parking spot . The walk to the beach wzas no more than 100 ft and when we seen it; it was unbelievable beautiful. There must have been a 1000 people there but when you spread them over several KM of beach it was not crowded. The waves were great for body during and Boggy Boarding and you could walk out about 300 m before you got your " Bingo Card" wet, so it was great for kids and non- swimmers like Carroll.
We spent 4 hrs at beach, swimming, reading our books, enhancing our Tan and even grabbing a short snooze. I enhanced my Tan on my upper legs a little too much, but such are the hazards I have to endure.
We return to our camp site, killed a couple of beer, Bar-B-Q lamb. Chops for supper and called it a day. Life's a Beach in ZA
Sunday, 18 December 2011
17Dec Saturday Winery
Our plans for today was to visit the Saturday market in Hermanus, some 7 KM away,as they have a Saturday market and we are the curious type to see what is there. And we thought we would visit another small coastal town and end the day by checking our a few winerys. So we headed for town and " holy moly" the traffic was lined up for 2 or 3 KM both way. Since we could not see an accident we guessed in must be volume and it was, so we crept along for about 20 minutes and finally reached town. Our next move was to find a parking spot and we are just too lucky as the parking lot Marshall, who I mentioned prevoiusly seen us coming and motioned that someone was leaving, so in we go.
Then we walked around the market and a lady had something ( I forgot the name but another name is probably a heart attack on a bun ) that was a deep fried bun filled with curried rice and hamburg mixed. I heard a guy ask for one so I inquired aboutit and she gave me a taster. Since they are the size of a big Mac, Carroll and I split one.
Then we headed for another small town about 20 KM away called Sanford and since they had a information station we dropped in to see what was cooking in theira town. To be perfectly honest not much was doing but they did have a craft sale and a " Boot Sale" . Now I know you are dying to know what a Boot sale is so I'll tell you. It is a garage sale but they sell the items out of the trunk of the car, which they call a " Boot ". Anyhow the lady at the info booth was very knowledgable so we inquired about a wine tour so she gave us a map of the wineries. We wanted one that served lunch so she recommended several but advised us to phone ahead so we called one and off we go. After 5 KM we turned off to another road and the sign said 16 KM and it was gravel. As it turns out is was a good gravel road and it was a scenic drive thru, dairy farms and wine country. Then we arrived at the winery, actually the owners house and OMG is was a mansion and we were the only customers. Willie the owner met us at the door, and the his wife Annetia met us and they ushered us into there wine tasting/dinning room with a gorgerous view of their grape fields. We tasted 3 wines and then Anntetia served us a wonderful lunch of cheeses, cold meats, bread and crackers. We talked for about 2 1/2 hours discusing everything from wines to politics to farming and of course I also need to here about the history of ZA. Before leaving, Willie and Annetia insisted that we visit another small town and stop for a coffee at the cafe called " Coffee on the Rocks as it is located overlooking the rocky shores of the Indian Ocean. It was another gorgerous view and the owner dropped over to our table and chatted for about 10 or 15 mins. The ZA people are friendly beyond words and are very helpful. It is the people who have made our trip so wonderful.
Then we walked around the market and a lady had something ( I forgot the name but another name is probably a heart attack on a bun ) that was a deep fried bun filled with curried rice and hamburg mixed. I heard a guy ask for one so I inquired aboutit and she gave me a taster. Since they are the size of a big Mac, Carroll and I split one.
Then we headed for another small town about 20 KM away called Sanford and since they had a information station we dropped in to see what was cooking in theira town. To be perfectly honest not much was doing but they did have a craft sale and a " Boot Sale" . Now I know you are dying to know what a Boot sale is so I'll tell you. It is a garage sale but they sell the items out of the trunk of the car, which they call a " Boot ". Anyhow the lady at the info booth was very knowledgable so we inquired about a wine tour so she gave us a map of the wineries. We wanted one that served lunch so she recommended several but advised us to phone ahead so we called one and off we go. After 5 KM we turned off to another road and the sign said 16 KM and it was gravel. As it turns out is was a good gravel road and it was a scenic drive thru, dairy farms and wine country. Then we arrived at the winery, actually the owners house and OMG is was a mansion and we were the only customers. Willie the owner met us at the door, and the his wife Annetia met us and they ushered us into there wine tasting/dinning room with a gorgerous view of their grape fields. We tasted 3 wines and then Anntetia served us a wonderful lunch of cheeses, cold meats, bread and crackers. We talked for about 2 1/2 hours discusing everything from wines to politics to farming and of course I also need to here about the history of ZA. Before leaving, Willie and Annetia insisted that we visit another small town and stop for a coffee at the cafe called " Coffee on the Rocks as it is located overlooking the rocky shores of the Indian Ocean. It was another gorgerous view and the owner dropped over to our table and chatted for about 10 or 15 mins. The ZA people are friendly beyond words and are very helpful. It is the people who have made our trip so wonderful.
Friday, 16 December 2011
15Dec Thursday Hermanus
Another slow day. We drove 7 km to Hermanus, another exciting little town of approxi 5000, which has just about everything a tourist could ask for. The was very busy for a small town so we inquired about the reason and found out it was their Independance day holiday on Friday so everyone was shopping. I believe the Blacks call it " the anniversary for Nelson Mendela getting released from prison" after 27 years. It was also the start of the summer holidays that coincides with christmas so everyone heads for the Beaches and goes camping. Anyhow, we joined the rush and did some window shopping and some people watching and we also watch the ocean go in an out.
The parking is somewhat different from home. Here they have " parking marshalls " who patrol a certain block or parking lot. You pull into a lot and tell them you will pay when you return because you are not sure how long you will be. They punch your licence number into their hand held computer, it registers the time and when you return to your vehicle they print out a receipt and that is what you owe. Can you imagine how many marshals you would need for Toronto. But it works for the small towns.
Carroll was looking for some Tansanite ear rings ( incidentally I said it came ZA but it actually come from Tanzania where the suppy will be mined out in 20 years and they do not expect to find anymore ), so she entered a jewlery store but they did not have any Tansanite so the clerk walked Carroll down the street to another store, walked in the store but the owner and clerk where busy, so she went behind the counter, opened the case and took out a " tree stand" of ear rings and then said the clerk will be with you as soon as she finishes with her customer and left Carroll alone with all those Gem stone. Talk about trustworthy? Yes, Carroll got Tansanite ear rings for Christmas!!!!
After lunch we did some more window shopping and went into a book store as I needed a book . I have been looking for a good history book on ZA, as I now have the urge to increase my knowledge of the country. The owner just happen to a " bit " of a historian so he found me book but not too dry, so to speak. He and talked a little politic and I ask him about the "black government" and all there scandals. He said there was just as many scandals when the "whites " where in power, so the Blacks had good teachers.
Then we drove around checking out the beaches, the Kite water skiers, Sail Boats and some real upscale homes.
By now the afternoon was " shot " so we return to camp and enjoyed the Sun while we read our books. Then we decide to hitbthe local Pub for a huger and listen to the music or whatever. When we walked, there was not a customer anywhere to e seen, just a Bartender and a Waitress so we left, and made our our supper.
The parking is somewhat different from home. Here they have " parking marshalls " who patrol a certain block or parking lot. You pull into a lot and tell them you will pay when you return because you are not sure how long you will be. They punch your licence number into their hand held computer, it registers the time and when you return to your vehicle they print out a receipt and that is what you owe. Can you imagine how many marshals you would need for Toronto. But it works for the small towns.
Carroll was looking for some Tansanite ear rings ( incidentally I said it came ZA but it actually come from Tanzania where the suppy will be mined out in 20 years and they do not expect to find anymore ), so she entered a jewlery store but they did not have any Tansanite so the clerk walked Carroll down the street to another store, walked in the store but the owner and clerk where busy, so she went behind the counter, opened the case and took out a " tree stand" of ear rings and then said the clerk will be with you as soon as she finishes with her customer and left Carroll alone with all those Gem stone. Talk about trustworthy? Yes, Carroll got Tansanite ear rings for Christmas!!!!
After lunch we did some more window shopping and went into a book store as I needed a book . I have been looking for a good history book on ZA, as I now have the urge to increase my knowledge of the country. The owner just happen to a " bit " of a historian so he found me book but not too dry, so to speak. He and talked a little politic and I ask him about the "black government" and all there scandals. He said there was just as many scandals when the "whites " where in power, so the Blacks had good teachers.
Then we drove around checking out the beaches, the Kite water skiers, Sail Boats and some real upscale homes.
By now the afternoon was " shot " so we return to camp and enjoyed the Sun while we read our books. Then we decide to hitbthe local Pub for a huger and listen to the music or whatever. When we walked, there was not a customer anywhere to e seen, just a Bartender and a Waitress so we left, and made our our supper.
Thursday, 15 December 2011
14 Dec Wedesday Robben Island.. We thought.
Our plans were quite simple: Visit the Travel Agent to confirm and pay for our trip to Victoria Falls; go to Cape town and take the Ferry to Robben Island, the Prison that housed political prisoners which included Nelson Mendela , now a Tourist Trap and then go to Hermanus, some 60 KM away to the camp site that we would call "Home" for the next 7 days.
We woke up to a cool,cloudy and rainy day but as most "Cape Towners" will tell you, we are a city of four Seasons in a Day. Of course their winter means they might have a shower and I might need a sweater. Anyhow we went to the Mall where the Travel Agent was located and first had breakfast and waited until the office opened at 9 AM. We spent half an hour at the Travel office to confirm all the particulars and mostly to PAY for the trip. They said we would have to return later in the day to pick up the paperwork, which not a problem.
Now,we are off to fight the traffic to the Waterfront to board our boat to Robben Island. This trip has such a high demand that you are luckly if can get a "walk-on" ticket so we ordered ours on-line. Of course I do not have a printer to print the tickets so I just copied the Bar Code numbers which was and is sufficent. Well, we arrive at our favourite Parking lot and of course the same attendant is on Duty awaiting our R40 to park. I tried to bargin with him but Carroll over-rule and I gave him his money. It had stopped rainning by this time but it was cool and it looked like it could rain so we worn our jackets, ( which we never thought we would need here ) and we also took a rain coat. The Ferry trip is about an hour, albeit, in a covered ferry so the elements would not be a problem on the trip over and back.
We arrive at the terminal at 10 AM as we were catching the 11 AM Ferry and I had to get the tickets using my Bar code numbers, which I had hope would not be a problem, which it was not. The Ferry holds about 150 people so the terminal was getting full and crowded so we talked to a young couple from North Carolina for few minutes and then a Rain Storm hit the Waterfront accompanied but Hail; yes Hail, about pea size but it only lasted 5 mintues. At 10:30 they announce us to "Que" up to load the Ferry so it was a mad dash to the line up. We, being in No hurry where near the tail end. And then, 5 minutes later they announced " We are sorry to announced that the Ferry has been cancelled for the rest of today due to rough seas, Please return to the ticket office for a refund or another Booking". I was third in line at one wicket as there were several wickets to help you. Unforetunately I was behind " Mrs doesn't speak any offical language of the 11 spoken by the cashier " so I waited and waited and then they announced that anyone who paid by credit card would automatically be refunded to their card so there was no need to lineup unless you wanted to exchange your tickets for another day. We have 2 weeks left in this area so I said to Carroll, We're out of here. I'll get tickets on line another day.
So we walked around the Waterfront for about an hour and then headed back to the Travel Agent, which about 27 KM away and we would have to fight the traffic. But the Navagator had the turns , the circles ( roundabouts ) and the lane changes down pat and I just had to "Aim" the MH.
The Travel Agent brief us on the trip and had managed to add 3 Bonus side trip to and around Vic Falls to the package at no extra cost. One was a Sunset Curise which we would have purchase anyway. However; and you knew this was coming: the Internet was down so they could not Print our Tickets, flight times and accommodations. This is very common in ZA as there is only one Internet supplier which is the Telephone company. So we are now suppose to rec everything by email tomorrow. We hope so!!!. Then we filled the MH with diesel at R11.45 which is high and ask the Filling station owner to direct us around Cape Town if possible and to the highway that would take us to the town of Hermanus where we were going to camp. He was very helpful and got us around the Cape town traffic.
Our Camp site is probably a 2 star at best but it does met our "Minimum " standard and we have lots to see in this area for the next week. We are on/near the Indian Ocean so we should get in some Beach time.
We woke up to a cool,cloudy and rainy day but as most "Cape Towners" will tell you, we are a city of four Seasons in a Day. Of course their winter means they might have a shower and I might need a sweater. Anyhow we went to the Mall where the Travel Agent was located and first had breakfast and waited until the office opened at 9 AM. We spent half an hour at the Travel office to confirm all the particulars and mostly to PAY for the trip. They said we would have to return later in the day to pick up the paperwork, which not a problem.
Now,we are off to fight the traffic to the Waterfront to board our boat to Robben Island. This trip has such a high demand that you are luckly if can get a "walk-on" ticket so we ordered ours on-line. Of course I do not have a printer to print the tickets so I just copied the Bar Code numbers which was and is sufficent. Well, we arrive at our favourite Parking lot and of course the same attendant is on Duty awaiting our R40 to park. I tried to bargin with him but Carroll over-rule and I gave him his money. It had stopped rainning by this time but it was cool and it looked like it could rain so we worn our jackets, ( which we never thought we would need here ) and we also took a rain coat. The Ferry trip is about an hour, albeit, in a covered ferry so the elements would not be a problem on the trip over and back.
We arrive at the terminal at 10 AM as we were catching the 11 AM Ferry and I had to get the tickets using my Bar code numbers, which I had hope would not be a problem, which it was not. The Ferry holds about 150 people so the terminal was getting full and crowded so we talked to a young couple from North Carolina for few minutes and then a Rain Storm hit the Waterfront accompanied but Hail; yes Hail, about pea size but it only lasted 5 mintues. At 10:30 they announce us to "Que" up to load the Ferry so it was a mad dash to the line up. We, being in No hurry where near the tail end. And then, 5 minutes later they announced " We are sorry to announced that the Ferry has been cancelled for the rest of today due to rough seas, Please return to the ticket office for a refund or another Booking". I was third in line at one wicket as there were several wickets to help you. Unforetunately I was behind " Mrs doesn't speak any offical language of the 11 spoken by the cashier " so I waited and waited and then they announced that anyone who paid by credit card would automatically be refunded to their card so there was no need to lineup unless you wanted to exchange your tickets for another day. We have 2 weeks left in this area so I said to Carroll, We're out of here. I'll get tickets on line another day.
So we walked around the Waterfront for about an hour and then headed back to the Travel Agent, which about 27 KM away and we would have to fight the traffic. But the Navagator had the turns , the circles ( roundabouts ) and the lane changes down pat and I just had to "Aim" the MH.
The Travel Agent brief us on the trip and had managed to add 3 Bonus side trip to and around Vic Falls to the package at no extra cost. One was a Sunset Curise which we would have purchase anyway. However; and you knew this was coming: the Internet was down so they could not Print our Tickets, flight times and accommodations. This is very common in ZA as there is only one Internet supplier which is the Telephone company. So we are now suppose to rec everything by email tomorrow. We hope so!!!. Then we filled the MH with diesel at R11.45 which is high and ask the Filling station owner to direct us around Cape Town if possible and to the highway that would take us to the town of Hermanus where we were going to camp. He was very helpful and got us around the Cape town traffic.
Our Camp site is probably a 2 star at best but it does met our "Minimum " standard and we have lots to see in this area for the next week. We are on/near the Indian Ocean so we should get in some Beach time.
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
13 Dec Tuesday Slow day to Cape Town
Tuesday was a slow day, as we did not get mobile until 10 AM. We went back to the waterfront for the 3 rd time as we wanted to grab the Hop-On. hop-Off bus and get off at a couple of stop. We got off at the Information bldg and they were very helpful. Then we walked a block to the market as Carroll needed a few more trinkets to few fill the hockey that we brought with us. By then it was lunch time so we had lunch in a sidewalk cafe.
Carroll wanted to price the Gem: Tansanite, which I believe is only found in ZA. Unforetunately she married a poor military guy not a doctor or a Lawyer, so the Tansanite will be staying ZA. Shortly, thereafter we grabbed our Bus, completed the tour, paid our parking ( security ) attendant his R20 and headed to our camp site some 29 KM away. We stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few things for supper. However, we spotted a travel agency called the "Flight Centre" in the Mall so we decide to check on a deal for a 3 day/ 2 nights trip to Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side. ( we can not go to Zambia because we do not have our yellow fever shots and do not want to get them. ) The agent, a young guy was most helpful of all the agents we have dealt with while trying to schedule this trip. We left our detail etc and before we got the camp site he called to say he had a trip with a few bonus extras and could we come in at 9 AM tomorrow, which we did.
When we arrived at the camp site, which was after 5 PM, two older ladies were running the show. Since we had reservation I thought it would be a piece of cake sign in and pay. I was not so lucky; they could not find my name on their record and no way was I getting in until she found it. Finally I suggested that they may have spelt it wrong, so try Esler with an S; no luck, so try Hesler, no luck. I Was just about ready to say give the G. D. Book and I will find it but she leaft thru the pages to K and found it. Then she said I needed the exact amount, I said you got to be " kidding" me, how can you run a business with no change. She said, after 5 pm you must have the exact amount. Luckily I did have the correct amount. When I got back in the MH, I said to Carroll, I need a Beer.
Carroll wanted to price the Gem: Tansanite, which I believe is only found in ZA. Unforetunately she married a poor military guy not a doctor or a Lawyer, so the Tansanite will be staying ZA. Shortly, thereafter we grabbed our Bus, completed the tour, paid our parking ( security ) attendant his R20 and headed to our camp site some 29 KM away. We stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few things for supper. However, we spotted a travel agency called the "Flight Centre" in the Mall so we decide to check on a deal for a 3 day/ 2 nights trip to Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side. ( we can not go to Zambia because we do not have our yellow fever shots and do not want to get them. ) The agent, a young guy was most helpful of all the agents we have dealt with while trying to schedule this trip. We left our detail etc and before we got the camp site he called to say he had a trip with a few bonus extras and could we come in at 9 AM tomorrow, which we did.
When we arrived at the camp site, which was after 5 PM, two older ladies were running the show. Since we had reservation I thought it would be a piece of cake sign in and pay. I was not so lucky; they could not find my name on their record and no way was I getting in until she found it. Finally I suggested that they may have spelt it wrong, so try Esler with an S; no luck, so try Hesler, no luck. I Was just about ready to say give the G. D. Book and I will find it but she leaft thru the pages to K and found it. Then she said I needed the exact amount, I said you got to be " kidding" me, how can you run a business with no change. She said, after 5 pm you must have the exact amount. Luckily I did have the correct amount. When I got back in the MH, I said to Carroll, I need a Beer.
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
12 Dec Monday Cape of Good Hope
Today we traveled thru a couple of townS, which I' ll touch on later, to the Cape of Good Hope, which is the most south westerly tip of Africa. It is also where the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean meet again. Before we got to the Cape we had to travel along the coast line and gradually climb a mountain ( not be confused with the Rockies ) it was a scenic drive, as most drives along the ocean are, with many stops along the way to drink in the beauty and to snap a few pics.
Unbeknown to us this area is a National park, and that means we do not pay because we purchased an Annual Park pass when we entered Kurger National park back in Nov. Although I thought it was expensive then, it is now paying off. Also, when we approached the gate it had a 2.6M height restriction so I immedately went Oh No. So I parked the MH and ask the attendent what was my next move. He said to go thru the Bus entrance , great.".. problem solved. The next hurdle was parking at Cape Point. Now Cape point is about a KM east of the Cape of Good Hope and actually extends farther into the ocean but it is in the Indian Ocean not the Atlantic. Since it is much more attractive and commercialized than the Cape of Good Hope we went there first. They actually have parking monitors and you have to park where they tell you. However, we are not a vehicle, as we are now a Bus and a Bus get preferred parking. They can call me anything they want as long as I get preferred parking. Then to reach the peak of Cape Point you have to climb a few hundred steps .... Or take a cable car which they call a " Funicular" We decided on the cable car at a posted cost of R45 each. But when we approached the clerk, she took one look at me or maybe it Carroll and said , since you are "pensioners" that will only be R20 each. What a bargin.
We walked around the peak of Cape Point, snap pics, talked to few people, and rode the cable car down and proceeded to the Cable of Good Hope. Just as an aside there was a small incident on the cable car. A father and two teenagers were on the car with us and they were eating chips and drinking pop. I notice a sign above their head which read " no food or drink while on the " Funiclar " . The father sensed I
was looking at something so he looked up and read the sign aloud to his kids and then they snickered. Without thinking I said " it's a bugger when you failed grade three " . Apparently, I am now off his Christmas card list.
From here we venture down the peak and took another road to the Cape of Good Hope, which is nothing more than a point of land, sticking out into the ocean where the two oceans meet, with a plague that say: Cape of Good Hope. What else did you think it would say.
On the way home we stopped at some " hawkers " set up at the roadside and Carroll bought a 3 ft. giraffe. How in hell , am I going to get it home.
Then we stopped at Simon's Town to view and to take some pics of the only Penquins in Africa. There were hundreds of them , only a few
feet from us, protect by a Boardwalk and they almost seem to be posing for us.
Then we headed for the unique town of Fish Hoek which is on the Indian Ocean , where I went swimming and made a few attempts at Body Surfing. We then had another fish and went home. Tidbit; the price of diesel has dropped 20 cents after I filled up.
Unbeknown to us this area is a National park, and that means we do not pay because we purchased an Annual Park pass when we entered Kurger National park back in Nov. Although I thought it was expensive then, it is now paying off. Also, when we approached the gate it had a 2.6M height restriction so I immedately went Oh No. So I parked the MH and ask the attendent what was my next move. He said to go thru the Bus entrance , great.".. problem solved. The next hurdle was parking at Cape Point. Now Cape point is about a KM east of the Cape of Good Hope and actually extends farther into the ocean but it is in the Indian Ocean not the Atlantic. Since it is much more attractive and commercialized than the Cape of Good Hope we went there first. They actually have parking monitors and you have to park where they tell you. However, we are not a vehicle, as we are now a Bus and a Bus get preferred parking. They can call me anything they want as long as I get preferred parking. Then to reach the peak of Cape Point you have to climb a few hundred steps .... Or take a cable car which they call a " Funicular" We decided on the cable car at a posted cost of R45 each. But when we approached the clerk, she took one look at me or maybe it Carroll and said , since you are "pensioners" that will only be R20 each. What a bargin.
We walked around the peak of Cape Point, snap pics, talked to few people, and rode the cable car down and proceeded to the Cable of Good Hope. Just as an aside there was a small incident on the cable car. A father and two teenagers were on the car with us and they were eating chips and drinking pop. I notice a sign above their head which read " no food or drink while on the " Funiclar " . The father sensed I
was looking at something so he looked up and read the sign aloud to his kids and then they snickered. Without thinking I said " it's a bugger when you failed grade three " . Apparently, I am now off his Christmas card list.
From here we venture down the peak and took another road to the Cape of Good Hope, which is nothing more than a point of land, sticking out into the ocean where the two oceans meet, with a plague that say: Cape of Good Hope. What else did you think it would say.
On the way home we stopped at some " hawkers " set up at the roadside and Carroll bought a 3 ft. giraffe. How in hell , am I going to get it home.
Then we stopped at Simon's Town to view and to take some pics of the only Penquins in Africa. There were hundreds of them , only a few
feet from us, protect by a Boardwalk and they almost seem to be posing for us.
Then we headed for the unique town of Fish Hoek which is on the Indian Ocean , where I went swimming and made a few attempts at Body Surfing. We then had another fish and went home. Tidbit; the price of diesel has dropped 20 cents after I filled up.
Monday, 12 December 2011
11Dec. Sunday. Cape Town
Well, today we decided to do the 2 nd Bus tour of Cape Town and the outlying area which include a Botonical Gardens, should you want to pay extra, which we did not and a wine tour which we ( Tom ) did want to take. This entire tour took 2 1/2 hours which pretty much shot the afternoon, considering we got lost going to the Waterfront and then trying to find our way home. The upside, we now know the city pretty well, so when we return in 2 weeks it will be a picice of cake.
we returned to the same parking lot as yesterday and the same guy was on the gate. This he just let us in, knowning full well there would be a good tip. We also realized that this was an overflow lot for the upscale hotel next door , hence the reason the attendant was in a real nice suit.I tipped him R20 ( 2.50 Cdn ) and he couldn't get the smile off his face. I know, I'm the last of the big time spenders.
The wine estate that we visited was really upscale and by the looks of the customer at the resturaunt and the garden patio, this is somewhere were the wealthy come for Sunday Brunch. Anyhow, I was interested in the wine tasting, which of course cost about 4.00 Cdn for 5 generous glasses of wines from a list of12 that they make. I had to limit my intake since I had to negotiated thru the Sunday traffic once we returned to the MH. By the way, the limit is 0.05 in ZA. After the wine tour we had a 1hour ride thru the area covering the history of the area which was very interesting and also somewhat surprising. I won,t bore you with the detail as you can goggle Cape Town if you need the history of it.
Getting out of town was another circus for us. We did ask directions but after 3 left turns and 2roundabouts we pretty much exhausted our ability to follow the directions. When we did find the right freeway, we just happen to be going the wrong direction but lucky for us there was a Robot ( that is stop lite for you folks ) in our favor so Carroll made me do a U turn and the rest is history.
Tidbit: ZA does not have any oil industry so they have import it. As it turns Cape Town was running out of Diesel so they had to re-route a tanker ship from Mossel Bay to Cape Town. Also the the price of Diesel jumped R30 due to the shortage.
we returned to the same parking lot as yesterday and the same guy was on the gate. This he just let us in, knowning full well there would be a good tip. We also realized that this was an overflow lot for the upscale hotel next door , hence the reason the attendant was in a real nice suit.I tipped him R20 ( 2.50 Cdn ) and he couldn't get the smile off his face. I know, I'm the last of the big time spenders.
The wine estate that we visited was really upscale and by the looks of the customer at the resturaunt and the garden patio, this is somewhere were the wealthy come for Sunday Brunch. Anyhow, I was interested in the wine tasting, which of course cost about 4.00 Cdn for 5 generous glasses of wines from a list of12 that they make. I had to limit my intake since I had to negotiated thru the Sunday traffic once we returned to the MH. By the way, the limit is 0.05 in ZA. After the wine tour we had a 1hour ride thru the area covering the history of the area which was very interesting and also somewhat surprising. I won,t bore you with the detail as you can goggle Cape Town if you need the history of it.
Getting out of town was another circus for us. We did ask directions but after 3 left turns and 2roundabouts we pretty much exhausted our ability to follow the directions. When we did find the right freeway, we just happen to be going the wrong direction but lucky for us there was a Robot ( that is stop lite for you folks ) in our favor so Carroll made me do a U turn and the rest is history.
Tidbit: ZA does not have any oil industry so they have import it. As it turns Cape Town was running out of Diesel so they had to re-route a tanker ship from Mossel Bay to Cape Town. Also the the price of Diesel jumped R30 due to the shortage.
Saturday, 10 December 2011
10 Dec Saturday. Cape town and Table Mountain
Just so you know; Table Mountain has been voted as the 7 th Wonder of Nature in the World. We we awoke today and it was a gorgerous day so we decide to hit Table Mountain, which is outside Cape Town but you can drive thru Cape Town to get there or take a mountain road and enter the back way. We decide to take the easy but slightly longer route thru the city. Our GPS was acting "stupid " as it sometimes does so I had to stop and ask directions. As it turns out we were going the right way.
We wormed our way thru the city and up the mountain to the parking area and the Gondola entrance. Unforetunately , 10 thousand people beat us to the parking area so there was no room. However, there were about 10 or 12 parking stalls for Buses and about the same number of parking moniters, who will help you park for a price. Since we followed a Bus up and you had to circle around to get out of this jam, the Moniter said to follow the Bus and we will get you parked. After he and his partner parked the Bus they motioned for me to park in the last and only Bus parking stall left so I did. I said how much is this going to cost me and he said whatever is fair, bearing in mind that the option for me was to park about a KM away. So I said , how about R10 ( 1.30 cdn ) he said how about R 50. I countered by saying R 30 is fair to me and they both agreed and since I had it in my hand the took it gladly and WE had a VIP parking. Talk about luck.
Then we headed for the ticket office and since we already have a Annual National Park Pass, called a Wild Card , which we purchased in Kurger Park in Nov, we are entitled to a 20 % discount. However, the clerk now requested my drivers licence as she had to take a copy to prove that I am the same guy as the name on the Wild Card. What a charades. Suffice to say we got on the Gondola or as they call it the Cable Car and up the Mountain we go. The floor of the cable car actually rotates 360 degrees as it goes up the Mountain, that way everyone gets to view the entire Cape area on the way and on the way down.
Before you get on the Cable Car they insist on taking your picture as I'm sure you are well aware of this procedure. We did not intent to purchase the Pic as we had lots of our own but we did buy it after we seen how it was presented. For 20.00 Cdn you get 2 picture, 3 post cards with our pics on them, a Key chain with our pics on it and a CD with a 15 min video of the constuction and history and that CD includes 30 professional photos which you can copy. Not a bad deal.
We spent about 2 hours on the mountain taking pics, listening to a " Black " jazz type band and then had coffee and a muffins. The weather was cool , and at times foggy, on the mountain and they advise you of the fact before they sell you a ticket.
After coming down the mountain we went to the Waterfront to catch a Double Decker; Hop On Hop Off tour Bus which takes you on a 1 1/2 hour , narrated city and beach area tour. But; always a But, We could not find or get into the parking areas due to our height. But about a block for the Bus tour ticket office Carroll spotted a gated parking lot manned by a security guard, dressed in a suite and he had an official looking badge, so we stopped to ask if we could park and he said "NO' it is private but it had 50 stalls and only 5 vehicles and it appeared to be a parking area for an office bldg and it is Saturday, so Carroll kept talking and she said, let us park and we will pay you because you got lots of room. I guess when he heard pay, he opened the barrier. After parking I ask how much and he said depending on how long you stay because it is by the hour. So I slipped him R10 and said I see you in about 3 hours. After the Bus tour and our 1 hour Waterfront "Walkabout " we returned to our vehicle but they had change security guards so I just said that's my vehicle over there and he said OK and open the gate. I told Carroll to slip him a R20 on the way out as we figures that to park on the Waterfront in a secured lot for 3 or 4 hours , for R30 was very cheap by our standards.
After leaving the city we decide to take the scenic but moutain road back to our camp site. We also stopped in Hout Bay ( another small picturgues town with a beautiful beach ) for Fish and Chips. Then we headed up the mountain road for home. Near the peak they have a Toll booth and it cost R43 which seemed a little steep . Then about another KM they have a check point so i stopped and said " what do you want ". He said I need to see your ticket. I said ticket for what, I'm thinking ,maybe this is a National Park and he needs to see my Wild Card. He says, your toll Booth ticket. I said, Christ, i just paid it a KM down the road. He said I still have to see it. So we show it to him but I'm thinking, this another of those ZA " make work " programs.
All in All it was a great day. We still have to return to Cape town another day as they have a longer Bus tour to some outlying tours and other areas of the city. And we are going to spend Christmas week in this area.
We wormed our way thru the city and up the mountain to the parking area and the Gondola entrance. Unforetunately , 10 thousand people beat us to the parking area so there was no room. However, there were about 10 or 12 parking stalls for Buses and about the same number of parking moniters, who will help you park for a price. Since we followed a Bus up and you had to circle around to get out of this jam, the Moniter said to follow the Bus and we will get you parked. After he and his partner parked the Bus they motioned for me to park in the last and only Bus parking stall left so I did. I said how much is this going to cost me and he said whatever is fair, bearing in mind that the option for me was to park about a KM away. So I said , how about R10 ( 1.30 cdn ) he said how about R 50. I countered by saying R 30 is fair to me and they both agreed and since I had it in my hand the took it gladly and WE had a VIP parking. Talk about luck.
Then we headed for the ticket office and since we already have a Annual National Park Pass, called a Wild Card , which we purchased in Kurger Park in Nov, we are entitled to a 20 % discount. However, the clerk now requested my drivers licence as she had to take a copy to prove that I am the same guy as the name on the Wild Card. What a charades. Suffice to say we got on the Gondola or as they call it the Cable Car and up the Mountain we go. The floor of the cable car actually rotates 360 degrees as it goes up the Mountain, that way everyone gets to view the entire Cape area on the way and on the way down.
Before you get on the Cable Car they insist on taking your picture as I'm sure you are well aware of this procedure. We did not intent to purchase the Pic as we had lots of our own but we did buy it after we seen how it was presented. For 20.00 Cdn you get 2 picture, 3 post cards with our pics on them, a Key chain with our pics on it and a CD with a 15 min video of the constuction and history and that CD includes 30 professional photos which you can copy. Not a bad deal.
We spent about 2 hours on the mountain taking pics, listening to a " Black " jazz type band and then had coffee and a muffins. The weather was cool , and at times foggy, on the mountain and they advise you of the fact before they sell you a ticket.
After coming down the mountain we went to the Waterfront to catch a Double Decker; Hop On Hop Off tour Bus which takes you on a 1 1/2 hour , narrated city and beach area tour. But; always a But, We could not find or get into the parking areas due to our height. But about a block for the Bus tour ticket office Carroll spotted a gated parking lot manned by a security guard, dressed in a suite and he had an official looking badge, so we stopped to ask if we could park and he said "NO' it is private but it had 50 stalls and only 5 vehicles and it appeared to be a parking area for an office bldg and it is Saturday, so Carroll kept talking and she said, let us park and we will pay you because you got lots of room. I guess when he heard pay, he opened the barrier. After parking I ask how much and he said depending on how long you stay because it is by the hour. So I slipped him R10 and said I see you in about 3 hours. After the Bus tour and our 1 hour Waterfront "Walkabout " we returned to our vehicle but they had change security guards so I just said that's my vehicle over there and he said OK and open the gate. I told Carroll to slip him a R20 on the way out as we figures that to park on the Waterfront in a secured lot for 3 or 4 hours , for R30 was very cheap by our standards.
After leaving the city we decide to take the scenic but moutain road back to our camp site. We also stopped in Hout Bay ( another small picturgues town with a beautiful beach ) for Fish and Chips. Then we headed up the mountain road for home. Near the peak they have a Toll booth and it cost R43 which seemed a little steep . Then about another KM they have a check point so i stopped and said " what do you want ". He said I need to see your ticket. I said ticket for what, I'm thinking ,maybe this is a National Park and he needs to see my Wild Card. He says, your toll Booth ticket. I said, Christ, i just paid it a KM down the road. He said I still have to see it. So we show it to him but I'm thinking, this another of those ZA " make work " programs.
All in All it was a great day. We still have to return to Cape town another day as they have a longer Bus tour to some outlying tours and other areas of the city. And we are going to spend Christmas week in this area.
Friday, 9 December 2011
9 Dec L Agulhas to Kommetjie
Last night while camped in L'Agulhas we encountered high winds and rain. The rain was light but the winds rocked our RV all night. however the Sun came out about 9 AM and it turned out to be pretty nice day. We drove thru mostly farm land and seen many dairy herds, most made up of Gurnsey, Brown Swiss and Ayrshires, Which was a surprise to me as we would have thought that dairy herds would be Holstiens. Also, there is a large amount of grain farms and they seem to have many more grain elevators then we in western Canada have. The fields are humoungas. I'mI sure their fields are in the hundreds of arcre lots. Because the area is all hills and rolling land they have few if any square or rectangle fields. I have not seen the large equipt that you would associate with such large fields.
The trip was uneventful until I decided to drive like a ZA would. We were on an excellent two lane hwy with 8 ft shoulders and the 18 wheeler slide over to the shoulder indicating that I could pass. At the exact same time an oncoming car decided to pass an 18 wheeler coming up the hill. Neither one of us had the right to pass but that never stops a ZA from passing. As we got closer Carroll shouted "Oh no..Oh no, I on other hand used words that not found in the Bible. As we got closer, everyone squeezed over and we all made it thru.
We stopped at a "lay by" at the top of a mountain to take some pics of the city below and the gorgerous view of the beaches along the waterfront. Unforetunatedly for me there were several Hawkers there with their carving etc and Carroll clean out my wallet again. So now I had to go into town and find an ATM because I can move without money in my pocket.
Now we are heading for our destination called kommetjie ( pronounced kom mo key ) and as we are worming our way along the shore line of the Indian ocean when we entered a small town and then we seen this railroad underpass which read 2.7 m and we are 3 m and now panic mode kicked in. Luckily there was a street that we could turn off and get out of the jam but we still had to get to the other side. So we circled back to an information booth that we had just passed. The lady said can I help and i said your dam right you can. She directed us to a crossing albeit down some dam narrow streets.
We contiued on for another half hour and found our camp site, which incidentally cost 33.00 Cdn per day. This now is the high season and we are inthe most sought after camping area for the Christmas season. When we signed in Carroll inquired about the laundry facilities. The lady said we do not have any but there is lady at the Shell station wHo does laundry, So down we go and for 5.00 she will do all our laundry. It did take long for carroll to say "and when do I get it back and a will it folded.
The trip was uneventful until I decided to drive like a ZA would. We were on an excellent two lane hwy with 8 ft shoulders and the 18 wheeler slide over to the shoulder indicating that I could pass. At the exact same time an oncoming car decided to pass an 18 wheeler coming up the hill. Neither one of us had the right to pass but that never stops a ZA from passing. As we got closer Carroll shouted "Oh no..Oh no, I on other hand used words that not found in the Bible. As we got closer, everyone squeezed over and we all made it thru.
We stopped at a "lay by" at the top of a mountain to take some pics of the city below and the gorgerous view of the beaches along the waterfront. Unforetunatedly for me there were several Hawkers there with their carving etc and Carroll clean out my wallet again. So now I had to go into town and find an ATM because I can move without money in my pocket.
Now we are heading for our destination called kommetjie ( pronounced kom mo key ) and as we are worming our way along the shore line of the Indian ocean when we entered a small town and then we seen this railroad underpass which read 2.7 m and we are 3 m and now panic mode kicked in. Luckily there was a street that we could turn off and get out of the jam but we still had to get to the other side. So we circled back to an information booth that we had just passed. The lady said can I help and i said your dam right you can. She directed us to a crossing albeit down some dam narrow streets.
We contiued on for another half hour and found our camp site, which incidentally cost 33.00 Cdn per day. This now is the high season and we are inthe most sought after camping area for the Christmas season. When we signed in Carroll inquired about the laundry facilities. The lady said we do not have any but there is lady at the Shell station wHo does laundry, So down we go and for 5.00 she will do all our laundry. It did take long for carroll to say "and when do I get it back and a will it folded.
Thursday, 8 December 2011
8 Dec Stilbaai ( Stil bay ) to L'Agulhas
I know I got the dates wrong on yesterday's Blog but I'm sure you realized that. Today we traveled from Stilbaai to the Most Southern tip of Africa and as you all remember you history lesson, it is where the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic meet. I know, you want to know if I actually stood in the Oceans, with one foot in the Indian Ocean and One foot in the Atlantic. You dam well know i did because I did not travel half way around the world to miss such an opportunity. Also, just as Carroll was snapping the pic a huge wave came in and swamped me and I got soaked. I'm not sure which Ocean wave hit me but it was sure salty.
Before we left Stilbaii, I filled the MH with diesel. At the filling station the diesel pump was separate from the Petro and they had 4 young ladies operating the one diesel pump. ( It seemed like a make work project to me ) however, one girl turn the pump on and started to fill the vehicle ( i assume she was the crew chief ) another young lady monitored the filling and took the money. One lady ask if she could check the oil and water. I said no but you wash the windshield, so two ladies did the windshield.Of course they all wanted a tip.
The trip from Stilbaii to L'Agulhas was uneventful as most of the trip was on good road with one or two slow downs for road construction and we covered about 250 KM. We went thru one town and I took a wrong turn but the navagator corrected me within a block so all is well that ends well.
This quaint little town of L'Agula has miles and miles of fabulous beaches and is a favourite for people from Cape Town. We met a young couple on the beach, from Cape town and they have a 'summer " home here and i'm thinking as opposited to a " winter " home somewhere. I think the weather goes from Summer to Spring to Summer. If this country was 10 hours closer to North American , nobody would every go to the southern USA or MX for the winter. This place is heaven. Fish and chips for lunch again today. Life is a Beach... i couldn't help it.
Before we left Stilbaii, I filled the MH with diesel. At the filling station the diesel pump was separate from the Petro and they had 4 young ladies operating the one diesel pump. ( It seemed like a make work project to me ) however, one girl turn the pump on and started to fill the vehicle ( i assume she was the crew chief ) another young lady monitored the filling and took the money. One lady ask if she could check the oil and water. I said no but you wash the windshield, so two ladies did the windshield.Of course they all wanted a tip.
The trip from Stilbaii to L'Agulhas was uneventful as most of the trip was on good road with one or two slow downs for road construction and we covered about 250 KM. We went thru one town and I took a wrong turn but the navagator corrected me within a block so all is well that ends well.
This quaint little town of L'Agula has miles and miles of fabulous beaches and is a favourite for people from Cape Town. We met a young couple on the beach, from Cape town and they have a 'summer " home here and i'm thinking as opposited to a " winter " home somewhere. I think the weather goes from Summer to Spring to Summer. If this country was 10 hours closer to North American , nobody would every go to the southern USA or MX for the winter. This place is heaven. Fish and chips for lunch again today. Life is a Beach... i couldn't help it.
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
8 Dec wedesday Mossel Bay to Stil Bay
We started the day by checking out the town of Mossel Bay as we actually camped on the other side of the bay of which the town is located Mossel bay is a tourist town and with 3 large camping areas this became obvious. Also it's beaches are great for swimming and Surfing. There did not seem to be too much industry but it did have a port and there were 3 ships waiting off shore , to enter. There definitely were many boutique store, which tells me it is mainly for the tourist. I must say that we were surprised to see that 99 percent of the signage was in African not English. About 10 KM out of town we seen a huge plants which I would assume was a Petrochemical plant but they don't have any oil or gas and whatever is processed would have to be trucked in and out.
On way down the road heading for Stil Bay we seen a " wild " animal farm which advertised Lions,Leopards and Tiger so in we go as we still want to see a Leopard. I still don't consider an animal as "wild " if is fenced in and the guide calls it by name but it is what it is. After spending an hour looking at sleeping animal and snapping 30 or so pics we headed out. I will say that just seeing two white Tiger was really something, however, since a female guide was siting petting them, it kind of took the "Wild " edge of the tour.
Now we are off to Stil Bay or as the sign says Stilbaai because in Stil Bay all signage is also in African. Still Bay is 26 KM off the N2, the main hwy, but it is right on the ocean, which is what we are looking for. After arriving in town we turn on the GPS to find the camp site. No such luck but the camping book says it is located on the ocean and at the mouth of the river so that sounded too easy. we found the ocean and the river and we seen a camping area but no sign with the name we expected see. Carroll suggested that we drive into this particuilar camp site anyway and as we got to the reception office, we seen the name so we are now at the right camp site.I told the reception to put a sign that person can see from the road... She said I don't need to i'm usually full. So much for my advise. At this time she had lots of empty sites so she said to pick one but I'm want to warn you that I have a lot of University students coming in later today and they are camping walong the fence so I suggest you pick one a long ways away from them.
Also , in some camps as in this one you get a key to the washrooms, which are called Ablutions, ands you get a roll of toilet paper as there is none in the washroom. In some camps you have to supply you own toilet paper.
After setting up we, we hit the ocean/beach for a couple of hours and then toured the town and picked up a few groceries. When I entered the mall parking i did not notices the one way arrows, because they are on the pavement not on a sign so I came out the wrong way. Ithiught the parking attendant was going to have heart attack.
Since we are on the ocean we decided to go out for another Sea food supper. As usual it was great and reasonable. Two sea food players, 6 Prawns for a starter, a coffee and a glass of wine for the driver all for 30.00 Cdn.
On way down the road heading for Stil Bay we seen a " wild " animal farm which advertised Lions,Leopards and Tiger so in we go as we still want to see a Leopard. I still don't consider an animal as "wild " if is fenced in and the guide calls it by name but it is what it is. After spending an hour looking at sleeping animal and snapping 30 or so pics we headed out. I will say that just seeing two white Tiger was really something, however, since a female guide was siting petting them, it kind of took the "Wild " edge of the tour.
Now we are off to Stil Bay or as the sign says Stilbaai because in Stil Bay all signage is also in African. Still Bay is 26 KM off the N2, the main hwy, but it is right on the ocean, which is what we are looking for. After arriving in town we turn on the GPS to find the camp site. No such luck but the camping book says it is located on the ocean and at the mouth of the river so that sounded too easy. we found the ocean and the river and we seen a camping area but no sign with the name we expected see. Carroll suggested that we drive into this particuilar camp site anyway and as we got to the reception office, we seen the name so we are now at the right camp site.I told the reception to put a sign that person can see from the road... She said I don't need to i'm usually full. So much for my advise. At this time she had lots of empty sites so she said to pick one but I'm want to warn you that I have a lot of University students coming in later today and they are camping walong the fence so I suggest you pick one a long ways away from them.
Also , in some camps as in this one you get a key to the washrooms, which are called Ablutions, ands you get a roll of toilet paper as there is none in the washroom. In some camps you have to supply you own toilet paper.
After setting up we, we hit the ocean/beach for a couple of hours and then toured the town and picked up a few groceries. When I entered the mall parking i did not notices the one way arrows, because they are on the pavement not on a sign so I came out the wrong way. Ithiught the parking attendant was going to have heart attack.
Since we are on the ocean we decided to go out for another Sea food supper. As usual it was great and reasonable. Two sea food players, 6 Prawns for a starter, a coffee and a glass of wine for the driver all for 30.00 Cdn.
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
6 dec Tuesday
We left Oudtshoorn after filling with diesel at 1.33 Cdn per litre and traveled thru the Robinson pass as recommendEd by several tourist and it did not disappoint. The scenery was great and the mountains and gorges always seem to be covered with trees or grass. We seen many Ostrich farms on our trip but we also seen many dairy herds. The cows are mostly Gurnsey or Brown Swiss with a sprinkling of Holsteins. You non-farmers wouldn't know a Brown Swiss from a fence post, but they are a good producer and their milk is rich in butterfat.
We traveled about 80 KM to the tourist city on the ocean called Mossel Bay. We went to the Information booth to see what to see in the area and to get a location for the Caravan parks. They were most helpful but on the way back to the MH Carroll spot a craft/tourist trap/art/clothing store so in we go. I spent 20 min getting history lesson because I started asking question. His stories were not one-sided like some I get as his Dad was from East Germany and his Mom from Scotland. Carroll in the mean time went about spending money.
After Carroll finished shopping we headed for George some 50 KM away as Carroll had a doctors appt to remove the wax from her ears. I always thought she had selective hear and now I feel bad since it was a medical problem. yeh---right. I, on the other headed for the computer store as I needed some more training on my iPad and Timithy, one of the salesman, was quite familuar with the ipad so he help me. Then I was off to the Vodafone store as my SIM card for the computer, not to be confused with iPad, was running low on Airtime. I got 1 gb this time and that should see me thru to 15 Jan
Then we headed for Mugg and Bean resturaunt for two reasons. first to have lunch and second to take advance of their 30 mins of free WiFi.
After lunch we headed back to Mossel Bay and found a camp site right on the Indian Ocean. We ( meaning Carroll) opted for a site overlooking the ocean which they gladly gave us for a price. We paid R340 which include a Admin fee of 8.00 Cdn. Imagine 8.00 to punch our GD name into a computer. Needless to say, we are only staying one night. They even gave us a free pass for the Hot Pool but it closed
at 7:30. Christ, we are not even finish supper by then. However, we did get in some beach time and got a young guy to snap a pic of us standing in the Indian Ocean. i know, that and 79 cents will get you a seniors coffee at Mac Donald's. Cheers
We traveled about 80 KM to the tourist city on the ocean called Mossel Bay. We went to the Information booth to see what to see in the area and to get a location for the Caravan parks. They were most helpful but on the way back to the MH Carroll spot a craft/tourist trap/art/clothing store so in we go. I spent 20 min getting history lesson because I started asking question. His stories were not one-sided like some I get as his Dad was from East Germany and his Mom from Scotland. Carroll in the mean time went about spending money.
After Carroll finished shopping we headed for George some 50 KM away as Carroll had a doctors appt to remove the wax from her ears. I always thought she had selective hear and now I feel bad since it was a medical problem. yeh---right. I, on the other headed for the computer store as I needed some more training on my iPad and Timithy, one of the salesman, was quite familuar with the ipad so he help me. Then I was off to the Vodafone store as my SIM card for the computer, not to be confused with iPad, was running low on Airtime. I got 1 gb this time and that should see me thru to 15 Jan
Then we headed for Mugg and Bean resturaunt for two reasons. first to have lunch and second to take advance of their 30 mins of free WiFi.
After lunch we headed back to Mossel Bay and found a camp site right on the Indian Ocean. We ( meaning Carroll) opted for a site overlooking the ocean which they gladly gave us for a price. We paid R340 which include a Admin fee of 8.00 Cdn. Imagine 8.00 to punch our GD name into a computer. Needless to say, we are only staying one night. They even gave us a free pass for the Hot Pool but it closed
at 7:30. Christ, we are not even finish supper by then. However, we did get in some beach time and got a young guy to snap a pic of us standing in the Indian Ocean. i know, that and 79 cents will get you a seniors coffee at Mac Donald's. Cheers
Monday, 5 December 2011
5 Dec Oudtshoorn
Our day started off on a nice note as the neighbor lady delivered 2 freshly baked muffins for our breakfast. Now how often does that happen in a camp ground. After breakfast we decided to visit some renown Caves in the area, even thought we have been the Calsbad caves in New Mexico twice and they are spectacular.
But on the way we stopped at a " Roadside Hawker " who was selling Ostrich eggs with pictures of the Big 5 or a maps of Africa or even your picture imprinted on them. Actually we stopped yesterday to check on the price and we made a deal for one egg with the map of Africa on one half and the big 5 on the other half for R120. ( they sell for R225 at the Curio stores ) but he did not have any but would have one tomorrow,hence the reason we stopped. So now he tries to up the price another R10 because he is loosing money. But I,m not buying it ( so I think )So I don't have the exact change and I whip out two R100. His eyes lite up and he says I'll give you two eggs for R200. I'm thinking , what deal, I saved R125 each by buying from the Hawker rather than the Curio shop. What a deal maker I am? Now ,how the hell do I get them home without breaking them.
After the egg deal we went to the Caves and took the 1 1/2 tour along with about 30 other interested souls about our age as they we from a bus tour group. Although my interest was original very low the tour guide gave us a lot of history and we thoroughly enjoyed it. After the tour we drummed up a conversation with a middle age couple from Joburg. They gave us a few more tips on what we should see while in ZA. They, along with most of people we meet have a long lost Aunt in Victoria, BC or a cousin working Toronto.
Now, to finish the day we decided to visit an Olive Farm which was on our way back to the camp. Although we had to travel 1 1/2 KM over a dirt road to reach the ( what we thought was a farm) turned out to be an Olive farm and a 5 Star, no... Make that a 6 Star restaurant and Guest Chalets. They did not have a tour not did the sell Olives but they did have food and beer so we stayed for lunch. We also had a short conversation with a young couple from Amsterdam and they spoke fluent English with no ascent.
We still wanted to see an Olive processing plant so we headed for another one. But they only give you the history on the Olive and about how they make Olive oil and shown you their Olive and give you the taste test. We did find it interesting and of course we bought a couple of Jars of Olives. Now that is how we spent our day. Tomorrow we will head for Mossel Bay some 88 km down the road.
But on the way we stopped at a " Roadside Hawker " who was selling Ostrich eggs with pictures of the Big 5 or a maps of Africa or even your picture imprinted on them. Actually we stopped yesterday to check on the price and we made a deal for one egg with the map of Africa on one half and the big 5 on the other half for R120. ( they sell for R225 at the Curio stores ) but he did not have any but would have one tomorrow,hence the reason we stopped. So now he tries to up the price another R10 because he is loosing money. But I,m not buying it ( so I think )So I don't have the exact change and I whip out two R100. His eyes lite up and he says I'll give you two eggs for R200. I'm thinking , what deal, I saved R125 each by buying from the Hawker rather than the Curio shop. What a deal maker I am? Now ,how the hell do I get them home without breaking them.
After the egg deal we went to the Caves and took the 1 1/2 tour along with about 30 other interested souls about our age as they we from a bus tour group. Although my interest was original very low the tour guide gave us a lot of history and we thoroughly enjoyed it. After the tour we drummed up a conversation with a middle age couple from Joburg. They gave us a few more tips on what we should see while in ZA. They, along with most of people we meet have a long lost Aunt in Victoria, BC or a cousin working Toronto.
Now, to finish the day we decided to visit an Olive Farm which was on our way back to the camp. Although we had to travel 1 1/2 KM over a dirt road to reach the ( what we thought was a farm) turned out to be an Olive farm and a 5 Star, no... Make that a 6 Star restaurant and Guest Chalets. They did not have a tour not did the sell Olives but they did have food and beer so we stayed for lunch. We also had a short conversation with a young couple from Amsterdam and they spoke fluent English with no ascent.
We still wanted to see an Olive processing plant so we headed for another one. But they only give you the history on the Olive and about how they make Olive oil and shown you their Olive and give you the taste test. We did find it interesting and of course we bought a couple of Jars of Olives. Now that is how we spent our day. Tomorrow we will head for Mossel Bay some 88 km down the road.
Sunday, 4 December 2011
4 dec George to Oudtshoorn
Today was another " long !!!!" travel day, as we did the 60 KM from George to Oudtshoorn, which is a city of 75,000 althought it appears much smaller. It is obvious a tourist area because the amount of signs advertising B and B; self-catering Chalets ( which mean you make them both ) ; Guest House and Caravan parks. Our park has 30 camp sites and 51 chalets. Incidently they charge by the number of people staying in the room ,not for the room. The owner told me his chalets were full for the weekend and he had 231 customers staying there.
The drive from George was thru the mountains ( definitely not the Rockies ) which are covered with vegetation and or trees. The scenery was great but the drive a little scary at times. First the road is two lanes with no shoulder and I mean NO shoulder. That gives you about 1 foot of space on each side of the MH to make an error. That in itself, was not bad but as i looked in the mirror I seen the entire gang of "Hell's Angel's " coming up behind me and apparently they do not have to abide by the speed limit. Bear in mind this hwy is either going up or down hill and has a zillion curves. These guys were using the centre line as their passing lane so I was giving as much room as i could or maybe I should say as much room as Carroll would allow me to give. If I hear her say " don't get over " when we return to North american I think I'll throw her our of the vehicle. Finally the 30 or so " Murder Cycles " as I call them passed me so I felt more comfortable. Until I rounded a curve and seen that they had pulled off in " layby " to regroup or chat. I immediately realized that these Bikers would be passing me again and sure enough they passed a few miles down the road. Luckily , that was the last we seen of them and the rest of the drive was peaceful. There are many farms in the area that raise cattle, sheep, goats and Ostrich. this use to be tobbaco farming area many years ago as the old delapated drying barns are still standing, most just barely. Apparently the Ostrich was more lucative, especially the leather.
After we got set up at our camp site , we hit the pool as it was very hot, in fact too hot. Then we spoke to the owner who gave us a map of the area and pointed out the " Must See " areas.
By this time it was after lunch so we decided to settle for the Ostrich farm which was only 7 KM away. The farm conducts a tour every hour or so we joined the next tour , which consisted of a couple from Switzerland, Germany. Indian and the Philipines. First we rec an excellent briefing on the Ostrich, how it came to ZA, why farm it and the benefits to our health from the meat. I was most impressed with the toughness of the leather and how expensive it is. I was also surprised that the only animal faster than a Ostrich over a few KM is the Cheeta, as the they can reach a speed of 70 KMH. The Ostrich could also kill with one blow of it's foot which is lightening fast and has a razor sharp toenail. Some farmers raise a few Ostriches with their cattle , sheep or goats as they as very protective of their terittory and with fight off any predators. Then we tour the Pens and seen the newly hatched birds and then we headed for the ride pens. I was first to volenteer so the coralled one and gave me a two second blurb on how to hold on and with help i did manage to get a short ride. Then they neede a volunteer to feed the animals and again I when first as they others where somewhat shy. I would like to include pics but I doubt know how. Then we ask to to stand on some Ostrich eggs to see how strong the were and they can hold a person up to 300 LBs. Again we have pics of Carroll and I on the eggs.
Since the temp was 40 C at the farm and it was around 4 PM we headed back tot he Park and hit the Pool again.
We later went out for supper and Carroll being the one to try something new had an ostrick steak, I stuck with the beef. the Ostrich was good but has a fining grain than the beef and a somewhat mild flavour.
The drive from George was thru the mountains ( definitely not the Rockies ) which are covered with vegetation and or trees. The scenery was great but the drive a little scary at times. First the road is two lanes with no shoulder and I mean NO shoulder. That gives you about 1 foot of space on each side of the MH to make an error. That in itself, was not bad but as i looked in the mirror I seen the entire gang of "Hell's Angel's " coming up behind me and apparently they do not have to abide by the speed limit. Bear in mind this hwy is either going up or down hill and has a zillion curves. These guys were using the centre line as their passing lane so I was giving as much room as i could or maybe I should say as much room as Carroll would allow me to give. If I hear her say " don't get over " when we return to North american I think I'll throw her our of the vehicle. Finally the 30 or so " Murder Cycles " as I call them passed me so I felt more comfortable. Until I rounded a curve and seen that they had pulled off in " layby " to regroup or chat. I immediately realized that these Bikers would be passing me again and sure enough they passed a few miles down the road. Luckily , that was the last we seen of them and the rest of the drive was peaceful. There are many farms in the area that raise cattle, sheep, goats and Ostrich. this use to be tobbaco farming area many years ago as the old delapated drying barns are still standing, most just barely. Apparently the Ostrich was more lucative, especially the leather.
After we got set up at our camp site , we hit the pool as it was very hot, in fact too hot. Then we spoke to the owner who gave us a map of the area and pointed out the " Must See " areas.
By this time it was after lunch so we decided to settle for the Ostrich farm which was only 7 KM away. The farm conducts a tour every hour or so we joined the next tour , which consisted of a couple from Switzerland, Germany. Indian and the Philipines. First we rec an excellent briefing on the Ostrich, how it came to ZA, why farm it and the benefits to our health from the meat. I was most impressed with the toughness of the leather and how expensive it is. I was also surprised that the only animal faster than a Ostrich over a few KM is the Cheeta, as the they can reach a speed of 70 KMH. The Ostrich could also kill with one blow of it's foot which is lightening fast and has a razor sharp toenail. Some farmers raise a few Ostriches with their cattle , sheep or goats as they as very protective of their terittory and with fight off any predators. Then we tour the Pens and seen the newly hatched birds and then we headed for the ride pens. I was first to volenteer so the coralled one and gave me a two second blurb on how to hold on and with help i did manage to get a short ride. Then they neede a volunteer to feed the animals and again I when first as they others where somewhat shy. I would like to include pics but I doubt know how. Then we ask to to stand on some Ostrich eggs to see how strong the were and they can hold a person up to 300 LBs. Again we have pics of Carroll and I on the eggs.
Since the temp was 40 C at the farm and it was around 4 PM we headed back tot he Park and hit the Pool again.
We later went out for supper and Carroll being the one to try something new had an ostrick steak, I stuck with the beef. the Ostrich was good but has a fining grain than the beef and a somewhat mild flavour.
Saturday, 3 December 2011
3 Dec Saturday Train Ride
The other 2 headers for 3 Dec were published without me touching the " Plublished " button so I don't how it happened. Just diereguard them as I can not delete them.
Now for Saturday. On Thursday, while at the Information Booth we were told about this train ride up the mountain. Since we had no other plans for Sat , we booked it. As it turns out it was very interesting. the train itself was actually the engine that normally pulled the test cars along the track to do the inspection. It was converted to carry about 20 tourist at a time but they had a 2nd car that held another 12 people.
The tour was narrated by a lady who was well versed in the history of the particular rail system, the history of the city of George and the name of all the flowers and faua we seen in route.
This particular rail system was started in 1908 but not completed until 1913 and it was constructed by prisoners. It covers a distance of 50 miles from George to Outshorn and was mainly a passenger train. It ceased operations in 1949 due to lack of passengers. The climb from sea level to the apex covered some 20 Km and took about 1 hour to reach the top. The mountain that we climbed was covered by forest , grass or indegious plants. One piece of information that surprised me was the ZA has only 2 % of indegious trees left due them being logged out over the years and replaced with a fast growing Mexican Pine. As a result the pine trees are mainly used for Pulp as they are not good for lumber products.
This trip took 2 1/2 hours and killed part of the day. Then we decided to go to a Berry farm and maybe pick some strawberries but once we got there, which was a half hour drive, we opted for lunch and bought the " already " picked berries. We then decide to go to a new mall in the area of our camp site as we needed a few groceries and the weather was cool, cloudy and threatening rain.
We were about a 1/2 from the shopping centre, so all I had to do was to back track my route. As i approached the 1 st " Roundabout" I forgot which exit I needed and naturally chose the wrong one and ended up going the wrong direction. I finally got turn around and when I hit the next " roundabout " I chose the wrong exit again. This time I really got turned around and it took the Navagator about 20 mins to get me back on track. Finally we got to the mall, and while walking down the mall I spotted a Vodafone store and they sold iPad2. Since my iPad was not working at all I ask one astute looking salesman if he would look at it for me. He agreed, so I went to the MH and got my iPad.
While I was getting my iPad Carroll was walking around the mall and found a Walk-in Clinic. She has had a hard time hearing for about a week and it was getting worst so she went into the clinic and the doctor took her right away. In the meantime, I'm at the Vodafone store having my iPad readjusted as it turns out. The problem was with the remote keyboard and if you don't have an ipad you probably don't have the foggest idea what I'm talking about. Suffice to say, Mr. Vodafone told me not to use the remote keyboard again as it was broken, and he then got the ipad to function properly for which I greatly appreciated.
It cost R250 ( 32.00 cdn ) for the doctors appt and she gave Carroll a perscription for some ear drops to clean out the wax in her ears.
By this time it was 4:30 pm and the weather was cool so we decide to take in a movie rather then sit in the camper so we killed another 2 hours and seen the movie " Moneyball ". If you haven't seen , it is worth seeing.
Then we picked up some KFC and went home to make the rest of the supper.
Now for Saturday. On Thursday, while at the Information Booth we were told about this train ride up the mountain. Since we had no other plans for Sat , we booked it. As it turns out it was very interesting. the train itself was actually the engine that normally pulled the test cars along the track to do the inspection. It was converted to carry about 20 tourist at a time but they had a 2nd car that held another 12 people.
The tour was narrated by a lady who was well versed in the history of the particular rail system, the history of the city of George and the name of all the flowers and faua we seen in route.
This particular rail system was started in 1908 but not completed until 1913 and it was constructed by prisoners. It covers a distance of 50 miles from George to Outshorn and was mainly a passenger train. It ceased operations in 1949 due to lack of passengers. The climb from sea level to the apex covered some 20 Km and took about 1 hour to reach the top. The mountain that we climbed was covered by forest , grass or indegious plants. One piece of information that surprised me was the ZA has only 2 % of indegious trees left due them being logged out over the years and replaced with a fast growing Mexican Pine. As a result the pine trees are mainly used for Pulp as they are not good for lumber products.
This trip took 2 1/2 hours and killed part of the day. Then we decided to go to a Berry farm and maybe pick some strawberries but once we got there, which was a half hour drive, we opted for lunch and bought the " already " picked berries. We then decide to go to a new mall in the area of our camp site as we needed a few groceries and the weather was cool, cloudy and threatening rain.
We were about a 1/2 from the shopping centre, so all I had to do was to back track my route. As i approached the 1 st " Roundabout" I forgot which exit I needed and naturally chose the wrong one and ended up going the wrong direction. I finally got turn around and when I hit the next " roundabout " I chose the wrong exit again. This time I really got turned around and it took the Navagator about 20 mins to get me back on track. Finally we got to the mall, and while walking down the mall I spotted a Vodafone store and they sold iPad2. Since my iPad was not working at all I ask one astute looking salesman if he would look at it for me. He agreed, so I went to the MH and got my iPad.
While I was getting my iPad Carroll was walking around the mall and found a Walk-in Clinic. She has had a hard time hearing for about a week and it was getting worst so she went into the clinic and the doctor took her right away. In the meantime, I'm at the Vodafone store having my iPad readjusted as it turns out. The problem was with the remote keyboard and if you don't have an ipad you probably don't have the foggest idea what I'm talking about. Suffice to say, Mr. Vodafone told me not to use the remote keyboard again as it was broken, and he then got the ipad to function properly for which I greatly appreciated.
It cost R250 ( 32.00 cdn ) for the doctors appt and she gave Carroll a perscription for some ear drops to clean out the wax in her ears.
By this time it was 4:30 pm and the weather was cool so we decide to take in a movie rather then sit in the camper so we killed another 2 hours and seen the movie " Moneyball ". If you haven't seen , it is worth seeing.
Then we picked up some KFC and went home to make the rest of the supper.
Friday, 2 December 2011
2 Dec Knysna to George
We left Knysna ( pronounced Ni s nah ) heading for George a city of 200,000 plus but we had a few stops on our way to see some small town recommended by our fellow campers. The first town was Rheenendal ,about 20 Km from Knysna and this was visited because Carroll read about it in a brochure. It was a Total waste of fuel. But on the way we seen a sign that advertised a coffee and lunch bar at a dairy farm so we dropped in to investigate. As it turns out it is quite a nice breakfast/lunch bar overlooking a Gorge. Incidentally, there are a "Zillion" Gorges in the country and most are advertised as a "must " see, so we did not need another one. However, they had Brewed coffee and we added a Muffin and a Scone and called it breakfast. They also sold cheese so we picked up a slab of that.
Back on the road again, we headed for another quaint town, namely, Sedgefield. this was highly recommended by a lady we met on the Zip Line excursion. As it turns out this town has a well marked driving tour thru the town. The first few blocks had nice but mature homes, probably middle class ; then it took us thru the worst part of town , that appeared to be all Blacks and this area was definitely lower, lower class with most houses being shacks. Why this is on a tour route is beyond me. After we exited this area we were now into the Upper Class of homes and infact one house was built like a castle. From here we were directed to the beach area which of course is the Indian Ocean and this area was cottages and tourist hotels etc. Thinking we had seen the town we left the Beach and followed the next sign up into a new area and we were lead to one of the most beautiful beach we have seen. This beach area was at the mouth of a river just as it met the Indian Ocean and it was difinitely a favour area for the local kids because it was shallow and had miles of sandy beaches. We were told by a lady we met on the Zip Line that this was a top attraction for people who liked the beaches but it was not much for surfers.
Next we headed for George, some 50 KM away but we just had to slow down for all beautiful Ocean senery. Then as we were climbing a mountain area we notice a dozen or so , colourful Parachutes gliding all around the mountain side. They would drop down just about to the ground and then shoot back up high over the mountain. As it turns out there was a"Pull off " right in the area so we stopped and shot a few pics of this show. While we were stopped , Carroll drumed up a conversation with 4 young girls from Norway, one who was a student and was studying in Capetown, the other were visiting. I drummed up a conversation with a couple from England but moved to ZA to retire. Apparently many British retirees do this.
Finally, we reached George around 1 PM so we decide to look for and found the Tourist Information building. The young lady was most helpful and even set us up for a Scenic trolley ride up the mountain tomorrow. She also pointed out other interesting things see and do. She advised us to be at the Information booth tomorrow at 4 PM till late as they were turning on the Christmas light in the park across the street and there would some music.
We then decide to find a " Caravan " park were we could park for the next 2 days. The first one we sought out became a pain in the ass to sign in as the reception area was no where near the Park and I want to see the place that we will be camping in so we left it. We found another beautiful and emaculate park , 1 KM away from the beach. It is actually a resort with condo style chalets. The parking pad is manacured grassed area and we have our own private bathroom across from our MH. The lady owner walked me down to the pad to make sure I was happy with the location and then showed me the bathroom complete a shower. I got to admit, I did " snicker " when she said , this is your private bathroom. When do you get a private bathhroom in a Caravan park.
Ok, now it was time to get some beach time so we headed for the beach about 1 1/2 KM away. It was a very nice area ,which attracted the younger crowd mainly because it was good for Surfering and for the Boggy Board crowd. The beach had about 50 /50 Black and Whites , but they do not intermingle but they don't bother each other either. The Black kids were kicking a Soccer ball around and the white kids were playing with a Ruby ( football ) ball.
After a few hours on the beach we returned to the Caravan park to rest up for supper. We checked with the owner for a good resturaunt for fish and he sent us one that was great. We had the local favour which is also caught locally called KingKlip and it was good.
Back on the road again, we headed for another quaint town, namely, Sedgefield. this was highly recommended by a lady we met on the Zip Line excursion. As it turns out this town has a well marked driving tour thru the town. The first few blocks had nice but mature homes, probably middle class ; then it took us thru the worst part of town , that appeared to be all Blacks and this area was definitely lower, lower class with most houses being shacks. Why this is on a tour route is beyond me. After we exited this area we were now into the Upper Class of homes and infact one house was built like a castle. From here we were directed to the beach area which of course is the Indian Ocean and this area was cottages and tourist hotels etc. Thinking we had seen the town we left the Beach and followed the next sign up into a new area and we were lead to one of the most beautiful beach we have seen. This beach area was at the mouth of a river just as it met the Indian Ocean and it was difinitely a favour area for the local kids because it was shallow and had miles of sandy beaches. We were told by a lady we met on the Zip Line that this was a top attraction for people who liked the beaches but it was not much for surfers.
Next we headed for George, some 50 KM away but we just had to slow down for all beautiful Ocean senery. Then as we were climbing a mountain area we notice a dozen or so , colourful Parachutes gliding all around the mountain side. They would drop down just about to the ground and then shoot back up high over the mountain. As it turns out there was a"Pull off " right in the area so we stopped and shot a few pics of this show. While we were stopped , Carroll drumed up a conversation with 4 young girls from Norway, one who was a student and was studying in Capetown, the other were visiting. I drummed up a conversation with a couple from England but moved to ZA to retire. Apparently many British retirees do this.
Finally, we reached George around 1 PM so we decide to look for and found the Tourist Information building. The young lady was most helpful and even set us up for a Scenic trolley ride up the mountain tomorrow. She also pointed out other interesting things see and do. She advised us to be at the Information booth tomorrow at 4 PM till late as they were turning on the Christmas light in the park across the street and there would some music.
We then decide to find a " Caravan " park were we could park for the next 2 days. The first one we sought out became a pain in the ass to sign in as the reception area was no where near the Park and I want to see the place that we will be camping in so we left it. We found another beautiful and emaculate park , 1 KM away from the beach. It is actually a resort with condo style chalets. The parking pad is manacured grassed area and we have our own private bathroom across from our MH. The lady owner walked me down to the pad to make sure I was happy with the location and then showed me the bathroom complete a shower. I got to admit, I did " snicker " when she said , this is your private bathroom. When do you get a private bathhroom in a Caravan park.
Ok, now it was time to get some beach time so we headed for the beach about 1 1/2 KM away. It was a very nice area ,which attracted the younger crowd mainly because it was good for Surfering and for the Boggy Board crowd. The beach had about 50 /50 Black and Whites , but they do not intermingle but they don't bother each other either. The Black kids were kicking a Soccer ball around and the white kids were playing with a Ruby ( football ) ball.
After a few hours on the beach we returned to the Caravan park to rest up for supper. We checked with the owner for a good resturaunt for fish and he sent us one that was great. We had the local favour which is also caught locally called KingKlip and it was good.
Thursday, 1 December 2011
1 Dec Thursday Plettenberg to Knysna
Today we went to Knysna which is 37 KM from Plettenberg. It was not a long drive day but we had hoped we could drive "out " of the dam rain. We arrived in Kuysna and it was slightly overcast with a drizzle. We were not sure what to do or if we would stay so we did a drive about the town and found the waterfront which had ample parking mainly because it has a gorgerous ( that's probably not the best word to describe it ) "walking only " Shopping Quay about 2 blocks long. It also has an " i " Information booth so we ventured over to see what they had for us. The information here was too provide and or sell tourist with several boat trips around the harbour and area.
The city of Knysna is built on an large estuary and has a narrow entrance which protects it from any storms. It was obviously found by sailors many years ago when then needed a place to mooring during a storm. Inside the estuary they also have 2 small island which have been bridged from the mainland , albeit a small brigde of about 100 feet long. As a result, a housing developement , of the upscale variety, has been built on the Islands. With such a gorgerous view, it is not surprising that the housing developement happened.
Anyway, back to our story. When we checked with the information booth they explained that they had several excursion , all that were part of a boat trip within the Estuary. Incidentally, the tide rises and falls every 6 1/2 hours, which compared to the Pacific in Comox, BC which changes every 12 hours or so. So the one that intersted us was a boat ride across the Estuary, then a ride in 3 wagons towed by a tractor/truck ( for lack of a better word) up a 2.2 KM up a mountian trail and if we wanted , we could hike back down to the boat dock that housed a resturaunt of which the likes we have never seen in all our travels. It is a semi-outdoor resturaunt built amoung the trees but they did not cut any trees down to built it. The decking and the tables are set amoung and around the trees. These trees do not grow straight like a pine or Fir; the tree limbs just twist and turn , up and down and around. The resturaunt would be about the size of a small town hockey arena, as a comparison.
When we arrived back at the resturaunt, after the hike down, they had a buffet dinner which was second to none. It had everything from Kudu ( antelope ) Calamaria, chicken, fish ,beef, salads, and many deserts.
I know you are waiting on the cost of this excursion so here it comes. The 4 hour trip and the meal cost R790 or about 100.00 cdn for the both of us, which we felt was worth the price.
As a side note , while going up the 2.2 KM mountain ride our vehicle quit 1 KM from the drop-off point so we had to hike the last Km. Carroll orginally thought she could hike down but once we got to the top she changed her mind and rode in the wagon. I am glad she chose to ride down because the hiking was really rough and would have been a killer on her knees. Of course it was a piece of cake for a "Trained Killer " like me. By the time I got the the resturaunt it was definitely Miller time. There were also two tour Bus loads of people; one from UK and one from Germany.
After the tour ended and as we walked to the MH we had to walk by some more Hawkers selling table clothes and place Mats. Carroll stopped to as the price and after 10 mins of "Brow Beating "the lady, Carroll walked away with another table cloth. We then moved to the shopping Quay, which was nearby and did some window shopping for an hour or so and then decide to stay in Kynsna for the night and went looking for a camp site. We found one in our camping book and checked it out as it was on the edge of town. It is a nice area, all grass and the cost was R180 but I explained that was a Pensioner so he dropped it to R162.
Since we had a big dinner at 12:30 or 1PM we did not need a big supper so we had a snack in the MH. There are only two of us in the camp site but every camp site has several Chalets or as they call the "self Catering" which means bring your own food. Tomorrwo we will move down towards the Cape.
The city of Knysna is built on an large estuary and has a narrow entrance which protects it from any storms. It was obviously found by sailors many years ago when then needed a place to mooring during a storm. Inside the estuary they also have 2 small island which have been bridged from the mainland , albeit a small brigde of about 100 feet long. As a result, a housing developement , of the upscale variety, has been built on the Islands. With such a gorgerous view, it is not surprising that the housing developement happened.
Anyway, back to our story. When we checked with the information booth they explained that they had several excursion , all that were part of a boat trip within the Estuary. Incidentally, the tide rises and falls every 6 1/2 hours, which compared to the Pacific in Comox, BC which changes every 12 hours or so. So the one that intersted us was a boat ride across the Estuary, then a ride in 3 wagons towed by a tractor/truck ( for lack of a better word) up a 2.2 KM up a mountian trail and if we wanted , we could hike back down to the boat dock that housed a resturaunt of which the likes we have never seen in all our travels. It is a semi-outdoor resturaunt built amoung the trees but they did not cut any trees down to built it. The decking and the tables are set amoung and around the trees. These trees do not grow straight like a pine or Fir; the tree limbs just twist and turn , up and down and around. The resturaunt would be about the size of a small town hockey arena, as a comparison.
When we arrived back at the resturaunt, after the hike down, they had a buffet dinner which was second to none. It had everything from Kudu ( antelope ) Calamaria, chicken, fish ,beef, salads, and many deserts.
I know you are waiting on the cost of this excursion so here it comes. The 4 hour trip and the meal cost R790 or about 100.00 cdn for the both of us, which we felt was worth the price.
As a side note , while going up the 2.2 KM mountain ride our vehicle quit 1 KM from the drop-off point so we had to hike the last Km. Carroll orginally thought she could hike down but once we got to the top she changed her mind and rode in the wagon. I am glad she chose to ride down because the hiking was really rough and would have been a killer on her knees. Of course it was a piece of cake for a "Trained Killer " like me. By the time I got the the resturaunt it was definitely Miller time. There were also two tour Bus loads of people; one from UK and one from Germany.
After the tour ended and as we walked to the MH we had to walk by some more Hawkers selling table clothes and place Mats. Carroll stopped to as the price and after 10 mins of "Brow Beating "the lady, Carroll walked away with another table cloth. We then moved to the shopping Quay, which was nearby and did some window shopping for an hour or so and then decide to stay in Kynsna for the night and went looking for a camp site. We found one in our camping book and checked it out as it was on the edge of town. It is a nice area, all grass and the cost was R180 but I explained that was a Pensioner so he dropped it to R162.
Since we had a big dinner at 12:30 or 1PM we did not need a big supper so we had a snack in the MH. There are only two of us in the camp site but every camp site has several Chalets or as they call the "self Catering" which means bring your own food. Tomorrwo we will move down towards the Cape.
30 Nov Wedesday. Tsitzikamma Park to Plettenberg
Before I give you our travelogue to Pettenberg I must tell you about how friendly the ZA campers are with us. Our neighbours in Tist..... Park gave us a lot of information on where to go and what to see. However, they did much more; the gave us there cell # and insist that we stop for a visit when we pass thru their city and they they gave us a jar of homemade marmalade as a gift. The people we have met in ZA are just great and really make us feel welcome.
Now for the travelogue. We left Tsit... and travel a whole 55 KM to Plettenberg Bay,which is a very vibrate city of (my guess) approxi 10,000. Since the camp ground we selected, with the recommendation of other campers, was 4 Km before the city so we checked in there 1st. ( they would not give me "Pensioners" rates ) It is a very nice camp ground, right on a river which empties into the Indian Ocean about 500 M from the camp ground, so the river actually goes up and down with the Ocean tide.
After selecting a spot, since it was barely 10 % full, we were allowed to select any vacant spot, we decide to tour the city and if possible find an Information Booth to get advice on what to see. No luck there , so we drove around the city and soon found the Waterfront and Beach area. After parking we walk around the beach but it was crowded with University student who are on summer holidays. The summer holidays are from late Nov to the middle of Jan and we have already been told the every beach and camping area will be crowded from now until we leave on 15 Jan. Also the price of camping will double by mid Dec, if not right away.
The parking lots at the beaches usually provided an area for Hawkers to set up and sell their wares to unsuspecting customers, namely Carroll. When Carroll says "she just wants to look" , I immedately get out my wallet because we are definitely buying something and she did not disappoint me.
Since the City Beach was crowded we returned to our camp site, on the river and went for a swim; it was cool but not cold, and then read for a while or fell asleep and enhanced our tan.
After a couple of hour of beach time we decided to get the MH washed ( it was dirty from the rain on the dirt roads in the parks ) while we went grocery shopping. I got the MH Hand Washed and Dried for R80 ( 10.00 ), which i think was a bargin. After grocery shopping , the MH wasn't ready so I grabbed my computer and we went for a coffee at a place called the Mugg and Bean, which is a franchise much like Kelsey's but , more import , they have " free " internet for 1/2. Since my connection at the camp was somewhere between "Bugger all and None" I wanted to at least check our emails which we did. We have taken advantage of the free internet at the Mugg and Bean in Joburg so we knew it would be available here also.
We then got our MH and fuelled up so to be ready to roll in the morning. You either need Petrol or diesel not gasoline. I ask the "filling" station attendant if it was going to rain and he said absolutely , in about 1 hour and it will rain all night. He was right on as it started to rain as soon as I lite the Briggettes. No gas Bar-B-Q's here.
We delayed supper until it quit raining or at least slowed down somewhat. Then I bar-b-q the hamburgers, sauage and the Mushrooms to go along with corn on the cob. Veggies ground all year round here so nothing is out of season. As soon as i finished with the "Barbie' it started to pour again and never stopped all night. Tomorrow we will move south and we hope we have seen the last of the rain.
Now for the travelogue. We left Tsit... and travel a whole 55 KM to Plettenberg Bay,which is a very vibrate city of (my guess) approxi 10,000. Since the camp ground we selected, with the recommendation of other campers, was 4 Km before the city so we checked in there 1st. ( they would not give me "Pensioners" rates ) It is a very nice camp ground, right on a river which empties into the Indian Ocean about 500 M from the camp ground, so the river actually goes up and down with the Ocean tide.
After selecting a spot, since it was barely 10 % full, we were allowed to select any vacant spot, we decide to tour the city and if possible find an Information Booth to get advice on what to see. No luck there , so we drove around the city and soon found the Waterfront and Beach area. After parking we walk around the beach but it was crowded with University student who are on summer holidays. The summer holidays are from late Nov to the middle of Jan and we have already been told the every beach and camping area will be crowded from now until we leave on 15 Jan. Also the price of camping will double by mid Dec, if not right away.
The parking lots at the beaches usually provided an area for Hawkers to set up and sell their wares to unsuspecting customers, namely Carroll. When Carroll says "she just wants to look" , I immedately get out my wallet because we are definitely buying something and she did not disappoint me.
Since the City Beach was crowded we returned to our camp site, on the river and went for a swim; it was cool but not cold, and then read for a while or fell asleep and enhanced our tan.
After a couple of hour of beach time we decided to get the MH washed ( it was dirty from the rain on the dirt roads in the parks ) while we went grocery shopping. I got the MH Hand Washed and Dried for R80 ( 10.00 ), which i think was a bargin. After grocery shopping , the MH wasn't ready so I grabbed my computer and we went for a coffee at a place called the Mugg and Bean, which is a franchise much like Kelsey's but , more import , they have " free " internet for 1/2. Since my connection at the camp was somewhere between "Bugger all and None" I wanted to at least check our emails which we did. We have taken advantage of the free internet at the Mugg and Bean in Joburg so we knew it would be available here also.
We then got our MH and fuelled up so to be ready to roll in the morning. You either need Petrol or diesel not gasoline. I ask the "filling" station attendant if it was going to rain and he said absolutely , in about 1 hour and it will rain all night. He was right on as it started to rain as soon as I lite the Briggettes. No gas Bar-B-Q's here.
We delayed supper until it quit raining or at least slowed down somewhat. Then I bar-b-q the hamburgers, sauage and the Mushrooms to go along with corn on the cob. Veggies ground all year round here so nothing is out of season. As soon as i finished with the "Barbie' it started to pour again and never stopped all night. Tomorrow we will move south and we hope we have seen the last of the rain.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)