South Africa
Watervalrivier

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    • Day 6

      Coast to mountains on the garden route

      January 15, 2023 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

      We all woke early as we were used to getting up, except Liv who had a longer lie in. It was nice to have a leisurely start to the day, it’s cloudy and a little bit of rain. The breakfast was a delicious feast of omelettes, big breaky, eggs Benedict and carrot cake porridge. they gave us complimentary guava juice which we all enjoyed, plus a cheese and fruit board. I took a photo too late as had already started eating! We made our way to the Knysna waterfront and had a lovely wander through the shops and marina. We bought some knick knacks and then we then drove to Thessen Island, another seaside town. Ted and Pete spotted another beach to explore as we drove to Brenton-on-sea. A beautiful part of the coastline. We found a viewing point and went down to the beach to feel the water, it was probably the same temperature as or maybe a bit colder than Sydney beaches. Ted was impressed by the waves considering it was the off season. 6 to 8 foot and quite rough! You could definitely spot a rip. It was a much more scenic drive today via the coastline and inland forests. We arrived at our accommodation, Swartberg Manor, nestled in the mountains. We had a really delicious dinner, with a set menu that we had to order when we arrived due to load shedding (basically blackout times to preserve electricity). For entrees there was a choice of lentil and carrot soup or peach and cranberry salad, and mains were chicken, lamb and ostrich (can you guess who had the ostrich?). Quality food. A pana cotta or brandy pudding for dessert. We found a game of Rummikub but it was a word version! Interesting and Pete, Liv, Ted and I enjoyed a game. Now off to bed in the dark as the power doesn’t come back on till midnight!Read more

    • Day 8

      From fire to rain

      January 17, 2023 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

      We underestimated Jess’s concerns as we awoke a few times in the night with the heat as the air con was off all night (due to load shedding) and fire flames were coming down the ridge, appearing much closer than it was, however still quite a dramatic view from our room. Pete ventured to see where it was the next morning and it was about 4kms away. We had breakfast and made our way to Mossel Bay. The hot dry heat changed as we went over Robinson’s Pass and by the time we reached Mossel Bay it was 24degrees (as opposed to 38). We were too early to check in to the hotel so went went to the local supermarket to get a few supplies and had lunch at the Dolphin Cafe - basic and simple lunch. We did a short walk up the Blaise Lighthouse and back to town, which was impressive with its view. We came across many of these animals called dassies which look like large rats. We booked at Big Blu beach house for dinner, a short walk from the hotel. The kids decided to chill and Pete and I went the maritime museum and a drive to Santos Beach where we had a short walk. The museum had one interesting exhibit, while the rest of it we could have gone without seeing. It’s drizzling and a dull day. There was definitely no need to have booked the restaurant; empty except for one couple! Pete was keen to go somewhere else, with a limited menu on offer, but everyone else wasn’t bothered. On the bright side, the view was lovely as are the views from our rooms. An early night as an early start for the shark dive adventure.Read more

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