Hi
After a day in Cape Town saying goodbye and a day in Johannesburg doing much the same, we are back in Australia.
Does this mean the end of this blog? Well the answer to that is NO! No matter where my feet are standing it will be exotic to someone who is not here.
Over the next week I will be uploading more of our South African pictures and giving you the contact details for the places we stayed. Maybe you would like to plan a holiday to the Garden Route. If you do I hope the information will be helpful and inspire you to wander off the beaten track.
Please comment if you have looked at this Blog. It is nice to know where you are and a bit about you. Let me know which countries you are interested in visiting. Who knows, maybe my feet have stood there too.
Until next time, take care,
B
Friday, October 16, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Hermanus
Today and yesterday we have been shopping and Whale watching in Hermanus. The Southern Right whales come close into shore and we have had a great view from our bedrooom window.
So now you are up to date....
I promise to upload detailed information of each place we stayed and the best of the best photos for each day as soon as I get to broadband.
Tomorrow is Cape Town....
So now you are up to date....
I promise to upload detailed information of each place we stayed and the best of the best photos for each day as soon as I get to broadband.
Tomorrow is Cape Town....
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Berluda Cottages and Oudtshoorn
Hi All
Sorry I have been quiet for 2 days but wireless is not always as fast as it could be.
Since I last posted we have stayed at Berluda Cottages in Schoemanshoek. A beautiful settlement just outside of Oudtshoorn on the way to the Cango caves. It was lovely and relaxing.
W- This is the photo that we were trying to show you that disconnected skype. This is the view that went along with my morning tea and biskuit. Niiiice hey!
I need to also mention that they washed every guests car in the morning before checkout! Now that is service!
After a lovely breakfast chatting with a delightful Christian lady we drove to the Cango Caves.
It was humid underground and at one point in the tour they turn all the lights out so that you get the feel for what it was like in the 1700s when the caves were discovered. While it was dark L sang Amazing Grace! She did a grand job of the first verse and I am delighted that she stopped there... They didn't turn the lights on until she was finished and I hate being underground and I hate not seeing where I am! Good thing she didn't pick Wesley! :)
Oudtshoorn is also known as a huge Ostrich breeding community.So no trip is quite comeplete with out viewing Ostrich. We decided racing Ostrich was a bit boring after riding elephant so I would suggest that if you come to South Africa that you ride Ostrich first. L and I have become quite good at game spotting during the last week and we have a great chant that goes: Bush, bush, bush , bush , bush, beak, bush, bush, bush....
A great game as you whizz down country roads at over 100kph!
Here, you try!
Sorry I have been quiet for 2 days but wireless is not always as fast as it could be.
Since I last posted we have stayed at Berluda Cottages in Schoemanshoek. A beautiful settlement just outside of Oudtshoorn on the way to the Cango caves. It was lovely and relaxing.
W- This is the photo that we were trying to show you that disconnected skype. This is the view that went along with my morning tea and biskuit. Niiiice hey!
I need to also mention that they washed every guests car in the morning before checkout! Now that is service!
After a lovely breakfast chatting with a delightful Christian lady we drove to the Cango Caves.
It was humid underground and at one point in the tour they turn all the lights out so that you get the feel for what it was like in the 1700s when the caves were discovered. While it was dark L sang Amazing Grace! She did a grand job of the first verse and I am delighted that she stopped there... They didn't turn the lights on until she was finished and I hate being underground and I hate not seeing where I am! Good thing she didn't pick Wesley! :)
Oudtshoorn is also known as a huge Ostrich breeding community.So no trip is quite comeplete with out viewing Ostrich. We decided racing Ostrich was a bit boring after riding elephant so I would suggest that if you come to South Africa that you ride Ostrich first. L and I have become quite good at game spotting during the last week and we have a great chant that goes: Bush, bush, bush , bush , bush, beak, bush, bush, bush....
A great game as you whizz down country roads at over 100kph!
Here, you try!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Animals Galore
Last night we had an interesting dinner. The starter was biltong pate, three cheese pate, figs with homemade bread and roosterbrood.
The entree was biltong souffle, and L had a main course of blou wilderbeest, crocodile, ostrich and gemsbok (B had beef fillet) followed by malva pudding and amarula custard to die for.
This morning we woke up in a tent, not any tent this was definitely sleeping under 5 stars. Even B's and L's Mums would have managed this one. Plush furnishings, armchairs in each corner, deck lounges on the front porch, a bath tub to die for and an outdoor shower not to mention the four poster bed with mosquito netting and the airconditioner / heating. We woke spritely at 5:30 am to ready ourselves for a game drive at Bottlierskop. Our guide navigated some interesting 4X4 tracks to deliver an amazing array of animals. We saw Blou wilderbeest which L had had for dinner the night before, Impala and rare black impala there are only 1000 left world wide and 100 of them are at this park, zebra, eland, giraffe, rhino, kudu, nyala and the funniest guinea fowl which had cL in stiches. We left Botlierskop just after 11.30am.
After a short drive Robertson mountain pass we arrived at Oudtshoorn. We visited the Cango Wildlife Park to view more animals including exotic emu, wallaby and rainbow lorikeet. We saw nile crocodile, turtles, koi, vultures, marabu stork (which has got to be the most ugliest bird), lion, tigers: white and bengal, and cheetah.
L was lucky to meet and touch and pat a cheetah inside the cage now thats an upclose and personal encounter.
L
Sorry everyone, the wireless connection is so slow that I will only upload the one picture tonight. I will make it up to you soon. B
The entree was biltong souffle, and L had a main course of blou wilderbeest, crocodile, ostrich and gemsbok (B had beef fillet) followed by malva pudding and amarula custard to die for.
This morning we woke up in a tent, not any tent this was definitely sleeping under 5 stars. Even B's and L's Mums would have managed this one. Plush furnishings, armchairs in each corner, deck lounges on the front porch, a bath tub to die for and an outdoor shower not to mention the four poster bed with mosquito netting and the airconditioner / heating. We woke spritely at 5:30 am to ready ourselves for a game drive at Bottlierskop. Our guide navigated some interesting 4X4 tracks to deliver an amazing array of animals. We saw Blou wilderbeest which L had had for dinner the night before, Impala and rare black impala there are only 1000 left world wide and 100 of them are at this park, zebra, eland, giraffe, rhino, kudu, nyala and the funniest guinea fowl which had cL in stiches. We left Botlierskop just after 11.30am.
After a short drive Robertson mountain pass we arrived at Oudtshoorn. We visited the Cango Wildlife Park to view more animals including exotic emu, wallaby and rainbow lorikeet. We saw nile crocodile, turtles, koi, vultures, marabu stork (which has got to be the most ugliest bird), lion, tigers: white and bengal, and cheetah.
L was lucky to meet and touch and pat a cheetah inside the cage now thats an upclose and personal encounter.
L
Sorry everyone, the wireless connection is so slow that I will only upload the one picture tonight. I will make it up to you soon. B
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
As you can see the last 24 hours have been wonderful. We fed baby elephant their bed time bottles; rode on elephant at sunrise; drove one of the most beautiful drives in the world, between Knysna and the Wilderness; saw lion; had an amazing seven course meal; and L participated in a drumming session! If you ever come to South Africa do yourself a favour and book a room here www.knysnaelephantpark.co.za
if you thought yesterday was good.......
today was AMAZING! We woke up early this morning to go on an elephant ride!!! Just another day in Africa......
I will upload more photos of our amazing day later because we need to trumpet our goodbyes and head off to the game lodge to be in time for our evening safari.
I will upload more photos of our amazing day later because we need to trumpet our goodbyes and head off to the game lodge to be in time for our evening safari.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Elephant experiences
Today has been the MOST amazing day! I am sitting in the lounge of our accomodation. It has three walls and instead of a fourth wall it has safety railing beyond which is the elephant house. So here I am on my laptop as ten elephant get ready for bed not even 8 meters away!
The lounge where I am writing tonights blog! What a view!!
Our day began in Addo at 5.45am where we got up and did a game drive. It was very misty and so not many animals were visable. We headed back to the cottage to collect our belongings and headed out again at 9am after checking out. We drove through the park to join the N2 motorway and this time saw a large herd of elephant, warthog, kudu, bushbuck, various birds and tortoise.
We stopped at Storms River and L managed to do the 1.5 hour walk to the Suspension bridge over the Storms River mouth in record time, making it there and back in 40 minutes! The Tsitsikama National Park is stunning and well worth a stop over if you are in the area. (There are many cabins onsite.)
Storms River mouth
We made it in to the Knysna Elephant Park at 4pm and have had an amazing afternoon interacting with the elephant. We have been for a walk with them and bottle fed the baby elephant their night time 4litres of milk. As I type they are lying down and asleep. The adults are milling about eating Port Jackson leaves and slowing quitening down for the night.
Right now sleep sounds like an excellent idea as we have another early start tomorrow. L is going to ride an elephant at sunrise!!
The lounge where I am writing tonights blog! What a view!!
Our day began in Addo at 5.45am where we got up and did a game drive. It was very misty and so not many animals were visable. We headed back to the cottage to collect our belongings and headed out again at 9am after checking out. We drove through the park to join the N2 motorway and this time saw a large herd of elephant, warthog, kudu, bushbuck, various birds and tortoise.
We stopped at Storms River and L managed to do the 1.5 hour walk to the Suspension bridge over the Storms River mouth in record time, making it there and back in 40 minutes! The Tsitsikama National Park is stunning and well worth a stop over if you are in the area. (There are many cabins onsite.)
Storms River mouth
We made it in to the Knysna Elephant Park at 4pm and have had an amazing afternoon interacting with the elephant. We have been for a walk with them and bottle fed the baby elephant their night time 4litres of milk. As I type they are lying down and asleep. The adults are milling about eating Port Jackson leaves and slowing quitening down for the night.
Right now sleep sounds like an excellent idea as we have another early start tomorrow. L is going to ride an elephant at sunrise!!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Addo Elephant Park
Hi, Thanks for joining us on our travels. Please do leave a comment as we love hearing from you!
Today was spent travelling around Addo Elephant Park, near Port Elizabeth. It is an amazing place to come and visit and we have seen so much on the four hour drive we did. The main advantage of being here is that you are able to drive yourself around the park. (The "look out for lion" signs are a great reminder not to get out of the car.)
So here is the list of todays sightings: ELEPHANT!!!, Buffalo, Kudu, Red Haartebeest, Mongoose, Hare, bushbuck, ostrich, warthog, monkeys, black backed jackal, tortoise AND the star of today: the flightless dung beetle!
B is averaging 100 photos an hour and she is the one doing the driving!! ;)
Here are some of her pics for today. Hope you enjoy them!
Leopard tortoise
female Kudu
Elephant
Today was spent travelling around Addo Elephant Park, near Port Elizabeth. It is an amazing place to come and visit and we have seen so much on the four hour drive we did. The main advantage of being here is that you are able to drive yourself around the park. (The "look out for lion" signs are a great reminder not to get out of the car.)
So here is the list of todays sightings: ELEPHANT!!!, Buffalo, Kudu, Red Haartebeest, Mongoose, Hare, bushbuck, ostrich, warthog, monkeys, black backed jackal, tortoise AND the star of today: the flightless dung beetle!
B is averaging 100 photos an hour and she is the one doing the driving!! ;)
Here are some of her pics for today. Hope you enjoy them!
Leopard tortoise
female Kudu
Elephant
Sunday, October 4, 2009
The World of Birds: up close and feathery
South Africa's national bird: The Blue Crane
Begal Eagle Owl
Blue Indian Ringnecked Parakeet
Blue and Gold Macaw
Red Ibis
Begal Eagle Owl
Blue Indian Ringnecked Parakeet
Blue and Gold Macaw
Red Ibis
Scarborough
Looking north up the west coast of the Peninsula. This is the view from Scarborough at sunset.
Today we did an 11 hour drive up the coast to Port Elizabeth. We drove up the N2 motorway and had breakfast near Mossel Bay, lunch on the beachfront in Plettenburg Bay, and dinner in Port Elizabeth.
We took a small detour to show L the highest Bunjee Jump in the WORLD. The fall is 216m down into a gorge under Blaukrans Bridge but not even L was game to take the plunge!
Tomorrow we are leaving the very stunning Beach Hotel and driving off in search of Elephant at Addo. Hopefully we will be able to bring you amazing wildlife photos soon. Until then here is the world's highest Bunjee..... would you do it?
We took a small detour to show L the highest Bunjee Jump in the WORLD. The fall is 216m down into a gorge under Blaukrans Bridge but not even L was game to take the plunge!
Tomorrow we are leaving the very stunning Beach Hotel and driving off in search of Elephant at Addo. Hopefully we will be able to bring you amazing wildlife photos soon. Until then here is the world's highest Bunjee..... would you do it?
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Hout Bay and the World of Birds
What is there to say about Hout Bay except that it is stunning and has a Spectacular view!!
View of Hout Bay from Chapmans Peak
It was blowing a gale and people on the beach front were being sand blasted, including one very drunk homeless man. Now on any normal sunny day staying upright would have been a challenge but on this day it was inevitable that someone was going to manage levitation. Walking along the boardwalk slightly above the beach Homeless Man managed a stunt worthy of Oscar glory. A gust came along and raised him heavenward! A full second of levitation deposited him unceremoniously on his bottom on the beach where he vanished from view of anyone in the car park.... the tears of laughter also helped making him invisible.
He stood up as quickly as a child caught stealing and look around briskly to check no one had seen his moment of flight.
Pre-flight check!
After a drive along the section of Chapmans Peak Drive that was open we went to the World of Birds. A bird sanctuary on the outskirts of Hout Bay. L's favourite were the red Ibis and the owls were pretty cool too. We had a great time looking at the exotic animals and birds. We were particularly amazed by the exotic Wallaby, Casawary and Emus!! (Haven't seen those before! ;)
L also found someone that reminded her of W......
:)
View of Hout Bay from Chapmans Peak
It was blowing a gale and people on the beach front were being sand blasted, including one very drunk homeless man. Now on any normal sunny day staying upright would have been a challenge but on this day it was inevitable that someone was going to manage levitation. Walking along the boardwalk slightly above the beach Homeless Man managed a stunt worthy of Oscar glory. A gust came along and raised him heavenward! A full second of levitation deposited him unceremoniously on his bottom on the beach where he vanished from view of anyone in the car park.... the tears of laughter also helped making him invisible.
He stood up as quickly as a child caught stealing and look around briskly to check no one had seen his moment of flight.
Pre-flight check!
After a drive along the section of Chapmans Peak Drive that was open we went to the World of Birds. A bird sanctuary on the outskirts of Hout Bay. L's favourite were the red Ibis and the owls were pretty cool too. We had a great time looking at the exotic animals and birds. We were particularly amazed by the exotic Wallaby, Casawary and Emus!! (Haven't seen those before! ;)
L also found someone that reminded her of W......
:)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens
We went to Kirstenbosch for afternoon tea and had a fabulous hot chocolate. Met James' Dad and Aunt Mary. We went for a walk around the garden which has a stream meandering through it. cL and B walked in the water and we made wet footprints to say my feet stood here. There were amazing plants many of which are native to Australia also. Eucalypts, calistamon and pig face to name a few. L cant seem to get her tongue around the name for pig face which is vygie and wants to call it vokchoy. There were many succulents and cactii that L has seen in Tonys' garden and sculptures that reminded L of friends back home.
Groot Constantia
In 1685 Groot Constantia was established as a wine farm on the eastern slopes of the mountain overlooking the Constantia Valley.
The main homestead is a beautiful example of Cape Dutch architecture. It is now a museum and is home to beautiful antique furniture, 18th century Chinese porcelain, Copper kitchenware and even a persian rug.
We had a lovely walk amongst the oaks, played hide and seek and then enjoyed a fantastic lunch at the Jonkershuis restaurant on the estate.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Cape Point S 34 21 24 E18 29 51
Hi
We have had another blessed, stunning, amazing day in the Cape.
After having a resonably slow start to the morning we certainly made up for lost time. Today we drove around the Peninsula, stopping at Simons Town, Boulders Beach, Cape Point and Scarborough.
On the wildlife front it was a day of firsts for L. We saw her first Mongoose, Babboon and Jackass Penguin :) If her is reaction is as good for Elephant, Lion and Cheetah I will be delighted.
We met a delightful lady at Cape Point. She is an American photographer and is in Cape Town for a few days before heading to Malawi for work. We had a fascinating conversation while we toured the Point and she really made our time there extra special. She even offered to photograph the three of us together. It is not everyday a published photographer offers to take your photo! :)
B is now suffering from a serious case of Camera envy having had the chance to use an EOS1 although she is very glad that someone in the world has more essential travel lenses than she does ;)
Us at Cape Point
L with the point and lighthouse in the background
We have had another blessed, stunning, amazing day in the Cape.
After having a resonably slow start to the morning we certainly made up for lost time. Today we drove around the Peninsula, stopping at Simons Town, Boulders Beach, Cape Point and Scarborough.
On the wildlife front it was a day of firsts for L. We saw her first Mongoose, Babboon and Jackass Penguin :) If her is reaction is as good for Elephant, Lion and Cheetah I will be delighted.
We met a delightful lady at Cape Point. She is an American photographer and is in Cape Town for a few days before heading to Malawi for work. We had a fascinating conversation while we toured the Point and she really made our time there extra special. She even offered to photograph the three of us together. It is not everyday a published photographer offers to take your photo! :)
B is now suffering from a serious case of Camera envy having had the chance to use an EOS1 although she is very glad that someone in the world has more essential travel lenses than she does ;)
Us at Cape Point
L with the point and lighthouse in the background
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Day One: V&A Waterfront
Hi there
Well we have made it to the Mother City. After a few delays regarding tampered baggage we made it home at about 10pm (6am for those of you following this in Aussie).
Today we got up early for church. It was lovely to worship with family. Rev Comninos preached on Forgiveness! An excellent sermon with some great illustrations....like: "Forgivess is the scent a flower releases when it is crushed underfoot."
L was amazed by the omnipotence of God and how God is the same everywhere. In the words a great facebook friend, "God is everywhere, Guitar! do do do do do dodo do...." AH!
After church we replaced a suitcase in Claremont and headed off to the V&A Waterfront. It is an area much like Darling Harbour except it has Table Mountain as a backdrop, seals and statues of Nelson Mandela. There is great live entertainment and a fairly festive atmosphere. It definately beats to an African Rythmn.
We had a lovely lunch, did some shopping (Don't panic boys the Visa is still intact!), and visited the Aquarium. It was good to see some local creatures.
On the way home we passed Rustenburg Girls, Rondebosch Boys and Bishops. cL has decided he wants to go to Bishops because they have cool play equipment. Pity about the commute to get there before the bell! Oh well ;) Anyone got a concord to spare??
At the Waterfront in Cape Town
So we have had a morning and an evening and that was our first day.
and it was GOOD!
The adventure will continue in the morning....
Well we have made it to the Mother City. After a few delays regarding tampered baggage we made it home at about 10pm (6am for those of you following this in Aussie).
Today we got up early for church. It was lovely to worship with family. Rev Comninos preached on Forgiveness! An excellent sermon with some great illustrations....like: "Forgivess is the scent a flower releases when it is crushed underfoot."
L was amazed by the omnipotence of God and how God is the same everywhere. In the words a great facebook friend, "God is everywhere, Guitar! do do do do do dodo do...." AH!
After church we replaced a suitcase in Claremont and headed off to the V&A Waterfront. It is an area much like Darling Harbour except it has Table Mountain as a backdrop, seals and statues of Nelson Mandela. There is great live entertainment and a fairly festive atmosphere. It definately beats to an African Rythmn.
We had a lovely lunch, did some shopping (Don't panic boys the Visa is still intact!), and visited the Aquarium. It was good to see some local creatures.
On the way home we passed Rustenburg Girls, Rondebosch Boys and Bishops. cL has decided he wants to go to Bishops because they have cool play equipment. Pity about the commute to get there before the bell! Oh well ;) Anyone got a concord to spare??
At the Waterfront in Cape Town
So we have had a morning and an evening and that was our first day.
and it was GOOD!
The adventure will continue in the morning....
Friday, September 25, 2009
Krugersdorp Game Reserve
Today we had an amazing day out at the Krugersdorp Game Reserve. I know, who would have imagined!
We managed to view two of the Big 5 and even managed see something that certain photographers wait a lifetime to capture on film. This is only the second time I have ever seen it and the last time was in Uganda!
So here are a few animal photos to get you into the African mood while we wait for our Cape Adventure to begin.
(You can click on the images to make them bigger if you want to.)
Lioness
Gemsbok
Mongoose
Can you see it?
What amazing horns.
Tsetsebe - the fastest buck in Africa
and finally, the shot of a lifetime! It is not often that you will see a hippo yawn like this. There are stories of foreign camera crews waiting days and eventually going home with out getting this shot. WOW, no wonder they are the biggest killer in Africa after man.
Especially when a few moments before all you could see of him was this..
If you are South African and of a certain age only one phrase come to mind.. Oh Big Mouth!
We managed to view two of the Big 5 and even managed see something that certain photographers wait a lifetime to capture on film. This is only the second time I have ever seen it and the last time was in Uganda!
So here are a few animal photos to get you into the African mood while we wait for our Cape Adventure to begin.
(You can click on the images to make them bigger if you want to.)
Lioness
Gemsbok
Mongoose
Can you see it?
What amazing horns.
Tsetsebe - the fastest buck in Africa
and finally, the shot of a lifetime! It is not often that you will see a hippo yawn like this. There are stories of foreign camera crews waiting days and eventually going home with out getting this shot. WOW, no wonder they are the biggest killer in Africa after man.
Especially when a few moments before all you could see of him was this..
If you are South African and of a certain age only one phrase come to mind.. Oh Big Mouth!
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