Nearing the end of our time in South Africa, and we're booked into an AirBnB accommodation, an old fishing cottage, a short walk from the town of Hermanus. This is another of those Cape Town escape venues, and it, too, is awash in tourists. It is renowned as a site for spectacular whale watching as they migrate from the Antarctic to warmer waters but, sadly, we're about a month late for that so will have to make do with our own entertainment.
I am so blest - all my favorite things for my special day: my wonderful husband, dear friends, lamb on the braai, and carrot birthday cake!
We've declared this last ten days together a 'chill' time and have planned just a few outings - the first one to the southernmost tip of the continent - Cape Agulhas.
Someone figured out that this is where the two oceans meet - there's nothing in the surf to indicate that - but there is a very old lighthouse (one of dozens along the southern coast) to alert sailers of the rocky shoreline.
If you look really hard, you can probably see Paul and Debbie up on the railing walk!
And, of course there is a penguin colony quite nearby which merits a visit. This is particularly timely as they are near the end of their annual molting phase. I think it could also be described as their cranky time.
I think I might be cranky too if I had to spend three months waiting for my old coat to shed and the new coat to grow in. These remarkable creatures do just that once a year! I can't help but wonder how they know when to start porking up in anticipation of their three-month fast and how they all know to come ashore at the same place at roughly the same time. I say 'roughly' because some of these wee ones are already decked out in their new plumage and are frolicking in the surf.
Delightful visit and another insight into these wonderful, amazing creatures.
And this amusing reminder as we head back to the car! We check.
*********************
Not far from us is a wee gem, the Robert Nixon Palmer Botanical Garden. This is an absolute delight! It's small but very thoughtfully laid-out with clearly-marked trails and some spectacular views that highlight the uniquely indigenous vegetation of the coastal area.
And, amazingly, given the drought-stricken areas we've seen so much of, there are streams and ponds throughout the garden.
One area of the garden is devoted to the plants used by the Bushmen for food, medicinals, and shelter.
Our last outing with dear Paul and Debbie . . .
Tomorrow, they're off to Jo'burg on the luxurious Blue Train, and we fly to Jo'burg and then drive to the remote northern part of SA for our stay at Horizon Horseback Safari.
What a trip this has been! We're traveled over 5,000 miles, seen a vast and diverse swath of South Africa, eaten well, and managed to stay friends for this long journey. We are so grateful to have had their companionship on yet another 'Excellent Adventure'!
Next stop - Limpopo!!
I am so blest - all my favorite things for my special day: my wonderful husband, dear friends, lamb on the braai, and carrot birthday cake!
And, of course there is a penguin colony quite nearby which merits a visit. This is particularly timely as they are near the end of their annual molting phase. I think it could also be described as their cranky time.
I think I might be cranky too if I had to spend three months waiting for my old coat to shed and the new coat to grow in. These remarkable creatures do just that once a year! I can't help but wonder how they know when to start porking up in anticipation of their three-month fast and how they all know to come ashore at the same place at roughly the same time. I say 'roughly' because some of these wee ones are already decked out in their new plumage and are frolicking in the surf.
And this amusing reminder as we head back to the car! We check.
*********************
Not far from us is a wee gem, the Robert Nixon Palmer Botanical Garden. This is an absolute delight! It's small but very thoughtfully laid-out with clearly-marked trails and some spectacular views that highlight the uniquely indigenous vegetation of the coastal area.
And, amazingly, given the drought-stricken areas we've seen so much of, there are streams and ponds throughout the garden.
One area of the garden is devoted to the plants used by the Bushmen for food, medicinals, and shelter.
Our last outing with dear Paul and Debbie . . .
Tomorrow, they're off to Jo'burg on the luxurious Blue Train, and we fly to Jo'burg and then drive to the remote northern part of SA for our stay at Horizon Horseback Safari.
What a trip this has been! We're traveled over 5,000 miles, seen a vast and diverse swath of South Africa, eaten well, and managed to stay friends for this long journey. We are so grateful to have had their companionship on yet another 'Excellent Adventure'!
Next stop - Limpopo!!
