Our safari in South Africa has taken us from Port Elizabeth down to Knysna on the Garden Route for two days.  Definitely not long enough to explore this wonderful region, but enough to give the children a taste, so that we return to explore in more depth another time.

From Knysna we went back to Tsitsikamma Forest, which is north on the N2 and we drove through the forest down to Storms River.  We crossed over the Bloukrans Bridge, stopping to view the highest bungy jump in the world, at 216 meters.  Even watching someone else, a tiny dot beneath the road bridge launching themselves off the edge into the most spectacular gorge gave me goosebumps!

Having arrived at Storms River we received disappointing news that the suspension bridge across the mouth of the river was out of action due to fires which have brought rock falls along the boardwalk.  We were only able to do 500 meters of the boardwalk, but even this short distance was through the dense forest and worth our visit. 

Back in Knysna we had wanted to go on the Outeniqua Choo-Choo, a spectacular steam train ride to George across the lagoon, clinging to the coastline, crossing river mouths and mountains.  However, we were thwarted here too due to the incredible winter storms that the area has encountered.  Many parts of the track have subsided into water or suffered rock falls.  We sincerely hope that they will be able to restore the track soon, as Knysna without the wonderful sight of the Choo-Choo train chugging across the lagoon is to miss a great part of the fun!

The beaches in Knysna lived up to the memory though.  Turquoise blue water with white horses riding on the crest of the waves crashing onto bone white sand, whilst the sun shines down.  We didn’t see any dolphins this time, but they do regularly play-surf through the waves, and who can blame them.

Supper the first night was down at Paquita’s at Knysna Heads.  Great place to watch the sun go down, whilst you munch your way through the freshest of fish and sip the best of the Cape’s crisp white wine.

Our safari in South Africa has progressed to Port Elizabeth, the northern start to the Garden Route.  As the plane glided into the airport, the pilot announced that we were approaching the Windy City.  Unfortunately, so far it has lived up to its name!  The weather has been rather cloudy, in the main, although in the very hot sun that shone through yesterday morning, I have managed to get some sunburn and that was with sun screen on.

As I write hard driving rain is pouring down, so I guess that the best place to be is here in the internet cafe writing to you.

We are here in Port Elizabeth for our chidren’s tennis which started yesterday.   When the tennis finishes we are driving back to Cape Town down the Garden Route to show the boys wonderful places like Knysna, Brenton Beach and Noetsie. 

Bearing in mind that it is high holiday time here, it is amazingly quiet and we are enjoying our free time.  Everyone we meet is so friendly and eager to assist us. Where we are staying is lovely, clean and airy.  Our hosts, Margaret and Brian come from London, UK and are very accommodating.

When we get back to Cape Town, I’ll post some photos of our wonderful day out to Franschhoek last Monday and our first visit to the Waterfront, Cape Town.

We have arrived!  Cape Town is as lovely as ever!  It’s like coming home and we are lucky enough to be able to call it our second home, but Cape Town has this magical effect on anyone who visits!

Table Mountain stands as resolute and protective as ever, standing guard over the harbour and bay with the sea sparkling in the warm early summer sun.

Here on the Lagoon we have already sighted Oyster Catchers, Spoonbills, Egrets, and the pretty Turns, who swoop and dive as one on the evening breeze.  The dipping and diving of the Cormorants entertain us all.

Tomorrow is the first time in 26 years that I have celebrated my birthday here in Cape Town, so we are off to Franschhoek to The Petite Ferme, a wine estate and superb restaurant, where we will dine at lunchtime, gazing down over the rolling hillside towards Franschhoek itself, across the vines all laid out to catch the sun.

Franschhoek is about 1 – 1 1/2 hours out of Cape Town.  Surrounded by towering mountains, the French Huguenots founded the town some 300 years ago, bringing with them their skills of wine making and grape growing.  Coupled with French culinary abilities, they created a unique culture that has survived and grown into the beautiful valley that is Franschhoek today.

The galleries and shops in the main street offer hours of interesting browsing and shopping from wine to nik naks, antiques to souvenirs.

Staying out in the winelands and in Franschhoek in particular, offers wonderful opportunities for a number of activities such as fishing the clear-running streams for Trout, taking a horse and carriage ride through the vineyards, picnics, dining al fresco under the stars and a 101 other things that make a holiday special!

I am going to record the spectacular scenery on my new camcorder and hope to be able to bring you in the New Year my efforts!