December 4th

We awoke to braying donkeys, not crowing roosters! It's not as bad as the rooster, but well, I'm not a farm girl so not used to either one. Anyway, we readied slowly and to breakfast by 0845ish. We were given starter of coffee/tea; juice; a small yogurt cup with muesli and chopped, fresh fruit; and a plate of home-baked seedloaf bread with butter and strawberry jam. Then given options for the main. I had The Stack: avocado, fried banana, crispy bacon, over easy egg, brie, and chives stacked (artistically) on a piece of home-baked seedloaf bread. Jeff had French Toast: butter fried bread fingers topped with crispy bacon, berry coulis and maple syrup. WOW! Both were presented so well, it took a bit to enjoy the look of them. But by far the best was eating them!! When we finished we knew we would not be eating for awhile after!

On the way back to our room (I did not mention) there is a goldfish water feature. It is nice to hear trickling water.  Anyway, in our room gather our stuff and loaded up, saying goodbye to the fish, dogs, and donkeys. We headed on east, and took the lesser road down to Nature's Valley. We went to Nature's Valley Beach and walked on it some. There we saw dolphins jumping in the surf! We just stayed a bit and watched. So cool!!! At one end of the beach there was a trail to… wait for it, Nature's Valley Lookout. Ha-ha! They like the name. But it was nice little hike and a great overview of the natural valley area. (I couldn't resist the pun). Hiked back down to the beach and noticed the beach sand squeaked if you slid your feet. We have heard people talk of this but had never experienced it. Back at the car we loaded up, and moved on. We passed by… Nature's Valley Rest Camp (really, I'm not making this up.) Here we saw Baboons, but from inside our car this time. We moved on and had to go on the interstate-type highway, N2. But just before we got on it an Antelope-type, or a Bok-of some sort, meandered across the road, then bounded up into the brush as we came close enough to actually make out what it might have been! Oh well, we saw something! We are definitely in Africa!!!

Now we just drove, cutting down to St. Francis Bay, and on to Cape St Francis. We went to Seal Point Lighthouse. It was open. We had to pay and wait for a tour guide to take us up. As we waited we did a photo-op in front of the plaque of the “Southeasternmost Tip of Africa”. So we have been to the S.westernmost tip, the S.most tip and now S.easternmost tip of the continent of Africa. The guide arrived and we went in the lighthouse. I am definitely working on some fear issues as I keep going up these lighthouses! I am conquering!!? Maybe, some? We started up a regular spiral stone stairway, and I thought this is going to be a piece of cake! HAH! Then the stairwell changed, so much for thinking! The stairs are still spiral but they were now “see through” small iron slats. Oh my! But I persevered, albeit, slowly. At the top the Fresnel lens was inside!!! So I was able to enjoy it. The guide actually was able to just hand turn it. It just glistened in what little sunlight this cloudy day allowed. There was also a walk out for an overlook. I went out on the non-windy side only. Jeff walked all around it. The lighthouse was built of brick in 1878, and still works. We went down, again slowly for my sake. (Jeff and the guide would have probably been down in less than two minutes without me). The last lighthouse keeper left in 1987, but the lighthouse is in good shape. We left. I again felt like I had accomplished a big deal!

Now we went on to the town we will be staying in for two nights, Jeffreys Bay. We HAD to stay here, obviously. Before we arrived at our place we did stop at an Information place. We needed more informative maps of the area and tips on what to do! The lady was very helpful and informative. From her we know where we eat tonight as well. We loaded back up and went to our place, Grand House Lodge and checked in around 3:30 pm. We unloaded stuff we will need, and went to get food. We are finally hungry! (With such a large breakfast, we did not have lunch, nor were we interested). We both wanted a hamburger! We went to Brewhaha!! I had a mushroom burger with grilled onions, tomato, lettuce, and mustard and BBQ sauce and a side of greek salad; and a glass of red wine. Jeff had bacon cheeseburger with same toppings and sweet potato fries for a side; and a beer. Yum!! This hit our spot!

We went a store for ice, Coke, and wine for tomorrow. Then back to our lodge and figured out a rough plan for rest of of time here in South Africa. We couldn't see sunset due to cloud cover. I blogged and Jeff read and planned more. We did receive confirmation on our E-visas for India, so looks like we are a go there! Thanks to all for your prayers and love!!