December 6th

We awoke and looked out to cloud cover, again or still, whichever. I don't think Jeffreys Bay area has sunshine! I know better but three days of clouds. Anyway, we readied and went to the lodge lobby for breakfast – it's load shedding time but the place's back up is not working, so our toaster was not working. In the lobby we discovered why, a serviceman was working at the circuit breaker panel. Their common kitchen area has a propane stove so we made skillet toast, also had our yogart. Finished, we packed up and loaded up – moving out! (After we checked out of course.)

We had to get gas, then hit the road! Started on the N2 until we caught the start of Route 62, it is likened to U.S.'s Route 66. From here we just drove, enjoying the scenery of South Africa. The scenery changed to more rugged, rocky terrain as the miles went by. We still have mountains all around. Jeff and I have been surprised how many mountains South Africa does have. Somewhere along the way we passed the marker of the division of the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape. Jeff said he supposed it is like our Continental Divide in the U.S. Also we saw our first Baboons and Ostriches, along the road. I guess it could be likened to driving and seeing deer in the U.S. But I still am fascinated to just see them here. We tried to cut on a another road toward Uniondale, to see Fort Uniondale, but it was a steep gravel road and our car could not have made it. We stayed off Route 62 (it was not “as fun” as Route 66 for us), and took lesser road to town of De Rust. Just past DeRust we went to a winery, Domein Doornkraal. We did a tasting and bought a bottle of their Chenin Blanc. Now we backtracked a bit to De Rust, then headed north. We went to a waterfall, Meiringspoort, seeing a couple more Baboons on the way. We arrived and did the very short trek to the waterfall. Jeff described it more as a “water course”, as it flowed down the mountain. But it was nice to see, and some were sitting/swimming in the small pool of water at its base. 

Back onto the road south to De Rust again and on to just before Oudtshoorn, we cut north again to Old Mill Lodge, Working Ostrich Farm and Restaurant, (whew, long name). Jeff booked us a night here, in a “tent”. It is more “glamping” than camping. We checked in and were taken to our “tent”. It is a tent, but set on a permanent pad with a bathroom attached and it has air-conditioning! So we are really roughing it!  😉  🙂  We unloaded and walked around to area here. Then freshened up and to dinner at 5 pm.

The restaurant is built around the Old Mill and the history of the place is written up. We were seated at our reserved table and another couple were sat next to us, they had not made reservations. They were taking pictures and I asked if they would take our picture and I would take theirs in turn. This opened conversation that lasted all through our meals. They are German. She had to translate some for him, as he was not getting all the conversation. They had been at an Ostrich Safari, the Cango Caves, and just stopped here to eat, well, Ostrich, as they were heading back to Oudtshoorn tonight. They will be in South Africa total of 18 days and will do Kruger National Park. They were fascinated with what we are doing. I did not get their names (unfortunately), but they seemed very nice, and I wish them Good Journeys!

Anyway, our meals were exotic. I had a Kudu Fillet covered with a mushroom sauce, served with seasonal veggies (green beans, cabbage, carrots in a white sauce; and small ring of corn on the cob), and herbed rice. So good – the Kudu is a larger Antelope – the steak looked similar to a filet mignon, with texture of a steak, taste more of venison.  Jeff had Eland Fillet dressed with cream of green peppercorn sauce, served with the same sides as I had. His was also good – the Eland is the largest Antelope in Africa, and is very much like beef- looks, taste and texture. We were both really pleased with our meals. We had a Karusa, One Tree Hill, Pinotage Wine with our meal. It was an extra special meal for us, and we had good conversation with fellow travelers. I almost forgot, we had a dark chocolate “pudding” (which was a dense but not sweet cake) with ice cream and a dark chocolate sauce with a side of Amarula Cream (made from the Marula fruit).   Great meal, maybe our top meal here so far!

We bade goodbye to our company and went to our place. There we actually sat out on our patio area and took in the babbling brook that runs in front of our “tent”. It was a pleasant way to end the day.