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South Africa. Saturday 2nd January.
Into South Africa today and our final border crossing. Only a 144kl drive to Noodoewer and the border post. Interesting drive on gravel and twisting roads, occasionally becoming tar for a while. We realised in places there were vineyards and the tar kept the dust off the vines. Arriving at the border the formalities were very straight forward and in less than 30min (a record) we headed into South Africa. Just before Christmas we had had a text from the Swiss (Ester & Ueli) to say that it would be nice to meet up somewhere in South Africa. We had not seen them since Uganda, so we agreed to be in touch after the New Year. Arriving in Springbok which is the biggest town after the border, we pulled into the campsite and could not believe our eyes. Esther and Ueli were also here. We had a lovely evening catching up on what we had all been doing, where we had been etc. They are going straight down to Cape Town to sort shipping out for there vehicle, we are heading west, so will probably meet up again somewhere on the Garden Route.
Sunday 3rd January.
Stayed at the campsite for the day. Bob did an oil change and some servicing to Sandy amongst other things, whilst I planned our route, did washing, and typed the blog up ready to visit the internet café in the morning. That was our day gone.
Monday 4th January.
Another day gone. Not long now until we ship Sandy home and we fly back on the 17th Feb. We just can not believe that the trip is close to finishing. Tomorrow we will be in Cape Town. Officially the end of the trip. Time just seems to have gone so quickly, in spite of all the small set backs that are sent to try you. But we remiss another day. Tonight we stay at Vanrhynsdorp about 300kl from Cape Town. Nice camp site.
We believe that a lady in Switzerland called Margrit keeps following our blog.
Så för du Margrit, tackar dig för se och ta tiden att läsa vår historia. Jag är säker en god bok från ditt lokala bibliotek där du arbetade skulle vara fjärran, långt bättre läsa. Vi fascineras helt och amazed som så många folk från alla över världen finner vår resa av intresse, och kan finna tiden att följa oss genom alla länderna som vi besökte. Vi hann ifatt med din son Ueli och Ester i sydAfrika och spenderade en gång till några få trevliga dagar i deras företag som reser till åter vi går våra skilda vägar. Jackie och jag båda hoppen draget in i den nya lägenheten går väl för du och du har inga unforeseen problem.
Önska du båda ett lyckligt nytt År.
Bob & Jackie
Tuesday 5th January.
Early start to head for Cape Town. We arrived at Canal Walk (the big shopping centre) for about 1.30. First port of call was the Vodaphone shop to get Jackie’s phone sorted out. Every time you buy a new sim card in a new country you seem to have a problem. After that we headed into Cape Town and arrived at the backpackers.
 Wednesday 6th January.
Had a great day walking around Cape town, it is three years since we were last here but only seems like yesterday. Although not right in the middle of town it looks very impressive. Got back to the backpackers, caught up with the internet then Victoria and Matt came to pick us up. We went for a lovely meal at a Cuban restaurant, our first Cuban but it will not be our last as it was very enjoyable.The waterfront is such a fun place to be, wonderful shops, street entertainment, not forgetting the newly built stadium for the world cup.Great place, a nice lounge, kitchen for the use of, and a pool. After getting settled in, we rang Victoria (Bob’s niece) and headed for her place which was about 20m walk. Exercise something we just don’t seem to get nowadays. We had a nice evening with Victoria and her boyfriend Matt along with a few beers.
  Thursday 7th January.
Leaving Cape town today to make our way along the Garden Route. We did this route when we were here before, although Cape town was our final destination we always intended to see as much of South Africa as we could before flying home. So buying more food before we left we headed out to the motor way, taking the road for Robertson along what they call route 62. We intend to use the roads up above the Garden Route, then once we have reached the end we will then use the actual Garden Route roads to return Along the way the alternator started to make horrible noises. It had been squeaking on and off for a while but now it was repair me time or you aren’t going much further. We were only a few miles from Robinson and fortunately I had a spare so no great issue just a pain in the butt! The backpackers in Robertson is a nice comfy place with much the same amenities as in Cape Town.
Friday 8th January.
When we left Robinson we called into Montagu. It is a lovely quaint little place high in the mountains;
 we spent some time walking around the town which we know from previous visits. Moving on then to Swallendam. We pulled into the Swallendam Backpackers come campsite; it was no where near as nice as any of the others we have stayed in. They had upped the price by 60% and the facilities were dire to be polite! (But unfortunately we needed to stop and do a repair). The camp kitchen was shall we say a disgusting dirty corrugated shed that was falling down. Water was full of black bits. Showers and toilets basic, broken and not overly clean. Needless to say we used our own equipment in the Landy. However, I removed the sump to renew the gasket as it was leaking. Unfortunately two of the bolts sheered off and they were right over the axle. (as they would be) I managed to drill one out and replace with a bolt but the other was totally inaccessible unless I removed the axle. Drilling two more holes and tapping them either side we managed to secure it back up. Jackie did some washing as it had piled up yet again and was threatening to overtake everything.
Saturday 9th January.
Moving off early this morning to Oudishoorn. (No way a second night, at this place). The route we are taking is route 62; this takes you all over the mountains and a beautiful journey. Oudishoorn is a fairly large town with everything here that we need. (Including a manned washet that is very cheep and I just did all the washing). We found the Backpackers Paradise and Joyrides, (now this is what backpackers should be like). S33 34.785 E22 12.341. A nice lovely kitchen, clean showers, every cooking utensil that you could possibly need and free tea and coffee. This is a stop off point to recommend. The first thing we did was jump in the pool, a big necessity with the weather so very hot. (Note we have no snow, Ice or cold winds.) We then spent the rest of the day just chilling.
Sunday 10th January.
Decided to stay another day, had a walk down town and just had an easy day in the sun. Dip in the pool to cool off ready to roll onwards tomorrow.
Monday 11th January.
Making our way along the Garden Route we left Oudishoon towards Jeffery’s Bay some 300kl further East. Part of the route was through the Tsitsitamma Mountains which brought us some spectacular scenery. Arriving at Jeffery’s Bay (or Baay as they spell and pronounce in Africarns). We stayed at Island Vibe Backpackers. Now this is a place for the younger set, (no disrespect guys if you are under 30) but it was far too noisy (we must be getting older, but before you criticise the oldies, consider the alternative to getting old). One am the bar was still going strong, now nothing wrong with that but if you want to sleep and people are coming out, arguing, making loud noises it is not the place for you. It was entertaining during the evening in the bar watching the younger set buying shots by the fish bowl (100 shots for 100 rand = £8.00) consisting of Vodka, Gin, Larger, Cider, Beer, Tequila and whatever else went into it. Naturally it was all measured, like heck; the measure was tip the bottle and whisk it around the bowl to spread the colour evenly. Needless to say it did get messy and unfortunately very noisy.
Tuesday 12th January.
Decided to stay at Jeffery’s Bay another day but we moved camp site to a quieter place a bit further up the coast to hopefully have a peaceful nights sleep. Nothing wrong with Island Vibe but the noise. We spent the day having a walk along the beach, (in the wind) and looking around town.
Wednesday 13th January.
Moved on today to Port Elizabeth. Only 70kl so a short hop. The Backpackers we wanted to stay at like a lot of them cannot accommodate roof tents so where we ended up was more of a local hostel for workers. One night would be enough. A walk down town was quite disappointing. It was run down and seedy. They must have had another shopping centre somewhere as this centre could not cater for the size of the population.
Thursday 14th January.
Departed for Port Alfred quite early. We used the local roads in preference to the motor way and it was defiantly a good move. Good scenery, steady drive with no rush and push. Arriving at Port Alfred our first call was a new shopping centre. It had not been open long and was pristine but the shortage of customers was quite noticeable. Finding the camp site we were horrified to find that they wanted 95R each for camping. Not knowing that there was another campsite we stayed for the night. True it was a nice site but not worth the money they asked. Finding our way down to the beach we were surprised at the cleanliness of the beach and the size of the sand dunes. Early evening we moved pitch to shelter from the wind as it started to blow quite hard.
Friday 15th January.
We moved to another site, not quite as nice but considerably cheaper and closer to town. Town is a nice place with a good feel about it. Very pleasant and chilled with all the shops that you would want. It reminded us of Swakomund in Namibia, not quite at the same standard but very pleasant. Lunch was in a local pub, yes a pub. Dinner was also in a local pub. Nice day and very pleasant evening.
Saturday 16th January.
Departed Port Alfred for the Buccaneer Backpackers at Chintsa on the wild Coast. Once more we used the local roads along the sea shore. Magnificent views of the hills, plains and coast. The diversity of the scenery is quite stunning. As we arrived at Chintsa the view of the bay from the top of the hill was breathtaking.
  Mile after mile of sand with practically nobody in sight. The camp site was set on the side of the hill built in amongst the trees. Nice place, possibly a two day stop. Walk along the beach, unfortunately the water was very cold so swimming was not a good idea. Well not according to Jackie anyway.
Sunday 17th January
It was a two day stop over. Very nice place, quiet, but busy. We went out for a long walk on the beach and then after lunch we took the canoe out in the lagoon for a few hours.
 Yes Jackie in a canoe, whatever next. She even went out on her own. Unfortunately the wind took her one way when she wanted to go the other way but she survived quite well. Quite drink in the bar at night and that was our lot.
Monday 18th January
Time to move up the coast, we had been told about the Eco Trail and it was supposed to be stunning scenery. As it was all sand roads out in the back of beyond we elected to go back to the main road first to tank up and put a few litres in the reserve tank. Unfortunately it was quite a way up the road before we found fuel. What we didn’t know was that this was probably a blessing in disguise. We had taken about 120kl off the gravel and sand roads and this turned out to be good. The Eco Trail scenery was quite beautiful but not as stunning as we had expected, but the road was exceptional. The gradients both up and down were interesting just like a big dipper, only on the road without rails and that included the safety rails. Some of the descents were first gear low box and brakes. We would go over the crest, look at one another and go for it. If we stopped and thought about for any length of time we may have turned back. It was the same going up. No concessions were made to accommodate a road except by the fact the track was there. But it followed the contours of the land exactly as the donkeys must have walked years ago only now it was wider. (I think). Having said this it was a challenging interesting drive with speed about 20mph on average. We eventually arrived at the Coffee Shack Backpackers, or so we thought. The GPS co ordinates were wrong. We were at the old Haven on the coast some 35kl south. Now that sounds not far but by road it was 85kl over more of the Eco trail. Another 2 hours. Having little alterative off we went knowing that we would arrive in the dark at about 8pm depending on the road. About 8 kl from the camp we turned down a small track (More like thinly disguised marks in grass). Further in we entered trees that were obviously overgrown and completely enclosed the track. By now we were on headlights, spotlights and driving lights. This track had not been used for years but turning around (if we could have, would have added another 40 min on) was not realistic. Pushing on we negotiated boulders, steep inclines, and sheer drops off the edge (Jackie was looking at them out of her window). Eventually we came out into open bush and the track was easier. We passed a group of local lads who I don’t think had ever seen a car come this way before. 15min later we landed at the camp site. Navigation accurate yes, that track needed in the dark no!.
Tuesday 19th January
The parking for us was a car park that was far from acceptable although the facilities were first class. Some of the best toilets and showers we have seen. We moved across the road to another camp site where the parking and security was better but the facilities were not so good. It appears that late last year a girl in her tent at Coffee Shack was stabbed three times in the neck while someone attempted rape. So security is quite important even in places where you don’t expect it. Spent some time topping up the oils on Sandy and a check over. Greased a few bearings and so forth.
Wednesday 20th January
Coffee Bayed out, bit disappointed with the place really. The sites were not really up to the mark so we moved on. Heading for Mthath, (go on you pronounce it). We first visited the Hole in the Wall. A big hole in an island just off shore that boggles the mind as to how it was made by nature. After about 25 kl we heard a loud noise from the rear of the car. Being on a steep hill we continued to the top and stopped. Nothing was apparent until I looked at the rear axle. The filler plug was missing and the casing bent out as if it had been hit from inside. No chance of finding the filler plug, but where in the heck do you get another one from in the middle of know where, or more importantly how do you fill the hole. With oil the diff will last for thousands of miles, without for about 20 minutes so something had to be done. Hammering the casing back into some sort of shape I cut a tree branch close to the size of the plug and whittled it into a taper.
  Having no Hypoid I filled the diff with engine oil. Using the last of my sealant I hammered and screwed the wood taper into the hole. Lashing wire around the diff and over the head of the plug I hammered a tapered wedge in between the wire and the plug to hopefully reinforce the plug and stop the pressure blowing the plug out. It was time to start prayers. Driving 500 metres we stopped to check. All was well. Another 2 miles and we checked again. All was still well. We continued to do this at 5 miles and then every 10 miles. So far no leaks as I write. Tomorrow I need to find sealant and new filler cap and sort it out. Nothing like a little excitement and challenge to make a day go quick!!! Pulled into Mthath backpackers, very relieved we had made it, nice place with the normal clean facilities.
Thursday 21st January
We went down into the town so Bob could buy oils, sealant. Angus the owner of the backpackers gave us the name of a garage who can fix land rovers. Having been to see him we were confident that he could sort it out so we left it with him for the day with instructions to also sort out a diesel leak on the fuel tank as well.. Thinking things over I had come to the conclusion that the plug had gone into the diff. I.E. wound through the thread and dropped inside and has been thrown into the casing causing the noise and the damage. The real question was if this had happened, was the diff intact and serviceable? The rest of the day was spent in town, visiting the Nelson Mandela Museum. Now it was not what I expected, but I didn’t know what to expect. In reality it was a long read and looking at a lot of photographs. Too much information to digest at one go but it gave you a broader understanding of the outline of his life before, during and after his incarceration. A man I feel you have to take your hat off to in respect. Returning to the garage, Sandy was not going to be ready tonight. The plug had wound in, but no damage to the diff. The diff casing was also cracked in the centre and had to be brazed up. The thread for the plug was damaged and replaced with a large nut once more brazed on with a new bolt fitted as a plug. Booking back into the backpackers in a room for the night was all we could do.
Friday 22nd January
Our plan is to move on today if time will permit depending on getting Sandy back. A text from Steve and Katie told us that they were near by, and planning to go to a campsite at Port St Johns about 100k. We last met up with them in Swakomund in Namibia so it would be nice to see them again if possible. 11.30 A call from the garage to tell us Sandy is ready. Checking over Sandy, they have done a good job and charged a reasonable price. A rarity in Africa for a garage. Not only do they know land rovers but put the nuts and bolts back right as well. If in the area and anybody needs mechanical help give them a try. JD Radiators & Mechanical Services, 047 531 1778 in Mthath. Collecting our things we loaded up and hit the road for Port St John. Arriving at Cremorne Estate Campsite at about 3.40 we met up with Steve and Sandy. This was a nice place right by the river green lawns, electric on every site, well looked after.
Saturday 23rd January.
Had a chill day once more. Took ourselves down town, (Bold description) to do a little shopping and have a look around. Local Spar was open but didn’t offer much other than pretty much basics. Having been told that the area around the local airport was quite nice we headed that way. Only 5kl away. You would think it would be a simple case of follow the signs. Not a sign in sight, looking at the map, no airport was marked nor was it on the navigation. Heading in the direction we were told we ended up at the sea. (must be an aqua airport) Turning around we tried again and once more ended up at a dead end or so we thought. Having seen enough of the town we headed back to the caravan park. Spent the rest of the day sitting in the sun reading and took up the Hughes-Sutcliffe Challenge Pool match once more of whom the result was very unfair to the Sutcliffe’s.
Sunday 24th January.
Left Cremorne Campsite to head for Hogsback. Steve and Katie were off to Morgons Bay and slowly heading down the coast to meet up in Cape Town to load the cars in the container for shipping same as us but by a slightly different route. . The place we were heading for is called “Away with the Fairies” a backpackers stop over. The story goes an Englishman came to South Africa backpacking landed at this place and never went home. It is a place in the middle of nothing, steep hills, cliffs and woodland walks. It has a bath fitted on the edge of a cliff for those who desire to bath.
 Monday 25th January.
Deep mist or low cloud first thing this morning but it cleared up for about 10.30 and we took ourselves off on a walk through the forest. Jackie’s idea not mine. But the exercise will do us the world of good. As expected it was a rough track but quite passable. The map they gave us did bear some resemblance to the actual path. Passing an 800 year old tree and some wonderfull waterfalls,
 Tuesday 26th January.
Everything was wet or damp. We loaded all the bedding into the back and folded the tent up wet. No choice as seeing the sun today at Hogsback was not a remote possibility. We headed off for Jeffery’s Bay en route for Oudishoorn. We Pulled into Jeffery’s Bay and tanked up with diesel and went to the shops ready for a quick off in the morning. Coming out of the shops diesel was all over the floor. Leaking from the same place that had just been repaired. (sugar lumps and organs of a canine). Heading straight for the camp site my first job was to put a container under the leak. It was that bad. Draining all the fuel off and putting into the big internal tanks I repaired the leak. But I had made a major boo boo and didn’t know it yet!!!!
Wednesday 27th January.
Up early and off we went, well as far as the gate. Sandy stopped. Total lack of power, or should I say Diesel. Checking out the fuel system it was apparent that no fuel was reaching the engine. After an hour of checking the system out I found the fault. Or should I say my induced fault. On the tank sender unit that I had repaired the leak on it has two connectors for the derv (diesel) pipe, one a blank. Yes I had elected to use the blank. Refitting the pipe all was well. Heading off once more we pushed on to Oudishoorn. The rest of the day was thankfully uneventful and just a boring drive through some of the nicest countryside around. Arriving at Backpackers Paradise & Joyrides in Oudishoorn, (Baron van Reede St. GPS S3334799 E02212308 www.backpackersparadise.net ) while they don’t cater for over Landers specifically they will fit you in. The parking is outside the reception but that’s no problem. We like it here, its secure, clean, tidy, well run, has a washing machine, bar, free tea and coffee and no noise after ten at night. If only they were all like this. Ho well, upwards and onwards.
Thursday 28th January. (Do you know we have only 20 days before we fly back home)?
A day to catch up on things. The internet is good here so update the web site, put photos on, do the washing etc etc domestic chores are with you wherever you go. Ho and maybe a few beers.
Friday 29th January.
Adventure day today. We are off to the Cango Caves, the largest cave complex in SA. To look at the entrance you certainly would not think so. However, once inside your perception of size certainly changes quite rapidly. The first cavern is huge, large, enough for a hanger but without the hanger doors. They used to use it as an auditorium for concerts but some of the stalagmites fell off the roof at the last concert so they discontinued that idea. Moving on to the second chamber, this was much smaller but it had colourings on the far wall that made it look like a stage set. Further in we came to narrow tunnels, vertical pipes to climb and the letter box that we had to go through.
 All in all it took about 2 hours to complete the tour. We moved on to an Ostrich farm. Once more we were in for a few surprises. The eggs are so large and heavy, about 1.5 to 2.3kg each. Looking at the chicks it was hard to appreciate that they would grow u into such large birds. We were told that there is the equivalent of 24 chicken eggs to 1 ostrich egg. They make the money from the Ostriches they farm by selling the feathers (15% income) the meat (25% income) and the skin; it’s like soft leather (60% income) quite a surprise as to how the amounts are made up. Later we had the opportunity to ride an Ostrich. A very uncomfortable ride and not one you would want to do for a long trek.
 Lunch as in a lovely tea garden that the driver knew, just like an English tea garden. While having lunch Jackie found a lovely small Shepard dog puppy wandering around the garden, if she had the chance it would have come back with us.
Saturday 30th January.
Headed out to Wilderness, wanted to see the house that we nearly purchased last time we were here. Looking around at the camp sites nearby nothing impressed. We moved on to Victoria Bay and found a cracking camp site complete with own toilet, shower, BBQ and sea view.
Sunday 31st January.
Off to Mosselbaai (that’s how they spell it, Mossel Bay). Short run just 150kl and we arrived at lunch time. Parked right by the sea, quite a large caravan park, but well catered for with good facilities. Met up with some Germans we had met at Jeffery’s Bay four weeks ago. Went up the road to a local pub to find tea. Spare ribs to die for.
Monday 1st February.
Only 16 days now to going home and back to the cold.
Stayed put today, had a good walk around town. The shops are very much like at home, same chain stores, restaurants in each town.
Tuesday 2nd February.
Moved on to Swallendam but unfortunately a little hic up on the way. Like a loud vibration from underneath. Fortunately, we were right by a sign for B&B which was part of a farm. Not knowing how long it was going to take to repair we booked a room for the night. By 6ish I had the problem sorted but not cured. The prop UJ had all but sheered and in the process had damaged the housing so fitting a replacement joint was not a starter. Removing the front drive shafts and c/v joints along with the prop shaft put us back in business. Mobile once more and ready to move on next day. We will try to source a new prop shaft but if not we will return to UK as we are. Only about 350kl back to Cape Town and 130mls in England to drive from the port back to Stilton. If it has to be two wheel drive, so be it.
Wednesday 3rd February.
Making an early start we headed of for Cape L’Aguhas, the end of Africa and where the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans joins. Uneventful drive, although it was with some in trepidation at being on only one prop shaft. Small vibration and it looks like the rear prop shaft has some play but not much. But taking it easy is the key. Arriving at the most southerly point was a little disappointing. No brass bands, ticker tape or crowds of people waiting to great us.
 Just a small monument in amongst a lot of boulders and rocks. Taking some photos and moving on to the lighthouse we then climbed to the top by the light glass. They did not make the steps to the top for the faint hearted when this place was built. But they sufficed, just. Quite an interesting place to look around and imagining how it must have felt when the storms were in full flow and battering the sides even though it is set back from the sea somewhat.
 Next place of call was the backpackers to set up camp which we managed to do by about 4pm.
Thursday 4th February.(14 days to go) We went exploring, (a walk along the beach really) L’Agulhas down by the sea. The harbour was quite busy with the fishing boats unloading. Big fish called Yellow Tail that must be about 1mtr + long And as we found out later they are very nice to eat. Having a good walk around we stopped on the way back at the supermarket to top up supplies. Not two much food now as we have to start to eat up our supplies before going home. During the evening the local fishermen came into the bar bringing supper with them in the form of a large Yellow Tail. This was cooked on the open fire and was the best fish we have tasted for some time. Friday 5th February. Once more on the road heading ever closer towards Cape Town. A back packer who had missed her lift elected to sit in the rear to get to Herman’s. Not the best way to travel but I suppose it is marginally better than walking. Taking it easy we encountered no further problem and arrived without further incident. Parking at the Hemanus Backpackers we set off into town to re acquaint ourselves with Herman’s and see how much it has changed. Later in the evening playing pool we were challenged by two local students. Now our record at pool is quite dire so we were not surprised to loose all three games. But it was the way we lost. We hardly had chance to hit a ball never mind pocket one. Totally and absolutely thrashed. I think they then took pity on us as they suggested swapping partners. However, the standard of the game was slowly degenerating due to the copious amounts of alcohol that they were drinking (that is not to say the English let the side down). At closing time they were going on to a local night club. Thinking that they needed looking after we went along to ensure that they didn’t get into any trouble. Unfortunately this meant having to have more alcohol, but it was all in a good cause and one can’t be too careful in Africa. Arriving back some time in the early hours we found sleep quite a blessing. Saturday 6th February. Low and behold, we awoke at about 9.15 am. Latest we have slept in for some considerable time. Can’t think why we slept so late or felt a little slow! A long walk along the coast in the morning followed by Jackie testing the temperature of the pool, but not for long it was too cold for her. While I updated the blog she took herself off down town to find a new cardigan.Later that night the Backpackers had a Braai so it would have been impolite not to have participated. Sunday 7th February. (Only 10 days to fly time, strange feeling)
Went for walk along the beach path in the other direction but came back as the wind was very strong and getting worse. The tent was blowing around doing its own version of the Tango and bouncing Sandy around to boot so we folded the tent up until night time. The rest of the day just went, reading, and chatting with the other guests. We met Derek and Sue who were travelling SA for two months and just at the beginning of the trip. Quit impressed with the Hemanus Backpackers, well run, frendly and they do the best to accommoadte you.
Monday 8th February.
Left Hermanus for Cape Town. Nice steady run along the coast, about 150kl. Found the Backpackers Deco Lodge who supposedly cater for Over Landers? Not impressed unfortunately. Firstly, they have put up the price by 50% in spite of the prices listed on the web site and then they want to scan a copy of your passport onto there computer without thought to if the computer is stolen with all your details.
Tuesday 9th February.
We left first thing this morning after stripping out the tent as this was the last night we will use it. Fortunately we found the Cape Town Backpackers at 81 New Church St (0214260200)run by Andy who was very helpful and a land rover addict. While we could not camp he provided good parking and a discounted room. Have to say it’s a nice well run place, very clean, tidy and well organised. A trip to the top of Table Mountain was calling once more. We have been before but it could not be resisted. Wonderful at the top, the views are quite breathtaking. Little bit of cloud but it was low down so it only added to the views. Tonight we eat out in one of the many restaurants around.
Wednesday 10th February.
Picked up the keys from Victoria this morning to her flat which she has kindly let us use for the week. So checking out of the backpackers we made our way to her flat, and of course made ourselves at home. Spent the rest of the day sorting out some of the things in Sandy and food shopping for the next 5 or 6 days.
Thursday 11th February.
Emptied Sandy out to get her ready for shipping. We have cloths, sleeping bags, sheets, crockery, pans and equipment that we will not take back to UK. It will be donated to a worthy cause somewhere. One thing we have realised is that we do not seem able to find our house keys!! Oops, we are sure we put them in the safe but it appears this is not the case, but the estate agent has a set so not to much of a problem. We also went to see the shipping agent to finalise all details and confirm the paperwork required is all in order. We load Sandy into the box on Wednesday at 10 am. I will seem very strange to be without her after 10 months of travelling.
Friday 12th February.
Day out today to visit Robben Island. We walked down to the waterfront to catch the 11am ferry which was delayed. Would you believe it, they had to refuel!!!! Would you have not thought that they would have refuelled at finish of sailing on Thursday or before starting out on Friday instead of keeping 300 people waiting for ½ an hour with no seats of refreshments available? The mind boggles!!!! Eventually we were under way. As we were late the skipper put his foot down to make up a little lost time causing the crossing to be reasonably rough. Arriving at Robben Island we were herded into a fleet of busses to be taken around part of the island on a tour of the sights, 2nd world war emplacements, shipwrecks, graveyards and lime quarries. The interesting bit was inside, (mind your fingers, CLANG). One of the ex inmates took us around and his story is quite harrowing. 60 people to a room (biggish cell) and not that big for 60. No shoes, coats or warm cloths in winter. No windows in the cells, just steel bars. (Heating, forget it). They had to work in the quarry braking stone and if they were seen doing anything wrong they were put into solitary confinement immediately. The lime stone attacked the lungs and eyes, but they were not given adequate medical treatment causing TB and eye related disease. Food was rationed and not possibly the best. All in all a rather unpleasant experience. But they called the quarry “The University” as those that could read and write taught them that couldn’t. They called it “One for One”. One learned something and taught it to another. But they were the lucky ones. Others like “Nelson Mandela” were incarcerated in solitary confinement for years and years. The cells were only 8’ by 6’. Not very big to spend 15 or 20 years in with or without heating. Being late sailing out, surprise, surprise we were late going back. Arriving back at about 3.30 were headed for coffee and a sandwich as we had not eaten from breakfast.
Saturday 13th February. (Only 4 days to going home, Boohoo.)
Quiet day today. Finished off in Sandy. Walked down to the Waterfront for lunch and some shopping and that was about our day.
Sunday 14th February. (It’s getting boring now, no travelling).
Another quite day but we are booking a trip to the Wine lands for Monday to sample some local fair. Our first roast joint of beef for dinner. The excitement. Small thing please small minds.
Monday 15th February. Day out today we are off wine tasting. Be a shame not to try the local produce so to speak. So 8.30am prompt at the Cape Town Backpackers, we don’t want to be late for this one. We went to four wineries, and tried about 24 wines. They say to smell the bouquet, airiate in the glass and taste with air through the teeth and rinse around the mouth, and then spit it out!!!!!!! What a waste, especially the red. Yes it works, but spitting it out is like jumping out of a perfectly good aeroplane at 40,000ft for no reason. Needless to say we were slowing down by 11.30am. Lunch was well received as very necessary solids for the stomach. As normal I did not go a bundle on the whites, but the reds were something else. Needless to say we came back with a load of wine and some very nice port. Thankfully we have Sandy to go into a box back to England and can load it all aboard, but just what customs will think when we unload in another matter completely.
Tuesday 16th February.
OUR LAST FULL DAY, yes the time is fast approaching, where we have to do many things and one of them is pack everything up into Sandy ready for loading. We will travel back with hand luggage only to make life easier. For tomorrow we fly home. It seems like awakening from a long dream. Did we really do this or have we imagined it all. Last minuet shopping in Cape Town then tonight we meet up with the whippersnappers (the younger English Steve and Katie) for a last supper. It sounds almost religious, but it isn’t!
Wednesday 17th February.
Today, today we have to take Sandy load her into a big dark box along with Gwenavier (Steve and Katie’s Land Rover) and Noel’s motorbike. We met at 10am and it took 2 ½ hours for them to strap every thing down. To be fare, I thought they were charging for nothing but they did a good job. Lunch with niece Victoria and then update the internet before the final packing and off to the airport to fly home. Into the cold and wet from the sun and warm climate of South Africa.
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