South Africa

Brilliant, keep them coming

That’s a poignant equine memorial. My grandfather fought in the Boer Wars - the later one, I think.

Today we've moved from Port Elizabeth along the coast to join the "Garden Route" to the small town of Knysna. On the way we passed some spectacular scenery including the coastal point where the Storms River meets the Indian Ocean. Some huge waves crashing against the rocks - a bit like the headland at Newquay, except that it's baking hot and totally civilised! 

We took the walkway around the mountain edge to get to the other side of the estuary - you have to cross 3 rather precarious suspension bridges to complete the route!

Then on to the Bloukrans Bridge which is the highest bridge in the Southern Hemisphere and the highest single arch concrete road bridge in the world. The obvious place I suppose for a spot of bungee jumping - if you look very closely at the picture of the bridge you'll see me on the end of the elastic - well, I would have done it but we just didn't have the time!

Finally arrived at Kynsna where we have a very pleasant room at the hotel overlooking a small marina and the lagoon. 

More great photos, M. The gorge looks a great place for kayaking. I think I'd rather do that than jump of the bridge.

Mmm, looks just like the bridge to the island at Newquay 🤣🤣

totally stunning photos M

It does sway a bit, Tinners. I bought a porcelain coffee set there back when it used to be an art and craft gallery. 

Today has been a "rest day" inasmuch as that we didn't get up until 7am! 

We took a boat across the lagoon to the nature reserve on the opposite side. At Knysna the Indian Ocean is squeezed by two massive headlands so that a perfectly calm lagoon is formed, in contrast to the rough seas outside. The views in both directions from the summit are fantastic. On the walk back down you pass a couple of impressive sea caves.

In 2017 the area was devastated by huge bush fires (not to the extent of the recent Australian ones, but still resulting in many lives lost) and the evidence is still clear to see with hundreds of blackened tree stumps throughout the reserve. But nature is doing what nature does best and the the area is slowly being recolonised including this spectacular looking candelabra lily.

We spent the afternoon back at the hotel relaxing - tomorrow we move on to Cape Town for 4 nights with a full range of trips and activities there.

Just been reading the rather grim news about the weather at home and trust everyone is staying safe and sound.

I wonder what the red plant is Moulesy? I don't recognise it. Nice to see more photos, one of my Uncles lived at Knysna for a few years before moving on and eventually returning to the UK. Heard a lot about it and other places over the years.  

It's sunny in our part of the world just now after more heavy downpours and strong winds.