Our first stop was Bontebok National Park just outside of Swellendam. On our three hour drive we saw lots of ostriches, and even a couple of elephants, although the elephants were in a private game park. Arriving at Bontebok, our drive into the camp ground had us come across three bonteboks, the gazelle type animal that the park is noted for. Sharp horns! We were allowed to do a nature walk as Bontebok has no predators in it. After our first night of tenting, the adults slowly got out of bed the next morning and we went for a short game drive. About to give up on seeing nothing but bonteboks, we managed a glimpse of a red hartebeest, and then with them about five Africa zebra. Walked up to them and got to listen to the male grunt away at us before taking off.
We then packed up and headed for Oudtshoorne. Oudtshoorne gained its' fame for ostrich farming, as in the 1800's, the feathers were for the British elite and very much sought after. The other claim to fame for Oudtshoorne is the Cango Caves. These caves are kilometres long, and much not discovered, and has some of the largest stalactites, stalagmites and columns in the world. We elected for the easy tour, as the adventurer tour has people crawling through long 30 cm wide tunnels. Even the kids were not interested in that. Our guide told us that one women got stuck for 11 hours before then finally were able to soap her out. We felt bad for the people stuck on the other side of her. After the tour, there was a video on a group of explorers who a couple of years ago travelled to an unknown cave to explore and video. They had to pump water out of the entrance, then crawl about 200 m (with camera gear) through a narrow tunnel. There return required someone to remain back to pump out the water again, as the tunnel had refilled. My favorite part was that as they are leaving, the found a wine bottle sitting on a rock formation were a previous group had celebrated. Their expressions were priceless. We have all decided that spelunking is not for us.
We then headed to an ostrich farm for a tour. The boys all got the chance to sit on the big bird, and Luke was the only one in the whole group to ride it around the ring. He was happiest when the ride was over, although his expression did not exactly show it. As his tent mate, I really hope they treat the ostriches for lice. Our other close encounters with the ostrich that day included my being kissed and Nancy having a neck massage. The kiss involved my putting food in my lips, closing my eyes, and hoping for a peaceful ending. Nancy's neck massage was far more lengthy and entertaining (for me).
Then for a relaxing afternoon by the pool enjoying another nice hot day. Monday we head for Knysna.
We then packed up and headed for Oudtshoorne. Oudtshoorne gained its' fame for ostrich farming, as in the 1800's, the feathers were for the British elite and very much sought after. The other claim to fame for Oudtshoorne is the Cango Caves. These caves are kilometres long, and much not discovered, and has some of the largest stalactites, stalagmites and columns in the world. We elected for the easy tour, as the adventurer tour has people crawling through long 30 cm wide tunnels. Even the kids were not interested in that. Our guide told us that one women got stuck for 11 hours before then finally were able to soap her out. We felt bad for the people stuck on the other side of her. After the tour, there was a video on a group of explorers who a couple of years ago travelled to an unknown cave to explore and video. They had to pump water out of the entrance, then crawl about 200 m (with camera gear) through a narrow tunnel. There return required someone to remain back to pump out the water again, as the tunnel had refilled. My favorite part was that as they are leaving, the found a wine bottle sitting on a rock formation were a previous group had celebrated. Their expressions were priceless. We have all decided that spelunking is not for us.
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