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Published: July 16th 2010
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TWO POSTS IN ONE
What a wild week it has been since we left Durban. We drove the first day about 100 kilometers to a town called Umzumbe. It was a bit harrowing as we left Durban with more than ¼ tank of gas but on our approach to Umzumbe we were below the empty line with the fuel needed indicator on. To complicate matters people couldnt understand when we asked for the nearest fuel station. Our paper map wasnt being helpful either (we bought a 180 rand map instead of paying 80 rand per day for the navigation system that would have likely been stolen anyhow.) All worked out in the end as we arrived to a private teepee in a jungle hostel. Several of the accommodations were in treehouses (see fotos). It was wonderful! I relaxed in the jacuzzi, took a nap, made some sandwiches and watched the semifinal soccar match while drinking white russians. Our drive from Umzumbe to Knysna took much longer.
Perceivably to conserve resources South Africa expanded their two land carriage way to a 3 lane carriage way instead of a more typical 2 lanes in each direction highway. What this means is each
5 kms or so a “passing lane” opens up for about 3 kms so you can pass the slow trucks. Typically though, as soon as you've passed some slow trucks in the passing lane it ends and the other side gets their turn to pass. Also in many spots the 'third' lane is used as a suicide lane where cars on both sides can use it to pass. Also complicating matters was the fact that there were often cattle, sheep, and goats in and crossing the roads so you had to come to a complete stop in order that they would move. Lastly the major highways tended to go right thru the middle of towns. Anyhow after a 14 hour drive we made it to Knysna.
Knysna is a charming on the ocean town harboured in a lagoon. Sunday I ran my 4th international marathon in just over 5 hours. It was an incredibly difficult course no matter how you put it as there were long up hill stretches over 4 kms long and long steep downhill stretches. Complicating my day was the fact a group of South African rugby players were up til 2 in the morning playing
drinking games and barfing in the only toilet in our hostel. When our alarms rang at 4am to catch the 5am bus we all felt like we hadn't slept at all. Anyhow each member of our 10 person room finished in a decent time.
Today we took a harbor cruise and generally rested. I am sick unfortunately. The run must have take a lot out of me. My muscles all ache and I have a fever, sore throat, runny nose and the runs... Tomoro it is off to Capetown until our departure on Sunday for our 49 day overland trek. So its laundry, internet, and getting healthy for us! In Capetown we will again be couchsurfing for most nights except the last when we will stay in our trek departure hostel. I'll try to write again before departing on the trek.
NEW POST
okay... so I didnt get to post my last blog very promptly so I am combining it with this next one. Since arriving to our couchsurfing place we have generally had a pretty chill time. I am fully recovered from my marathon and consequent illness and ready for the big trek. Yesterday we went on
the famous wine route to three different wineries (of many). We also went to a chocolate tasting as well as a cheese and wine tasting place. All in all it was a lot of wine, cheese, and chocolate for one person for one day! :-) It was great though. Stellenbosch was really nice as well. I dont know if anyone remembers but I had briefly looked at going to grad schools there (that is to say here in South Africa) and Stellenbosch was one I was looking at. It is on a beautiful campus.
Today we went to the Cape of Good Hope. They were going to name it Cape of Storms but then they thought no one would want to try and sail that route. Instead, even though it is quite stormy often, they named it Cape of Good Hope which stuck. We also saw South African penguins, and many baboons, a South African fixture it seems. Tomoro it is off to Capetown (Fri-Sat) before the big trek departs Sunday. So if I can post this, it will be it until after a bit of the trek.
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Alyssa
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White Russians- good choice! It seems like the absolute most random drink to pick under the circumstances. I like the image though; especially with the tree houses all around. Almost oki like in a sense :) and hey, congrats on the run! That's fantastic, especially considering the lack of training. Muscle memory right!? Stay healthy and good luck along the next leg. Sounds like you and Laura are doing great. Cheers, -LB (Alyssa)