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Published: November 25th 2009
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Swartberg Mountains
I'm not actually completely sure about the name of the mountain range, but you believe me, right? Brian told us that these are snow-covered in the winter. We got up very early this morning and left Franschhoek at 8am. About 1/2 hour into our drive we (finally) met a family of baboons. We saw 8 adults and a juvenile; they were playing/foraging at the side of the road. Brian pulled over so we could take photos -- but we did not get out of the car (to avoid having our passports stolen by the baboons -- not a joke!) Later on we saw a momma with a tiny baby clinging to her back.
We drove for four hours with one main stop (at the "Country Pumpkin") -- and a few shorter stops for views, gasoline, etc. The drive went by very quickly -- the scenery was absolutely magnificent. We drove on Route 60 then Route 62, through several small farming villages. The mountain roads were vertigo-inducing and we were very happy to have Brian driving! I took so many photos and not a one does them justice. The ranges of mountains were seemingly endless. We traveled through valleys where we were surrounded 360 degrees by mountainous ranges of breathtaking beauty. We drove through vineyards, orchards, and hay fields, past sheep and cows and lots of ostrich farms.
gorgeous scenery
I thought this slice might give you a sense of how layered the view was. We were so silent in the car, mesmerized by the scenery. Even a stretch of hops farms!
The mountain terrain kept changing - a geology class passing by our windows, twisting and bending of earth; an amazing contortion of striations. The vegetation changed to semi-arid; suddenly orchards were replaced by giant aloe plants.
We stopped at Cango Caves, a limestone cave formation. We took the standard tour -- perhaps some day we'll come back for the adventure tour, twice as long and through some very tight (22cm) spots. Even the standard tour was impressive; large "rooms" full of beautiful formations, and surprisingly warm (20 celcius.) We are amused to find that cave tours the world over are full of the same kitsch, the same cliched names for the formations: the obligatory organ, angel's wing, ghost stories, biblical references, etc.
The skies turned blue, the temperature was warm . . . finally the weather we had expected from South Africa. "Inkerlaken", our B&B in Wilderness is gorgeous. It is a pretty multi-level house built into a steep hill. Our two rooms were at the walk-in level (after a steep driveway), and downstairs from there were the common areas (dining room, living room, wrap around deck) and additional rooms. Down
Jacaranda Tree
This was in a small village where we stopped for gas. I loved these trees (even tho they are invasive.) a level from there (presumably) are where the owners live. Our room is large and pretty with a kitchenette and a large deck. The deck overlooks a lagoon surrounded by pretty marsh grasses, and in the distance are the ubiquitous mountain ranges. Not visible from here, but just across the highway and the dunes, is the Indian Ocean.
We ate take-out pizza and drank wine on the deck; a very nice relaxing evening.
While waiting for the pizza, Carrie and I had yet another great conversation with Brian. We will surely miss him when we part ways tomorrow.
Time to try to call the girls; it is 11:45pm and everyone else is asleep . . . but Ann Marie and Kimberly are about to get home from school!
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