An African Adventure - Part the B

Saturday, 11th March

We stayed in Knysna for 4 nights, using it as a base to visit various sites around the area. The first day, however, was spent exploring Knysna itself, which was small, uninspiring, full of Brits, but pleasant enough. In the evening, we headed out to the Phantom Forest Eco Restaurant, which, aside from having a cool name, was what their brochure would probably call a 'dining experience'. We drove into the car park and talked to reception, where we were told that a car would be down in a moment to take us up. Sure enough, a moment later, a jeep emerged at the foot of the hill. We climbed in, were drivin up the small, bumpy, windy and steep path up to the restaurant waiting area. Here we sat, chatted, ordered drinks, drank drinks (mineral water for me - I was the designated driver), ordered our food, sat a bit more, until we were fetched by a waiter who took us on a little walk along wooden walkways amidst the treetops, not unlike an Ewok village. The setting was nice, the food was fancy. After the meal, we were taken outside to sit by the fire (the bushmen's TV, they called it - much better than the rubbish on Channel 9) where we were served coffee and sweets. Then we reversed the journey we had made on the way up, and headed back to Pleasure Isle.

Next day (Sunday 12th March - one month ago today), we went to visit the famous Cango Caves. On the drive up through the mountains, we listened on the radio to Australia demolishing South Africa in the final one-dayer (breaking all records they came across in the proess). Arrived, had a tea and scone, then headed into the caves for the 2 o'clock tour. The group was too large to all go in together, so it was split into 2 groups - one tour was led in German, the other in English. The caves were big and old and dark and dank, and full of impressive stalactites and stalagmites, with all sorts of odd and creepy shapes and patterns - like walking through the mind of HR Geiger. After emerging into the daylight, we headed back in the car through the mountains, listening on the radio to South Africa demolishing Australia in the final one-dayer (breaking all records they came across in the process). Back in Knysna, went to a pub, where we saw South Africa win the match (and thereby the series) by one wicket, then watched a game of football (not the Australian variety) - Arsenal Liverpool. Then back to base. While struggling to sleep that night, I half watched the utterly appaling-and-therefore-wonderful programme known as Walker, Texas Ranger, 'starring' Chuck Norris. If you've never seen it, then you really cannot grasp the appalingness you are missing out on.

Monday, and off to the Tsitsikamma National Park. Arrived, sat and had a drink, did a 1km walk to see a suspension bridge (which was closed for maintenance). Walked back again, had a light lunch, then headed off on a much nicer, quieter, more secluded 4km walk through forest terrain. I will try to get some pictures on-line for you to ogle. Then drove back towards Knysna, stopping of for dinner at Pletenburg Bay, eating at a place called The Lookout (I guess because it was 'looking out' over the sea - imaginative), where the food was good, but our table was next to rabble of rowdy and drunk English lawyers, which was not so good. Then back for our last night on Pleasure Isle. We never did get to explore much of the Isle, so I have no idea if the name is justly given.

Tuesday involved a long drive back to Cape Town, and you will have to wait until next time for more...