The Garden Route Hermanus & Nysna Oct 24 & 25, 2012

Norma came over before we left on our road trip, although she said she was a little bit hung over. Packed one suitcase and left rest here (Thanks Norma) and then had an early lunch of leftovers and headed out to Betty's Bay and looked for penguins on the beach - didn't find any, so glad we had seen them in Simons Town. Booked a room at La Fontaine B&B right on the beach, although we are in the back room. Shirley made friends with the people (H.P. & Marie) in the front room so we got the view while we had a wine with them at our lower cost!! We went for a walk around town and ended up at restaurant and met our other front room guests and had dinner with them. It is so great to make these types of connections with good people who are very much like us. This younger couple are from the Netherlands (Helmut & Nicole).
Had a great sleep and next day had a huge breakfast. Did not see whales in Hermanus but drove to DeKelders and saw lots of Southern Right Whales. Big and they hang around close to the shore! Drove along the N2 saw Blue Cranes from a distance. Lots of road work along the way but got to Knysna about 16:30 and booked into the Double Dutch B&B for two nights. This had been highly recommended to us by Nicole & Helmut. Beautiful view of the lagoon and out to the Indian Ocean. Went for happy hour in dining room. Walked to the Olive Tree Restaurant, also highly recommended and had a fantastic meal. Shirley had lamb and john had warthog - he is eating his way through all the wild game of Africa. Shirley had lots of fun with Ellen, the owner of the restaurant and her son, the chef who she says is handsome with blue eyes that could get any old girl in bed. Ellen, his mother, whispers to us, "yes he is only 23, but has a 40 year old girlfriend!" Got taxi back to our suite.

 Friday, Oct 26, 2012 Knysna:

Had a great breakfast made by the Double D's and then drove to Brenton on Sea about 20 minutes out of Knysna. Stopped and looked over the lagoon and Knysna a beautiful vista. Walked on a sandy beach for about half an hour and then the rain just started to pour on us! Drove out to the Heads and stopped at the East Heads Cafe for a light lunch. Met a Canadian couple and ate with them as the cafe was packed. Still raining but we walked on the waterfront. Got wet and thus returned to suite and Shirley had a hot bath. John read and we both napped. Went to happy hour and then to dinner at JJ's at the waterfront. Shirley had oysters and then told the owner that they were small compared to what she was accustomed to. He brought her two more and then didn't charge her for any of them. At the end of the meal the entire staff sang some local native songs for the customers! A great day other than for the rain.

Norma came over before we left on our road trip, although she said she was a little bit hung over. Packed one suitcase and left rest here (Thanks Norma) and then had an early lunch of leftovers and headed out to Betty's Bay and looked for penguins on the beach - didn't find any, so glad we had seen them in Simons Town. Booked a room at La Fontaine B&B right on the beach, although we are in the back room. Shirley made friends with the people (H.P. & Marie) in the front room so we got the view while we had a wine with them at our lower cost!! We went for a walk around town and ended up at restaurant and met our other front room guests and had dinner with them. It is so great to make these types of connections with good people who are very much like us. This younger couple are from the Netherlands (Helmut & Nicole).
Had a great sleep and next day had a huge breakfast. Did not see whales in Hermanus but drove to DeKelders and saw lots of Southern Right Whales. Big and they hang around close to the shore! Drove along the N2 saw Blue Cranes from a distance. Lots of road work along the way but got to Knysna about 16:30 and booked into the Double Dutch B&B for two nights. This had been highly recommended to us by Nicole & Helmut. Beautiful view of the lagoon and out to the Indian Ocean. Went for happy hour in dining room. Walked to the Olive Tree Restaurant, also highly recommended and had a fantastic meal. Shirley had lamb and john had warthog - he is eating his way through all the wild game of Africa. Shirley had lots of fun with Ellen, the owner of the restaurant and her son, the chef who she says is handsome with blue eyes that could get any old girl in bed. Ellen, his mother, whispers to us, "yes he is only 23, but has a 40 year old girlfriend!" Got taxi back to our suite.