Today we departed Oudstroom for the Tsitsikamma Region. The three and a half hour ride took us to the Eastern Cape of South Africa for the very first time.
Approximately 2 hours into our ride, the beauty that is the Indian Ocean appeared on our righthand side.
As soon as the opportunity presented itself, we were off to the beach and the adventurers first opportunity to touch the Indian Ocean.
And you know how that ended up.
Shortly after our trip to the beach ended and we were back on the road, Roman and Mabret received a Face Time call from Grant and Garrett. Garrett and Grant are close friends and teammates of Mabret and Roman and we miss them. It was wonderful to see the four of them connected. A great use of technology. Thanks to Michelle for taking time from the busy morning back home to make that happen.
Most of our day was spent on the road. Our drive was extended by the fact that there are traffic jams in South Africa just like back home.
Chillin and riding.
We also went through our first South African toll gate which seemed to appear from nowhere and reminded me of the fake toll gate that was set-up in Blazing Saddles. "Somebody better go back for a ****load of dimes."
The drive had some amazing cliff side views.
Just after 4pm we turned onto the 10 kilometer extremely bumpy dirt road that led to our destination which will be home for the next 2 nights, The Fernery Lodge. The feeling of tranquility at the Lodge is immediate and embracing. It is a good feeling to know that our electronic devices will not receive a signal for the next 2 days and wifi is only available in the reception area of the Lodge.
The Lodge is home to streams, waterfalls and views of the Indian Ocean. This should not be a surprise as Tsitsikamma is a Khoisan word meaning "place of many waters".
Tomorrow we will embark on a 5 mile hike of the Tsitsikamma Region and will report back on the wonders that we find.
