As we drove the clouds began to build. When we arrived at Arniston, we were not that impressed. The bay was very pretty and Whales were around. We walked into one of the old parts of the town and quickly regretted it. The place was full of small stone cottages, littered with old bikes and fridges and full of fighting dogs.
We walk out of the area back down to the bay where we befriended a collie dog who wanted to play. He followed us up the beach until we threw stones which he quickly fetched back to us.
The sun began to come out so we sat on the stone bench looking for the Whales. Suddenly a large Whales breached, heaving about 70% of his bulk into the air, crashing down with a huge splash. As always the camera was in the bag!!
We jumped into the car and drove to the other side of the town. What a contrast. We came across a wonderful bay, with white sand, turquoise sea and yet more Whales. John went for a paddle in the sea which is both the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean, as this is where they meet. The sea was very cold, but some people were swimming anyway.
We left Arniston, heading north for Montagu. The clouds quickly melted away as we drove North along the 319 and then the 317. This route is wonderful, starting with wide open rolling hills, full of sheep, cows, horses, ostrich and these amazingly pink flowers.
The roads are very long and very straight snaking up and over the rolling hills. The colours of the fields were constantly changing with the odd peaty river meandering through the countryside. As we neared the mountains the vista grew wider and wider.
We stopped at smallish town called Bonnievale for a drink. However, we decided to have a small snack. Fiona had a chicken pitta and John had a Chicken Liver Pitta. However, when they arrived they were huge and delicious and cost £2.50 each. The whole meal came to £6.50 including a tea and a water. South Africa is such good value for us Brits.
We finished our meals and phoned our respective parents. Good news. John’s Dad is beginning to feel better and is now back home. Fiona’s Mum & Dad were also fine but not too impressed with the Scottish weather and lack of blog!!
We drove to Montagu and found our next B&B, The Malherbe Guest House
(see http://www.malherbe-guesthouse.com/ ). We have a great garden villa opposite the swimming pool and main garden. We settled in, walked into town and then crashed out around the pool enjoying the sun and the higher temperatures than we experienced along the coast.
It being a Sunday, many restaurants were shut, so we went to one of the few that were open and had a small meal.
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