We have actually seen quite a lot of new areas of development, suggesting that there is a positive economic climate. We went past Phillipskott and Christopher's reserve which is beautifully situated and not far from a little town. This looked a potential venue for a future stay, given the proximity to such lovely reserves and it's distance from Cape Town. We continued through Gansbaai, where the largest shark ever caught was brought ashore, then we turned into the hills and arrived at the environmental centre of the Flower Valley Project, a conservation organisation that is working with local farmers to protect the Fynbos terrain and also support sustainable production and employment.
The project provides care and education for the children of the workers and has attracted EU funding as well as individual and company sponsors. It exports to the UK so I will look out when I am next in M & S to see if I can see their bouquets. There is obviously a conflict that has to be managed between economic well being and environmental protection, not an easy balance. I felt moved to sponsor a hectare which is less than £100 and will look into that on my return. I am not sure everyone enjoyed the presentation but I love learning about such projects and there might be some pointers for our Nicaraguan project too.
We were next transported up the hill through the Fynbos terrain on a tractor and trailer, then walked to a shady glade near a pond, which involved negotiating a stream and a muddy path, fortunately I am usually properly clothed and equipped, so managed without any problems, although for some it was morecofva challenge. The mossie repellent came out here as I heard buzzing things! The first time I have used it since arriving.
Our box lunch was not at all what I would normally eat but have suspended all normal eating habits! We had a cold cheeseburger, apple, cheese biscuits, Smarties and a mars bar. Later when we got to the hotel there was chocolate and rather nice muesli biscuits in our room! So it just gets worse. I think it will have to be a diet of smoothies and salad when I get back!
After lunch we had a great walk back allowing time for photos and a walk around the garden. Oir driver pointed out mongoose tracks and explained about mole snakes, completely harmless.
We left with a beautiful bunch of Fynbos wild flowers which I have arranged in a plastic waste paper basket and plan to take to my final destination in a plastic bag.
We arrived in Hermanus with time to explore which i dud. I like to know my locatoon and whats around. There appear to be plenty of restaurants, various local and craft shops and some little squares. My room overlooks the sea and last night I could hear the waves crashing in the rocks. The sea is quite fierce, but spectacularly beautiful. The weather has been hot so we have been treated to scenes of blue sea, blue sky and white frothing waves with the added bonus of flowers along the cliff path.
The hotel has no restaurant so last night we took advice I had been given by a neighbour and visited Ocean Basket where we had great seafood but a rather dubious bottle of wine. It was the most expensive on the menu at about £6!
This morning we had a fantastic trip on a boat to see the whales. It was beautiful weather again and the sea relatively calm. We were given a talk about the whales, called the Southern Right Whale which I had never heard of. We were treated to a wonderful display by large groups of these spectacular creatures, as well as seeing a sunfish. It was an exhilarating experience, both being out on the boat and seeing the whales.
After this I had a lovely seaside walk along the cliffs, then stopped for lunch, just a coffee and snack where I met two of our guides.
However this developed into a difficult situation when our guide found her knee had given way, then the nearby pharmacy was closed and finally she had to get a taxi back to the hotel when we all raided our first aid kits for strong painkillers and knee supports. Fortunately there are a few medical people on the trip so advice was plentiful.
This afternoon, we went to Fernkloof Gardens, where we went off for a long walk into the mountains and up to a waterfall. We stopped to look at plant species and to hear about the problems that occur when the Fynbos doesn't burn. Some plants need to burn to germinate and also it maintains the balance of plants preventing the thugs from taking over.
Unfortunately the area has been developed with expensive housing meaning that local residents don't want the burn to occur. No doubt they are more interested in the sea views than the wildlife behind them, such a shame, as the beauty that attracted them could disappear. Our guides informed us that the town had grown tenfold with many new hotels due to the increase in tourism. Our walk was long and hot with little shade until we got further up into the mountains. I was beginning to get a bit too hot and running out of water, as we had not really realised what the walk would entail. Fortunately the way down was a bit quicker!
After a bit if relaxation, the four of us went out again to a restaurant called Lemon Tree where another menu of seafood awaited. Tonight I had tuna kebabs and the wine was a vast improvement on last night. At 200R, about £11 each for everything, it seems excellent value to us.
Tomorrow we leave at 8am to head to our last hotel in Stellenbosch.
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