Day 10: Thursday 17 September. From Knysna to Stellenbosch

We knew today was another long coach trip from Knysna to Stellenbosch along the Garden Route

First stop was at a service area where there was an aloe ferox which is South Africa's aloe vera but stronger and cheaper.  We all had a great time buying creams and potions to make us look younger and for skin conditions. 

We then continued to Hermanus through magnificent scenery. Hermanus is a stunning seaside town southeast of Cape Town which is famous for whale watching. The coastline was breathtaking albeit very windy and we stood staring out to sea in the hope of a sighting which never came.  However we did see some dassies - little guinea pig/capybara type animals that bizarrely are the closest relative to the African elephant.

After lunch we walked along the cliff top to hhe coach where there was excitement as a whale had been spotted. Needless to say we didn't see it.

Then it was another couple of hours' driving through more beautiful scenery and vineyards to our hotel,  Pearl Valley Country and Golf Club where we were greeted with a glass of wine and allocated a spacious suite with large balcony.  We were fairly tired after a long day but revived after a shower and some England cricket. 

We then went for dinner in the restaurant.  E's favourite - fish, chips and mushy peas - and then bed!

An iconic bridge on the line from Knysna to George. Seriously damaged by storms and flash floods some years ago, enthusiasts are now working to clear the line, effect repairs and resume operations, this time as a heritage line. Like many lines in South Africa it uses the so called "Cape gauge" of 3ft 6ins wide as opposed to the 4ft 8 1/2" of standard gauge.

And then we came to Hermanus, a stylish place with whale watching essential!

A dassie - nearest relative is the African elephant, believe it or not. And they bite!

Scary bird bird scarer. And his head moves with the wind.

Thanks to Andrew Morris in our travel group for these next three -

And then we arrived at the Pearl Valley Country and Golf Club. Usual barbed wire and electric fences all round. It seems we were the only guests as the clubhouse was closed for some serious refurbishment.

The South African Open has been held here a couple of times.