Cape Town

Cape Town

Our departure from Makanyane was a wet one. It started to rain around dinner time and stormed the entire night. The morning safari was cancelled because of lightning. The rain was coming down heavily. We had the good fortune of 3 days with nary a drop so if it had to rain this was a good day for it to rain.

We boarded our bus at 9 AM. We waved goodbye but didn't get 400 yards before we had to stop. The back door wouldn't close tightly and rain was coming in. Even "Tony the Mechanic" couldn't fix the bleeping door!

After a 90 minutes of bouncing on the muddy dirt road we pulled into gas station -- like none other I have ever seen. They sold more beer than gas! They did allow us to use their facilities - a one holer - and it was 25 yards from cover.

We were going straight to the Johannesburg AP to catch a plane to Cape Town. We were in J. but 1:25 minutes from the AP when we chugged slowly and our driver pulled over. Can you believe it -- we were out of bleeeeeepping fuel! The dimwit that drove us said he thought he could make to the petrol station. He took off by foot and in 30 minutes returned with 2 gallons of fuel. We were only a half a kilometer from the exit he thought he could make. We were all looking at our watches wondering if we could make the flight. By the time we arrived at the AP we had less than 45 minutes to board our plane. We took two carts each and loaded golf bags and luggage and headed to the check in counter. We had to push the luggage up ramps and it was about as far as along par 5! We were all bushed from the rush but we did make it time. The flight to Cape Town was a bit bumpy but we arrived on time.

I kept thinking -- maybe the rule of three will apply and all the screw ups are past!

Dimwit is on the right. The other attendant carried a gallon too.

OK Frank, time to board the bus!

View from our room over the harbor

Another view from our room -- the famous Table Mountain is in the back ground.

On a cloudy day the entire mountain is covered.

The "Table Cloth" on Table mountain

This is the only photo I took of a squatter village. They were too depressing. People lived like animals. 12 ft. X 12 ft. shanties made of metal. Openings for a door and windows, they just didn't have a door or windows. They did get electric a few years ago. Our driver, Sam, tried to convince us it wasn't as bad as it appears. Folks live there for free. Some have sold their homes and moved into a squatter home to save money. While we were in SA a $100 bill could be exchanged for 600 Rand. Unemployment is close to 40%. Crime is high -- but crime is outside of the squatter villages. Inside the villages they know everybody and they have their own justice system. No lawyers to pay!

A scene from the Hamilton Russell Winery

Another thatch roof

This is Mr. Russell's home on top of the hill -- overlooking the vineyard.

A storage building

Barrels of wine. Each letter signifies something about the wine and the type of barrel.

Owner and tour speaker. IF you can find their wines buy me a case! We loved their newest label under Southern Right - "Pinotage". Their Pinot Noir was fabulous too.