October 8, 2011
Both Sabine and I woke up early and snuck down to the garden house of our ridiculously nice backpackers, Karoo Soul with our tea and books. We sat and took in our surroundings for an hour or so; the mountains of Oudshoorn, the clear pool, the serene morning – all of it culminated in a perfect, peaceful morning. The other two girls joined us and we decided to make a big breakfast at the backpackers before we went hiking, caving and whatever else happened across our path that day.
Around eleven we headed further up the mountain to the Cango Caves where Stine and I went on a two hour adventure tour through the caves squeezing through spaces called The Coffin, Devil’s Chimney and The Postbox because of their small entrances while Sabine and Anne went hiking. The tour was incredible. The Caves were discovered in the late 1700s by a farmer. From the 1960s through the 1990s concerts were even held in the first cavern because of the incredible acoustics. They had to stop unfortunately, due to vandals who would venture further into the caves, spray paint names and steal stalactites. It was hard to see the caves in what was their original beauty because so much had been broken off and ruined. It was, however, an unbelievable experience, to be so far underground in a place that had been forming for literally 100,000s of years – a few very surreal moments.
When we got done, the other girls picked us up and we hiked our way to a waterfall we had seen on the map. This turned out to be the most gorgeous, breath-taking waterfall, perhaps that I’ve ever seen in my life. Arguably the best part was that for 80% of the time we spent there, we were the only people there. And even when there were others, it was only a small family or a couple. The area was very very private, which was amazing - it was almost as if it belonged to us. What I wouldn’t give to have that waterfall a short walk away from my house and be able to go and do yoga in the morning or have a quick dip after work – wishful thinking…
We piled back into the car and drove to yet another incredible recommendation from our hostess at Karoo Soul – Su Casa, a brand new restaurant between the caves and town. We were so severely underdressed, if there had been more than five patrons and the wait staff there, we would have gone home. Attired in our hiking finest, we waltzed into an immaculate patio area overlooking a vast span of clean-cut farmland and the mountains in the distance. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect feel. We ordered two cheese, veg and meat platters along with a bottle of wine and carrot cake. After eating the most delicious snack of our South African days, Sabine and I went down and began to play fetch with the nameless German Sheppard of the Olive Estates. He started out with a stick that could barely be called a twig, but after a few half-hearted throws, he came back with a 6 foot fencepost. Both Sabine and I lost it – such a dramatic change of heart for the dog! Still, we javelined the post for another 30 minutes, paid our bill and made our way to the car.
We decided on another homemade meal at the backpackers, so Stine and Anne bought (a trillion different) vegetables for a salad while Sabine and I went on (an unsuccessful) wine hunt. Turns out they stop selling wine at 5 pm – fail. Sabine and I returned home empty handed and fell into the showers. I ended up in a tub with a showerhead, but no shower curtain, so I took a bath shower – certainly a first for me, but nice nonetheless since all we have at Annie’s is an obnoxiously small shower stall. After our showers, the girls finished their incredible salad and the four of us sat outside at a large wooden table and debriefed our respective days. We concluded the night with sparkling wine and expensive chocolates from the Stellenbosch wineries. Delicious day overall.
No comments:
Post a Comment