Day 7 - Mossel Bay and Return

The cold, wind and rain had all disappeared and gave way to a gorgeous, sunny, temperate day; Phil was celebrating being down to a single layer of clothes.
We drove to the point in Mossel Bay. The mixture of sandy beach and large rocks made for interesting walking. Along with some intriguing miniature sea life – small fish, crabs and what appeared to be a sea urchin. A little further was the rocky cliff in front of an old cave. The “rock bunnies” captivated Gwen as she seems to have an affinity for rodents of all kinds. The sounds and views of the ocean waves crashing again the rocky cliffs were quite mesmerizing.

After exploring Mossel Bay, we start the journey back to Capetown. The countryside is again very beautiful and we tons of ostriches again and gorgeous mountains on the return trip. Perhaps I’m more comfortable driving (so I can look around a bit more) or perhaps the views of the mountains are clearer, but the trip seems more pleasing to me. Much of the terrain is like New Mexico with barren patches with mountainous backgrounds as well as bright green fields and pastures. At Swellendam, we take the recommended alternative, scenic route road back. Through part of the cape winelands and mountain passes, the views are incredible. Without being on difficult mountain roads, we had large looming mountain peaks and cliffs along the way. Many orchards at the base of the cliffs provided impressive images unlike any of my preconceived ones of what Africa would be like. The trees, with their bare lower branches and leaves just on the tops, were the signature reminder of our location.

We stopped for a nice meal in Worchester near an open field/churchyard and caught some of the Nigeria vs. Greece game – another disappointing result for the Africans. As we got fuel at the gas station before leaving town, it was the quintessential experience here. A group of attendants all waving and clamoring for you to pull into their stalls, where they fuel the car, chat with you, wash the windows, etc. The red sky reminds me that we need to visit the Atlantic seaboard for a sunset before we leave. It’s nearly dark, but we can still see the outline of the fabulous Table Mountain in the distance skyline. With the help of Kate’s trusty flashlight and Phil’s map and navigation skills we find our way to the N2 highway that we are more familiar with and arrive safely home.

After a bit of relaxing to be home at our cottage and a bit of a planning session for the tomorrow, we decide to go to the Asian place around the corner for the Mexico vs. France game. Unfortunately, they are completely packed (more with eaters than World Cup watchers). So, we go to the even closer by Hotel lobby to watch the game. They are a ton of French people there (some convention or something), so it makes for a lively crowd. Turns out to be a great place to watch and French guys seem okay as at least they know that they’ll get a new coach.

Quip of the day: “Aurevoir, Ramond! Aurevoir, Ramond!” the French fans sang more enthusiastically than then they cheered during the game.