Day 2. My BIG Day!!

So dawns the BIG 60!!

  Awoke to a pleasant sunny morning, after howling gales during the night.

 Table Mountain summit was surrounded by cloud, so we decided to head straight to the Stellenbosch. (S.Africa’s wine growing capital)  First stop was at Spiers Winery. Hoping it will be as good as last time we visited in 2007.

After giving Bill his first latte of the day, we started off at their Cheetah Outreach programme, which includes rescuing and rehabilitating cheetahs from all around S.A, together with a specialist breeding programme to retain the Pedigree King  Gene of Cheetahs who are almost extinct in the wild. The King Gene, is the gene that dictates the "spotting" pattern on the cheetahs skin, and by cross breeding, the pedigree King gene is becoming endangered. They also have breeding Anatolian hunting dogs. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a muscular, broad-headed flock guardian dog breed native to Anatolia (Turkey).  The Cheetah Outreach programme is also a educational scheme where children from the socially deprived townships are introduced to their native species and taught the importance of preservation and conservation. We then also visited their Bird of Prey centre, where we were able to see at close hand many of the impressive raptors that are native to this area. Surprised to see our own native Barn Owls quite abundant here.

 My favourites being the little Scops Owls & the impressive Black Vulture.

It was then time to allow Bryony a little wine tasting session. I emphasize little, as she was the designated driver from lunch time!  Her 5 samples of Spiers own varieties inc 3 reds & 2 whites, at the exhorbitant price of 30R equivalent to less than £2.50. Unfortunately none of the reds were to her taste; but a white blended special of Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon was rather nice J , and necessitated a purchase for consumption later!!.

An exploration of the local craft stalls was next on the agenda, although there were not as many as on our last trip, because many had closed down for their autumn and winter.

By now, it was 1.30pm so lunch time was upon us. As it was MY BIRTHDAY, I chose lunch at JC Roux’s. The home of S.A champagne J J J.  & their restaurant is lovely too. We headed straight for the restaurant< surprise surprise. I chose to have the Monkfish & Seafood Tortellini’s. Bry had a Smoked Trout& Seafood Salad, whilst Bill had grilled Monk fish & chips. Whilst awaiting our food I had my first glass of champagne of the day, as did Bill, poor Bry was now on the soda waterL.  Then chaos commenced, Bill’s meal was served, accompanied by 2 slices of toasted Panini, promptly shared by Bry & I. (Bill is gluten intolerant, for those who don’t know) Bry’s meal then arrived, and I nobly said “please start, don’t wait for me!)

Bill tucked in, and said “Oooh these are lovely- what are they?” and handed one to Bryony to try.  “Yes, they are Dad, they are Mum’s tortellini’s!”  So my birthday meal was shared between all of us Grrrrrrr. However a further “FREE” glass of champagne placated me.  It really was a lovely meal- what I finally got of it!!

After lunch, Bryony then drove us to “Strand” were we stayed on our last visit. It has a stunning beach, facing out to False Bay. Swimming is not advised though, as the tides are quite treacherous, and the waters are home to several species of shark, inc Gt. White & Mako, plus as we witnessed on our last visit Portuguese Man of War Jellyfish arec quite common too.

Then we headed on around the headland to Gordon’s Bay, and its stunning beaches, where it is possible to whale watch from July onwards. Then, the scenic but circuitous drive on through the mountains to Betty’s Bay before heading back to Cape Town via Sir John Lowry’s pass.  Back to Cape Town by 7pm and then shared a bottle of JC Roux’s finest champagne purchased at great expensive for 50R = £4 Unbelievable.  A fabulous end to a fabulous day. J

Tomorrow is an early start at 6.15am for the drive to Gansbaii, and then Dyer Island for our Gt White encounter. Got fingers crossed it finally happens! Also hope we have fingers to cross tomorrow night afterwards. JJJ