Friday, Kristi and I had a chance to head to a local (close to Hebron) winery for a wine tasting, Tier Hoek. First, let me paint the picture of getting there. We drove on paved roads for about 15 minutes, took a right and drove on gravel for around 45 minutes until I thought we would never come out again. But at the end of the road, we finally reached our destination, a boutique winery based around a farm built in the 1880's. The wine tasting was hosted by the vineyard manager, Raynard, who was a wonderful mixture of farmer and Afrikaaner. We sat in old farm house at the kitchen table and tasted some incredible wine from an incredible place.
The vineyard is set in what I would describe as basically a huge gully with massive cliffs on either side which apparently protect the vines and keep them free from outside influences. It was about as much fun as you could have. On the way back we picked up the kids quickly and watch this sunset from the bluff. Incredible.
After some sad goodbyes to our friends at Hebron, we hit the road yesterday and headed down the coast, past Cape Town to Simon's Town, a small hamlet on the Cape Peninsula. First off, Simon's Town is incredible. Not only is it one of the few places in the world where you can see wild penguins (check that off the bucket list), but the b&b we stayed at, The Boat House, was the best place we have ever stayed. Set up with a nautical theme, the Boat House looked out over the entire harbor, with incredible rooms at reasonable prices. Thanks to the Mathis family for the great recommendation.
After checking in we went on our big excursion for the day; the Cape of Good Hope. This is a huge nature preserve at the tip of Africa--I've been dreaming of going there since I did a little research on the lighthouses there for a sermon a while back, and the whole experience didn't disappoint. First, the scenery is incredible. Brush and incredible rock formations for as far as the eye can see. Second, baboons--finally we saw some walking around, sitting on cars, scratching themselves...it was a 6 and 10 year old's dream. Third, the awesome Cape Lighthouse "at the end of the world" (as we have been calling it) which we hiked to the top of (scoffing at the tram riders the whole way). Finally, the awesome drive to the beach, where we saw more baboons, wild ostriches, and the place where the Indian and Atlantic Ocean meet. It was so fun.
After a great night at the Boat House, we started the long drive towards our penultimate destination--our Safari/Game Reserve. We decided on a drive along the coast, which was a bit longer but absolutely stunning. We went through Stellenbosch, an incredible wine region where we saw vineyards bigger than we had ever seen. We also saw the biggest "informal settlement" (read: shanty town) we have ever seen--bigger than the eye could see. It is such a harsh contrast to the beauty and makes us realize that there is so much wrong in the midst of a place so privileged. We even accidentally drove through one today and were reminded of how scary it would be to have to live in one permanently. I don't think I could survive.
Tonight we are staying in Mossel Bay, a coastal town about 30 minutes from our Game Reserve/Safari. Can't wait for the next few days, but am sad this part of the adventure is coming to an end. Thanks for all the prayers. We can feel them!
-Jeff (for the family)
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