R43

Left Franschhoek this morning and travelled, still in Western Cape, to our destination just outside Mossel Bay, the start of The Garden Route.

Weather was great when we left and, as we travelled up the Lambrechts Road over Mont Rochelle, the views were simply stunning of the valley below.

The landscape on our way to the Garden Route changed considerably as we journeyed on - much greener and a lot more agricultural. However, the clouds and rain followed us again and by the time we reached our destination, near the Great Brak River, there was a veritable storm.

We booked into our overnight accommodation and much excitement and anticipation ensued when we were informed by our host that a whale had been spotted that afternoon. Settled down with a bottle of the local wine and sharing two pairs of binoclars, we sat at the grand view bedroom window hoping to catch a glimpse of the world's greatest mammal but, no luck.

An evening meal at the recommended Transkaroo Restaurant, with second born beautiful son sharing his Springbok pie, was enjoyed by all before sleep in electric blanket heated beds.