We are spending our last weekend at Banhoek Lodge - just outside Stellenbosch - surrounded by wineries, restaurants and mountains. Dinner on Friday at Le Pommier next door was less than memorable, a bit like their wine.
On Saturday, we met up with Sue and Ally - along with their friends Estelle, Petra, Trish and Ava - for a guided hike in Bains Kloof Pass up above Wellington.
Our guide - Jody - was enthusiastic and energetic but seemed to be winging it most of the time. We were on the 'Rockhopper Trail' which involved dropping down to the river and following it to a waterfall - where we planned to have a lunch stop - and then returning to the cars by a different route.
Due to the torrential rain last week, the river was higher than expected and even though we 'rock-hopped' for nearly 3 hours along one side, we were unable to find a safe place to cross.
Settled for a picnic stop and then scrambled up the gorge to the road and back to the cars. Not quite what we expected but a pleasant outing in good company - with a stop at a winery outside Wellington on the way home for a well-earned refreshment.
In the evening we treated ourselves to an anniversary meal at Delaire Graff - without doubt one of the best restaurants in the area. Excellent meal with matching wines and friendly professional service - albeit at prices that were closer to Edinburgh than those we have experienced elsewhere on this trip.
On Saturday, we met up with Sue and Ally - along with their friends Estelle, Petra, Trish and Ava - for a guided hike in Bains Kloof Pass up above Wellington.
Our guide - Jody - was enthusiastic and energetic but seemed to be winging it most of the time. We were on the 'Rockhopper Trail' which involved dropping down to the river and following it to a waterfall - where we planned to have a lunch stop - and then returning to the cars by a different route.
Due to the torrential rain last week, the river was higher than expected and even though we 'rock-hopped' for nearly 3 hours along one side, we were unable to find a safe place to cross.
Settled for a picnic stop and then scrambled up the gorge to the road and back to the cars. Not quite what we expected but a pleasant outing in good company - with a stop at a winery outside Wellington on the way home for a well-earned refreshment.
In the evening we treated ourselves to an anniversary meal at Delaire Graff - without doubt one of the best restaurants in the area. Excellent meal with matching wines and friendly professional service - albeit at prices that were closer to Edinburgh than those we have experienced elsewhere on this trip.
Happy Anniverary and Happy Birthday . Looks like you had a great day . Cheers
ReplyDelete