Twin beds for St Valentine's?

We rarely have problems during our trips booking accommodation for each stage of the journey as we decide where to go next. However, sometimes you get tripped up because you have not allowed for special occasions. This is why we will always try to avoid Chinese New Year in Asian countries.

Unfortunately we didn't make allowances for Feb 14th falling on a Saturday night this year so for our visit to the De Hoop Nature Reserve they could only offer one of their Rondawels with twin beds and an outside shower and toilet. Not the most romantic arrangement but they made up for it with an excellent dinner with a welcoming glass of Fizz and gifts for all the Ladies  - and they had the Ireland - France match (which kicked off at 7.00pm local time) on the big screen TV.

Despite a great meal with an excellent Pinotage from Delheim (BYOB) and a couple of celebratory Klipdrift brandies, we were still up in time for the 6.00 am Bird walk. Slightly surprised to find that our guide - Patrick - was an immigrant Scot who had worked for 10 years in Killarney and Clonakilty. We had a great walk - nearly 3 hours - and found a good selection of the birds which live and breed on the lagoon at De Hoop - the Giant Kingfisher was probably the star of the show.

 We were moving on again, after a quick shower and breakfast in company with a family of Dassies (Rock Hyrax)

 and Cape Spurfowl, but still managed a quick detour to the bay at Kopie Alleen which is one of the most important calving sites for the Southern Right Whale - another reason to come back here during their winter.

On our drive north, we saw half a dozen pairs of Blue Cranes (South Africa's National bird), each with a juvenile in tow and then a huge group of Ostrich - one of which laid a second egg as we stopped to photograph a pair of Cranes!

After another 70km of dirt roads we reached the main road and a short drive to our overnight accommodation in Swellendam.

The brand new Honda is looking a bit worn - may have to spring for a valet service before I take it back to Cape Town - its amazing how that fine dust penetrates everywhere!