After three weeks at Pearl Valley, it felt like time for a change of environment for a couple of days so we headed about 200km north to Draaihoek Lodge just south of Elandsbaai. The place boasted a private beach, comfortable accommodation and good food. Think they delivered on two out of three.
The beach was everything we expected - miles and miles of unoccupied sand with only the gulls, terns, Cape Gannets and Dolphins for company. We walked as far as we could morning and evening - there is definitely something therapeutic about striding along a deserted beach with only the sun, wind, sea and Linda for company.
The accommodation was comfortable but just a little tired - however it had everything we needed. Unfortunately, the food was disappointing - they have easy access to wonderful fresh fish and seafood but there seems to be a West Coast cuisine which insist in taking great ingredients coating them in batter and cooking them to death.
Our fellow guests were a mixed bag - mostly German tourists who were happy to socialise together but probably as keen as I was to get into conversation with another foreigner.
Our receptionist was very friendly but probably fitted into a group that I would have to describe as non-gender specific.
We travelled further north to Lamberts Bay with a stop at the Verlorenvlei for some birdwatching on the way. Great flocks of Spoonbills and many other waterbirds but only one new species to add to our list. We also stopped at the Rocherpan National Reserve on our way south but the pan was dry and it was already 31C by 11.00 so we didn't linger long.
The beach was everything we expected - miles and miles of unoccupied sand with only the gulls, terns, Cape Gannets and Dolphins for company. We walked as far as we could morning and evening - there is definitely something therapeutic about striding along a deserted beach with only the sun, wind, sea and Linda for company.
The accommodation was comfortable but just a little tired - however it had everything we needed. Unfortunately, the food was disappointing - they have easy access to wonderful fresh fish and seafood but there seems to be a West Coast cuisine which insist in taking great ingredients coating them in batter and cooking them to death.
Our fellow guests were a mixed bag - mostly German tourists who were happy to socialise together but probably as keen as I was to get into conversation with another foreigner.Our receptionist was very friendly but probably fitted into a group that I would have to describe as non-gender specific.
We travelled further north to Lamberts Bay with a stop at the Verlorenvlei for some birdwatching on the way. Great flocks of Spoonbills and many other waterbirds but only one new species to add to our list. We also stopped at the Rocherpan National Reserve on our way south but the pan was dry and it was already 31C by 11.00 so we didn't linger long.
Almost looks like Aberdeen except the sunshine. Looks great and agree nothing better then walking along a beach. Enjoy the sunshine and heat while we here in Toronto dig out from another dump of the white stuff and topped off with freezing rain.
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