Monday 6 June was our second day in Tsitsikamma. Another fine day was presaged...
Lee, Nick and I left at 0830 to walk a short section of the Otter Trail, which starts at the western end of the park and wends its way across jumbled rocks (trail marked with a lion paw paint mark in bright yellow) and up and down through the coastal vegetation. This section terminates at a waterfall.
Nick, eagle-eyed as usual, spotted the first and only otter but the views generally were superb and the large Indian Ocean swell was especially exhilarating as it crashed into the rocks nearby.
Having finished the walk, I needed a lie down, but not before a hefty late breakfast for all of us was put on by Nettie. Our cabin had been raided and suffered the loss of a bag of rusks during our absence. Nettie had been working in the small kitchen when a large baboon decided to take a look. It jumped up onto the top of the half-door which opens to the kitchen, saw that Nettie's back was turned and almost soundlessly snatched the bag from the bench next to her. Loud yells ensued from some camp staff as the baboon raced across the road into the scrub, bag of rusks under one arm. Events such as this are quite common so visitors to Tsitsikamma have to take special care to ensure that food, in particular, is not purloined by these our resourceful distant relatives.
After a refreshing nap it was time for yet another cup of tea and some of Nettie's wonderful cake. And I wonder why a waist button popped from my pants the other day!
The suspension bridge track now beckoned and we all set off in the late afternoon to the east, toward the mouth of the Storms River.
This walk turned out to have some unexpectedly steep sections but we did spot a Southern Right Whale cruising in the river exit area, about 500m from the shore. Clear sky, whale, some slight exertion and a setting sun saw us now drawn to the Camp's restaurant and bar, which overlooks the river mouth. Draft beers in such circumstances are especially delicious. The ladies finished off the evening by a three pronged assault on the adjacent gift shop, which succumbed under this determined and well resourced attack. Some of our precious credit card ammo was used up, however, probably needless to relate.
And then, with the gathering dusk it was now back to the cabin for a glass of red, to light the braii, and for a dinner of fire-roasted lamb chops. Slept well.
Cape Town next...
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