11.01 Robberg Peninsula, Plettenberg Bay--a complete perimeter hike.

Peering over cliff at school of barking seals

 

A view as we approach the last part of the trail before climbing again

Editor pops up as she gets away from iron-oxide rocks (I think). One of the many ups before going down again

At last, we finally got to a trail after leaving Mom and heading towards Port Elizabeth, the windy city of South Africa. We are through with flying for a while, especially after having our hips felt by a number of groping males, at airports. We have an idea what some women have to deal with when males misbehave. Funnily enough, when we walked through the metal detector at Johannesburg International Airport, it did not buzz. We know not what to make of it. There was a woman security officer on duty; perhaps when she saw us coming through she may well have decided against a search for the funny looking guy with the editor. Who knows? Nevertheless, this lapse in security did not stop us enjoying another good flight with British Airways. The pilot put that plane down superbly in a strong wind. By the way, on an hour-and-half flight, a complimentary lunch was served. For those that smoke, put that in your pipes.

An incredible background, foreground...hmm! to put it gently: Not so incredible

'Lean on me before you climb'

Although we landed in the Eastern Cape, we are now on the western side. However, this does not make a big difference—it just corrects our earlier pre-announcements. We are just across the artificial border. The landscapes are wonderful—there are many beautiful parts to this country. Our editor selected well for an opening hike. It seems we ate too much ‘pap and wors’ on our break in La Costa. (Interpretation—we got a bit lazy and thus sweated on a rather steep and tough trail today). The hike has a number of ups-and-downs along the cliffs of the peninsula. They say it is 6 miles although it felt a lot longer. We had a wonderful experience as we climbed, descended, and ascended again and again; we spent time on the cliffs, the rocks, crossed the beach, dunes, watched the seals having far too much fun for a weekday including some imitating dolphins.

Never too late for a new vocation: Lighthouse keeper. (We thought they advertised 'vacation')

Editor enters the dunes on all-types-of-terrain hike

The setting is exquisite with a rugged coastline, the bay, white sands, blue and turquoise water and a hint of malice as those breakers pound the rocks. We were fortunate to choose low tide for crossing the rocks as we understand at higher tides, people end up being washed out to sea. Good thinking because we forgot our bathing suits.

From the peninsula, the view of the Beacon Isle Hotel is terrific. The hotel looks like its foundation rests in the ocean, from that distance. We know of many people who enjoyed their honeymoons in that idyllic setting. Fortunately for the editor, she married a guy who is happy to take her away and put her up in a three-star tent or even under the stars on a warm night. Lucky woman!

Beacon Isle Hotel from the peninsula

As we reach this attractive high point, down we go...again

Perched above it all

Maude and Theo are in our thoughts as they were due to visit Plettenberg Bay next month but for health reasons, have had to postpone the trip. Many friends and family have suffered from less than satisfactory health recently; we wish them all full and quick recoveries.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

Finally, getting down to the point (for a change)

Editor keeps her cool but not her hat