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We spent a few days hiking in the Drakkensberg mountains and loved the cooler mornings. Even got out our sweatshirts for the first time. Still by late morning we were back in the mid 30's and working off all the food that we've been enjoying. The food is worth a mention - it's been amazing, so need as much exercise as we can get! Eating out is only marginally cheaper than eating in, so have been enjoying some great meals along the way, although we (K&B) are seriously contemplating having to start dieting soon.
The Tulega Falls walk in some of the photos was about a six hour mountain walk to an amphitheatre and gorge with a fresh water pool at the end. As the country is in the middle of a drought, there was no water to be seen in any of the waterfalls but still spectacular views along the way. The birdlife has been great and bit of excitement when a snake appeared in front of us(luckily vanished into the scrub just as quickly).
At Giants castle we walked to caves depicting ancient San art rock paintings - these are still really visible in the caves where they are protected from the weather. The drive there was another 'interesting' one, with Bill having to put his defensive driving skills into action (had been warned about local drivers) . Zulu villages and kids appear all along the roadsides - life is not easy, even more so in drought times like now. Housing is generally a round rondavel with a thatched roof. Many of the villages are now having water delivered by tanker as the rivers/wells dry up. As school holidays have started kids seem to be in charge of looking after the families few cattle or goats.
From the mountains it was a 5 hour drive back to Joberg to catch the train down to Capetown. All going well it takes 26 hours, but likely to take longer if all the stories we hear are right. There has been consistent surprise expressed by South African's when we mention that we are catching the regular South African railways train, most saying they would never do it and why weren't we flying or go on the fancy Blue train! The Blue train is targeted at tourists with a price tag to match.
We booked the train thinking that it sounded like a great way to see the country. The premiere class cabins are great - twin rooms next to one another, beds turned down, dressing gowns supplied and no dearer than a flight and a nights accom combined, so all good. Dinner served in the dining car was a 5 course meal (more good food), followed by cooked breakfast and shortly a four course lunch. We woke up travelling through the Karoo desert and at this stage they anticipate that we will arrive in Capetown about an hour or so late. Need to let the locals know that their trains are good as! Wifii has been really limited throughout the trip, so will post this when we are next online!
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Mhairi Great to talk with you last night/morning. You guys are having an amazing trip and we love reading about it. The kids love the photos, especially all the wildlife!