Tourism in Oudtshoorn
Out of touch as the internet in the hostel in Oudtshoorn went down (bad router).
Yesterday went biking, mostly downhill, for 30 km.  Originally supposed to bike from the top of Swartzberg pass which would have been tough.  It was so windy on top and dust was blowing up from the gravel road.  I tried a little biking on it but it was too bumpy, windy and steep going downhill.  The bike tour van gave me a lift down to where the road was paved.  Some of the other folks that did the ride down the mountain's unpaved road said they weren't exactly thrilled with the dust blowing in their eyes and the speed of the descent -- having the bike slide on gravel, etc. etc.  So I wasn't being a complete wimp by getting a lift to the safer area.

Starting the bike ride from "Die Top"

Looking down from the bike path

Visited the Cango Ostrich Farm -- did the ostrich ride (lasted probably all of 15 seconds) and visited the local zoo aka Cango Wildlife Ranch which had cheetahs, meerkats, and white lion cubs.  Nice birds abound.  Saw some weavers, finches and starlings.

Feeding

Hugging

Riding

White lion cub

Visited the Cango caves and took the "adventure tour" which was loads of fun -- they had you crawling, climbing and squeezing through the caves.  All for a very short duration and well lit so not too scary.  One guy got caught in the "letter box" slot though.  He just couldn't do the squeeze-- after 3 tries he gave up -- we all think he just panicked as he was breathing rather hard.  He was afraid he was going to break his ribs.

It’s drizzly today so the cave was just the right thing to do.  Then it was a long 7 hour bus ride to Port Elizabeth.   Had fish and chips from the local fast food joint at the gasoline stop for dinner.  Perhaps most of the food is boring here because of the British influence.  

They played two movies on the Baz Bus so the time went fairly quickly.  Also meeting people that had been on the bus several days ago.  Some folks are only spending one night at each stop.  It’s sort of nice seeing familiar faces.

It rained all the way to Port Elizabeth and is supposed to rain more tomorrow.  Yesterday was lovely for the bike ride -- got an interesting suntan from the bike helmet despite wearing sun screen. 

Backpackers Paradise Hostel in Oudtshoorn was wonderful -- more like a B&B and will probably spoil me for all the other hostels on this trip.  Had delicious grilled ostrich steak and sausage for dinner and a nice English style breakfast.

Continue to Port Elizabeth
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