Pearls On Wheels

A splendid breakfast Tomato  and cucumber slices  have made an appearance in every country, First stop is an ostrich farm, Once the source of feather fortunes in the 1800s Now the source of feather dusters, meat and leather - and tourist entertainment. Today I learned that... The advent of the motorcar led to reduced demand for feather plumes on ladies' hats, Ostrich hens lay  50 eggs a year, 42 days till an egg hatches, each egg is equivalent in volume to 24 hens eggs... Ostriches and kiwis are ratite cousin - flightless birds. Ostriches can nip with their beaks Ostrich feathers are soft and fluffy Ostrich eggs can bear the weight of a man. It is hot and arid up here in the Karoo Forecast to be 41° today. Gets to 50°C in summer Ostriches like these conditions. On we go on highway 328 Around the corners, over the hills To Mossel Bay where it is 10° cooler. A walk down the steep hill, Fresh fish for dinner, Tomorrow is New Year's Eve and we have a special ride planned.          

Hours of pleasure  Cool temperatures, good roads, along the coast. Through the Garden Route National Park Lush green trees, Ravines, sharp rock wedges leading to the sea. Summer traffic Wedged in place, begins to move slowly along Main Street, of pretty Knysna. Through Wilderness and George Up into the winding roads Over the hills to Oudtshoorn. Hot as hades here 38°C in the shade Lovely place to stay Eating out at Jemima's Good food... and a story about Jemima being the patron saint of cooks.         Garden Route National park.   A good day for a ride. Not well enough clad though.     Slow entry to Knysna.     Up the hills, some lovely winding roads.   Over the hills and the temperature surges to 38° The scene is desert with sage brush. The sort of environment that Ostriches like.  From high fashion to feather duster. The motorcar restricted women from wearing hats with ostrich feather

It only takes a moment to smile But it opens up another world Friendship  From east London we ride along the southern eastern cape route, Long straight roads... Swooping with  yellow garlands. Clouds make big statements in the sky They deliver no rain today, But keep the temperatures down. We stop at Kenton-on-sea Following a big pink blown-up swan On its way to the river to float upstream on the incoming tide. A wonderful warm welcome from new friends, Family of our relatives Grant and Penny, New members of Team Kiwi -  Nick and Katie.   Simphiwe in East London. A superb forecourt attendant for BP . BP should 'clone' him and his magical personality.                 Nick...Team Kiwi member.   Getting ready to go and float in the river.   We stoppedd along the way and met a relative of Orlanda. Alas we didn't meet the owner. We have started to see a few more touring bikes on the road now.   Port Elizabeth has a magnificent golden horseshoe beach.     Teddy the Newfoundland.