November 7, 2008 – Friday – Knysna to Cape Town, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Southern Africa 2008

There is a torrential rain storm and strong winds all last night and this morning. The noise awoke me several times last night, since my cottage has a metal roof. First stop is the Bartolomeu Dias Museum in Mossel Bay, which is a maritime museum showcasing the Portuguese explorers Vasco de Gama and Bartolomeu Dias. There is a full sized replica of Dias’ caravel ship in the museum, which was sailed from Portugal to South Africa in 1988 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of exploration in this area by the Portuguese.

After we have lunch in the farming and grape growing community of Swellendam, we drive through some beautiful Lowveld farming areas before driving through the 4km long Huguenot Tunnel on our way to Cape Town. After exiting the tunnel, we are suddenly in the grape growing district of Paarl, which is known world-wide for their wines.