Leaving Bontebok National Park at 9:00, again on the N2 with Oudtshoorn as the destination. The drive had mostly the same landscape as the day before. We had our first glimpse of the Indian Ocean before turning north and heading into the mountains. As we climbed, the land turned green.
The small town of Eight Bells is the last stop before the ascent into the clouds. It had a shop with a wood fired pizza oven selling baked goods and apparently live poultry. We stuck with the baked goods.
On the other side of the mountain as we winded our way back down, the dry, arid, extremely hot weather awaited us. (I really miss the flat, flat land of Carman!) We were in Oudtshoorn.
At the beginning of the 20th century ostrich farming in Oudtshoorn was profitable since the feathers were desired by the fashion industry in Europe. The town is still largely dependent on ostrich farming today. We went to see an ostrich farm. All the boys agreed to sit on one, but Luke became a jockey. They go a lot faster than he was anticipating!
The eyes are covered to calm it. When Luke started riding the cover was taken off. He lasted over 8 seconds! Rodeo circuit - here he comes!
We tried ostrich kabobs and ostrich biltong. The kabobs were surprisingly tender. We were wondering what you would get if you ordered a plate of wings or a drumstick!
The Cango caves are another reason people visit Oudtshoorn. They have been popular since the 1880's. These caves are estimated to be 20 million years old and inhabited since the early stone age. They consist of a series of chambers cut deep into the limestone. The stalagmites and stalactites are like nothing seen before.
OK - getting late. Time to get everyone ready for night 3 in the tent. I think some snakes are nocturnal so I need to get across this grassy lawn in the dark!
