This section of South Africa isn't really "wild" although it is one of the least inhabited, as well as an area where many locals live traditional lives. It's also supposed to have some gorgeous scenery, and we're looking forward to taking some great photos for you!
Only downside is you might not see them for a while!
We've prepared ourselves for up to six days without internet access, although we may be surprised. The coverage map shows pockets of cellular signal in some areas, so with any luck at all we'll be able to continue our daily updates. But if you don't hear from us for a few days, you now know the reason.
We relaxed yesterday. We could have gone back into the city of East London, but it was so peaceful here at Sunrise-on Sea that we decided to just hang out here. We did go for a two hour walk on the beach though...
With the tide out, we had fun looking into the tidal pools in the rocks.
Looking for sea life. Nope, no octopus here.
The sea birds aren't bothered by us.
Ruth found this piece of brightly colored plant life.
Almost like someone spray painted it with a can of florescent orange!
Relaxing by the seaside. There was a constant fog over the water.
This guy was almost three inches long!
This was taken in our couchsurfing host's garden. Have you ever seen such a colorful grasshopper? He was quite happy to sit and have his picture taken. Afterwards, we noticed several other smaller ones with the same coloring.
Today, we head to the Bulungula Lodge for four nights. 80 kms (50 miles) off the main highway on a rough dirt road. Sounds like it will be worth it though! Check out their website...what do you think??
Sounds like more fun time ahead.Will wait for you updates.
ReplyDeleteGeorge as you know with this life, there is always more fun ahead!
DeleteThat looks like sea coral Ruth is holding. When fishing off the coast of Delaware and Maryland, we pull them up attached to small rocks and they are bright orange like that. Great photos - that grasshopper is very colorful! Did you pack a torch for your stay at Bulungula? I'm wondering why that was listed. Can't wait to hear about that place - have fun!!!!
ReplyDeleteI believe you are right Connie, I thought that is was perhaps coral. It is such a bright florescent orange, it was really hard NOT to miss it.
DeleteThe torch was needed because they use only solar power, so there are not many lights to light the way back to your room or tent. Nobody in the community has power either so it is VERY dark at night, great for watching the stars!
WOW! I clicked on the Bulungula website plus from there the Bulungula Incubator website and spent time reading about the area. Also, liked their Facebook page - this place looks awesome!!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYep, it is a pretty interesting place and we love the way they get the local community involved by getting them to run the hostel with minimal supervision and by helping to create ways that they can make some additional income though the tourism in that area. Also they way they make the guests part of the experience and by welcoming us into their community and their homes.
DeleteWonder what the reasons are for hose color patterns on the grasshopper?
ReplyDeleteNo idea but they sure are pretty!
DeleteLove the grasshopper! Your next destination is going to be outstanding. Safe travels on those roads.
ReplyDeleteIt was amazing, the scenery was spectacular!
DeleteBulungula! What a great place to spend some time. And what wonderful contribution to society. Wished I could be there too.
ReplyDeleteRenate, I know you would love it here!
DeleteLove the header picture. Looks like a really peaceful area.
ReplyDeleteThat was quite a colorful grasshopper. How did it taste? I hear insects are a staple food in Africa... ;c)
ReplyDeleteWe left this one alone, it was too pretty to fry!
DeleteSo far the only insect that we have seen here that they eat are the mopane worms but I am sure that there are other insects that they may eat in Africa but perhaps just not in South Africa.
Great pics! One thing I noticed is that things look pretty clean. How is the litter situation where your travels have taken you in Africa?
ReplyDeleteIn general, yes it is pretty clean but we have certainly see a far share of garbage too! The "white" areas are generally clean as well as the city centres but some of the township areas and some of the rural areas are a mess. Maybe, this is because garbage pickup isn't as regular and perhaps it's a cultural thing like in Mexico.
DeleteWhat an amazing looking insect! You & Ruth are great motivations to get out there and smell...other peoples gardens :)
ReplyDeleteYep, everyone should take time to stop and smell the roses or just look for some interesting creatures!
DeleteI know I don't comment very often, but just wanted you to know that I am really enjoying your trip of a lifetime!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Diana, we have been enjoying it too and we are so happy to take the time to show others what beautiful places are out there in our big world.
DeleteLove the picture of the locust. Grass hoppers are a lot smaller. In swarms these guys can be very destructive (as in the plagues of Egypt)!
ReplyDeleteThank you for clarifying that for us. And, yes we have read about how destructive they can be.
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