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Mossel Bay South Africa

Mossel Bay & Outeniqua Mountains R328 Garden Route Western Cape South Africa

After a wonderful evening in Hartenbos I back tracked to Mossel Bay. The southern shores of the bay are lined with awesome cliffs that loom above the thundering surf and the relentless force of the elements has cut out massive caverns.

St Blaize Cave below lighthouse Mossel Bay Garden Route Western Cape South Africa

The roof of Cape St. Blaize Cave, also known as Bat’s Cave, is over 32.8 feet (10 m) high, it is 39.3 feet (12 m) deep and 72 feet (22 m) wide at its mouth. During an archaeological dig in the 1880’s artifacts of the Khoi-San dating back 80,000 years were discovered. Middens consisting mainly of shells indicate that early dwellers lived largely on a diet of shellfish.

Lighthouse Mossel Bay Garden Route Western Cape South Africa

The history of Mossel Bay is closely linked to maritime activities. The Cape St Blaize lighthouse was erected in 1864 and is the only rock lighthouse on the South African coast.

Fisherman Indian Ocean Mossel Bay Garden Route Western Cape South Africa

Seems as though people still enjoy what Mossel Bay and the Indian Ocean offer for food.

Mossel Bay, South Africa , , 10 Comments

Hartenbos South Africa

I got to the coast and looked for a place to stay for the night, desperately wanting to find internet so I could post about my eventful day caving and ostrich riding.

Outside of room at Riviera Hartenbos Garden Route Western Cape South Africa

I drove past Hartenbos to Mossel Bay and back thinking I’d spend a little extra tonight and get a room with a view of the Indian Ocean.

Bed & living room at Riviera Hartenbos Garden Route Western Cape South Africa

And I settled with the Riveria in Hartenbos, with no internet.

Livingroom & hall past bedroom to bathroom & back door at Riviera Hartenbos Garden Route Western Cape South Africa

And a very comfortable set up with front and back door.  Unfortunately no view of the ocean.

Dining room & bar at Riviera Hartenbos Garden Route Western Cape South Africa

I was the only guest in the dinning room (top floor).

Chicken, potato, cabbage & vegie dinner Riviera Hartenbos Garden Route Western Cape South Africa

Their loss as the meal was delicious.

Sunset over river mouth into Indian Ocean Riviera Hartenbos Garden Route Western Cape South Africa

And the view superb.

Sunset over river with bridge Riviera Hartenbos Garden Route Western Cape South Africa

Including the setting sun.

Sunset, moon & lit cross reflected in river Riviera Hartenbos Garden Route Western Cape South Africa

Plus sweet dreams of exploring more of the coast.

Hartenbos, South Africa , , 10 Comments

A winter visit to the South Rim Grand Canyon National Park

Snow on San Fransisco peaks Arizona

San Francisco Peaks

All it took was a phone call for a winter visit to the South Rim Grand Canyon.

Amanda South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Amanda, a special friend and fellow Park Ranger from Oregon Caves days has made her way up the NPS ladder and works at Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park in Alaska. She was in training at the Albright Training Center located within GRCA NP. Wow, only a four hour drive away.

Afternoon view of North Rim from South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

I took a short walk along the rim then met up with Amanda for dinner and made a plan for Saturday.

The Village from Rim trail South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

We walked about 4 miles (6.4 k) along the rim trail stopping to gaze at the canyon and chatting away as if it hadn’t been three years since we’d seen each other.

Afternoon shadows from temples South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

The sky was clear so we didn’t expect a very colorful sunset but the light and shadow show never disappoints.

Hopi House South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

We ended up across from Hopi House (above) at El Tovar (below) for drinks and appetizers.

El Tovar South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Then back to El Tovar for breakfast along with another friend who works on the South Rim.

Morning shadows on Cheops Pyramid South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Windy and too cold for me so went back to camp while Amanda walked the rim trail from Hermits Rest back to The Village.

Desert View Watchtower South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Later in the afternoon we all reconnected and thanks to our friend loaning us her car we drove out to the Desert Watch Tower without having to move the truck/camper.

Cedar Mt, Navajo land & Echo Cliffs from Desert View Watchtower South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

This far eastern view from the tower shows Cedar Mountain and across Navajo land to the shadowed Echo Cliffs.

Colorado River upstream Lippan Point South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

We drove back towards The Village stopping at Lippan Point which juts out far enough to offer an almost 180 degree view.

Sunset over canyon & Colorado River Lippan Point South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Amazing views of the Colorado River up and down stream as the last light slipped under the low building storm clouds…

Last light on canyon walls & Co River Lippan Point South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

…turning the canyon walls to gold.

Last light on canyon walls Lippan Point South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Cold wind increased as the last light faded. Time to head back to camp and say our goodbyes. In the morning we left the canyon under cloudy skies and a light bit of snow.

Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park South Rim, National Parks and Monuments , , , , 16 Comments

Lijit

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