Lagoon Beach Hotel & Apartments Hermanus

Today we headed west back along the coast to Hermanus and Cape Aghulas, the most Southern Point of SA. This section of the coast is important breeding ground for the Southern Right Whale and pleny of bird life. The months of July - December are the best months for seeing the whales in the ocean.

The drive from Knysna to Cape Aghulas was very long but we stopped for lunch at a ...

... the New Harbor and the Old Harbor, and it led right down to the Cliff Walk. If you go all the way down the walk, it's 1.5 hours. We almost went all the way, but we decided we'd seen enough whales for the day. The best place for whale spotting is definitely in the Old Harbor, but it's really, really best past downtown. We found some great rocky outcroppings to sit on and watch the whales play much closer than they were when we were in town. Still further ...

... trying to get his vehicle ready, Jo has been tackling the insurance folk as they are trying to bill us at 200% of the normal price, just because we have 4x4 vehicles, Lara is setting up a network of contacts for us on our trip, and Chris is studying his Hayne's manual and buying parts accordingly in order to be prepared for any eventuality. We've all had several copies of various crucial documents such as ID books and driver licenses signed by ...

... walk. I believe you should get outside your comfort zone every now and then, it's good for you. Good job I believe that. We were taken to the corner of some buildings that looked like old workshops to me, broken beer bottle glass was very evident in the dirty grey sand, and we were greated by three or four old men who were standing around a shoulder high table top on some barrels, with around five sheeps heads on there and a few resident flies. Sam explained ...

... enjoying yet another great South African holiday. Today is Heritage Day, so we don't have classes (unfortunately, I won't be able to send out this email until Tuesday, because national holidays mean that businesses aren't open, and therefore I can't use the internet today)! Just a little side note, today is my 71st day in South Africa and I only have 5 weeks of lecture left. Somehow I feel that time is just flying by! My field trip over spring break went ...

... Africa list, I have a hard time believing any will be able to top Pondoland. Our home base here was Port St. John's and I think Mary's parents found the backpackers online in case anyone is interested. The name of the place we stayed was called Jungle Monkey. It is here that we just chose a rural road to turn down, parked the car and asked some locals if we would be bothering anyone if we walked around. We were assured that we would be welcome ...

... I don't want to spend my whole life planning because then I'll miss the steps it takes to get me there. If I'm always looking ahead, I'll miss what's around me. This helped me for a few moments to stress a little less about what plans I have for after college, for a career. I spent all of high school making plans for college that changed in the last year and a half of high school. Regardless of why the changes came about, they did, and I'm ...

... intervened. Whale watcing was spectacular. The whales that frequent this area are South Right Whales and they come to South Africa every year in September to mate and calve, before returning to the South Pole in November. We had a mother and 5 month old calf hang around the boat, less than 5 feet from us for about an hour. They were so close to the boat, it was really impressive. They swam under the boat again and again, coming up on each side of the boat to blow water out ...

... was the first day of my trip. Sorry if its really long and boring but it was a bit mental! I will try and condense down the next 2 months! Ha Ha! Hope everyone is well! Its really nice to haer from you all even it is only an email please keep in touch it keeps me sane! Wicked to hear about your new job nick, im really pleased for you bud!!! Nice to be back in touch Caz, we will have to try and stay in touch this time! Right really have to go! Thinking of everyone loads! Much love!

... the cage when one's around. Visibility v poor in the water (about a meter and a half) and was runnning out of breath when suddenly this f*cking massive shark comes out of nowhere and headbutts the cage, has a little nibble of the bars, and swims off in a huff! I very nearly needed a change of wetsuit after that. In total saw six big sharks, so well worth it - although that first experience was the best.