It’s taken almost a month to move into the new 5th-wheel.
Picking and choosing what decorative chachkies would fit. When we get ready to roll it takes me about two hours to pack it all.
Packing plastic tubs for storage in either the tin shed or the basement of the RV.
The little house is almost empty.
Still have a few things to wrap up and put away, somewhere. And if I ever start feeling better I’ll get it done.
To view more of the world go to My World Tuesday by clicking here.
After a quick stop in Mossel Bay I returned to N2…
…and continued west on an inland route with a plan to return to the coast.
There really isn’t a coastal route that I could see on the map.
But I passed several side roads that looked inviting.
I’d decided to take R320 to Hermanus on the coast…
…and stay for a couple days in celebration of my birthday, which you can read about here.
I’m styling. You’re styling. And we all have a different style. Thank goodness for that. Otherwise, how Boring.
My friend, and fellow blogger, Karen at FabGrandma has Style. She received this Stylish blogger Award and passed it along to me. Karen was my blog mentor and has given me many tips along the way. She and her husband live the RV lifestyle traveling and working from here to there. She also has celiac disease and lives and blogs gluten-free. You really need to check her out. Thanks for being my friend Karen!
The Stylish Blogger Award rules:
• First, thank and link back to the person who gave you this award
• Second, share 7 things about yourself
• Third, award 5 recently discovered great bloggers
• Then, contact these bloggers and tell them they’ve won this award
So, 7 things about myself:
1. My Daddy spoiled me rotten and maybe that’s why I still want what I want when I want it. Like NOW!
2. I wanted to be a dancer when I was growing up and although never had lessons or training was a go-go girl for a while.
3. I dreamed of being a gypsy after HS graduation, traveling and writing about my adventures.
4. I flew my 1964 Rambler Ambassador over a hedge trying skid control on ice.
5. I’ve been married once and raised 1.5 stepchildren.
6. I once owned a yarn and craft supply store.
7. I Love Life and Mike!
5 recently discovered great bloggers:
1. Lucy at All About Arizona…or not
2. Cheryl Ann at Deep Canyon
3. Nina at Watch for Rocks
4. Betty at Cut and Dry
5. Helena at Liberty, Equality, and Geology
I truly believe all you bloggers out there have style so if you want to pick up on this award please do.
After a wonderful evening in Hartenbos I drove back 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.
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.
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.
Seems as though people still enjoy what Mossel Bay and the Indian Ocean offer for food.
5:43pm
Our visit to the canyon shared with wonderful friends was highlighted Sunday night by a spectacular light show at Lippan Point.
5:49pm
5:49pm
5:50pm
5:55pm
5:56pm
6:01pm
Goodnight Grand Canyon.
To view more skies from around the world, or to share your own, go to Sky Watch Friday by clicking here.
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.
I drove past Hartenbos to Mossel Bay and back thinking I’d spend a little extra tonight and get a room with a view.
But I settled with the Riveria in Hartenbos, with no internet.
And a very comfortable set up with front and back door.
I was the only guest in the dinning room (top floor).
Their loss as the meal was delicious.
And the view superb.
Of the setting sun.
Plus sweet dreams of exploring more of the coast.
San Francisco Peaks
Friday Mike and I drove up to the South Rim Grand Canyon.
Amanda, a special friend of mine 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.
Mike and I took a short walk along the rim then met up with Amanda for dinner and made a plan for Saturday.
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 3 years since we’d seen each other.
The sky was clear so we didn’t expect a very colorful sunset but the light and shadow show never disappoints.
We ended up across from Hopi House (above) at El Tovar (below) for drinks and appetizers.
Then back to El Tovar for breakfast along with another friend who works on the South Rim.
Windy and too cold for me so we went back to camp while Amanda walked the rim trail from Hermits Rest back to The Village.
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.
This far eastern view from the tower shows Cedar Mountain and across Navajo land to the shadowed Vermilion Cliffs.
We drove back towards The Village stopping at Lippan Point which juts out far enough to offer an almost 180 degree view.
Amazing views of the Colorado River up and down stream as the last light slipped under the low building storm clouds…
…turning the canyon walls to gold.
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. At home it’s getting very cold and windy. My prayers go out to all of you experiencing this horrible winter storm. Stay warm, stay safe.
