Middle-aged flash packers

It poured with rain last night, luckily these thatched roofs are very weatherproof. It felt cosy being safe inside while the elements went wild outside.

A wet and miserable morning meant a change to the itinerary. We would no longer be visiting the camel’s hump but instead would be walking to Sungabala Camp.

Sungabala Camp turned out to be about 1.5 miles up the road. It’s another venture of the Cavern owners, an eco camp where people can come and be self sufficient in more rustic conditions.

When we got there Sandili (our guide) made us tea and we got to meet the only guests staying at the camp who were toasting themselves by a wood burning stove. With fellow walkers, John and Carole and also Peter, the Cavern’s owner and his grandson, we had a very social time and it didn’t seem to matter that we hadn’t really walked very far.

Sandili was keen to show us the Silent Woman which sounded very intriguing so we gingerly made our way down a very slippery path to a giant rock. Sandili took us to the back of the rock in which an extremely voluptuous lady was carved. It was carved in the 1950’s by someone called Willy Chalmers (how appropriate) who apparently didn’t want to be conscripted and had too much time on his hands.

We returned back in time for lunch. It was so cold that all the log fires in the public areas of the hotel had been lit. I noticed Lucy the dog had picked the best “seat” in the house – the rug right next to the biggest fire which was in the lounge.

Apparently this weather is most unusual. It isn’t warm at all. S managed to keep to shorts and a t shirt but really it’s jeans and a fleece time. Still, it’s getting us ready for some unusually cold weather that is going to hit the UK on our return.

Ridiculously we both felt sleepy after lunch and had a quick power nap. How are we going to cope on our return?It’s not as if we are going to bed late, since we got here, we’ve been in bed by 9pm! There must be something in the air round here…

As if we hadn’t had enough relaxation, we had booked ourselves massages for mid afternoon. A neck,back and shoulder massage was followed by a foot massage. My feet have just been given a new lease of life, I do love a foot massage.

Next, afternoon tea. This really is getting serious. Someone needs to tell us to get a grip. We are just setting ourselves up for misery when we get home. I’m so glad it’s Steve’s turn to do the cooking when we get back, at least I’ve got a week to get used to our normal skivvying.

A bit of reading, then as we have a bath in the room and it’s a bit chilly I decided that a good soak was in order. Sadly no scented candles were available but hey ho, can’t have it all I suppose.

Dinner time already? Think a three course meal can just about be fitted in.

I was up for the 30 seconds quiz in the main lounge, but sadly, even though it was only ten to nine, no takers.

Never mind, the fire was glowing and I found a book on the 50 best South African rugby players from the past. I tested S’s knowledge and he did very well.

It was raining again when we decided to head for home so we managed to work off one calamari ring’s worth of calories.

Tomorrow we’re hoping that the rain stops and our all day hike to the Tugeula gorge goes ahead. We need the exercise, plus It’ll be our last full day in South Africa.

Fingers crossed.