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| Addo
Elephant National Park is one of South Africa's biggest game reserves,
famous as the name implies for its elephant herds, but also home to
many other wild animals. We enjoyed our stay immensely, but first we
had to get there. That involved cycling, first, to the nearest big
city, Port Elizabeth. There we stayed with a wonderful couple, and our
conversations with them led to a better way for us to enjoy Addo, and
also to some big changes in our plans. February 6  On the morning of February 6, we left Jeffreys Bay for Port Elizabeth and the home of Kevin and Diane Hughes, Warm Showers members who agreed to put us up -- or put up with us -- for the night. Because the ride was only 30+ miles, and because we found our way to their house without getting lost at all, we arrived quite early in the afternoon. That was a good, because we had lots to talk about over Kevin's amazing coffee. The first change in plans was to rent a car to visit Addo Elephant Park. We'd already heard that suggestion, and Kevin agreed and drove us to the car rental agency the next morning. He also helped by letting us store our bikes and unnecessary gear at his home, to be picked up when we returned from Addo to resume cycling. We decided on a car because visitors are allowed to drive through the park, but not cycle. Without a car, we'd have been effectively confined to the headquarters/campsite area whenever we weren't paying for guided tours.  As
a result of listening to Kevin's good advice, we also decided to change
our plans drastically. We'd intended to head north from Port Elizabeth
to Kruger National Park. Kevin convinced us that, first, we didn't have
enough time to get there unless we pushed so hard that we wouldn't
enjoy the trip. Also, he said much of the ride would be hot and boring.
Kevin's advice was that we continue east along the coast, enoying more
beach time, and then use a train to go north. When we thought it over
-- hot and boring, vs. more time on the beach -- the decision was easy.Kevin's wife Diane came home and joined in our deliberations. She was great! They are both experienced cycle tourists, having done several long tours in Europe, especially in France but in several other countries as well. Kevin and Diane did a grand braai for us, and we had an altogether pleasant evening sitting out by their pool. In the morning, we stowed the bikes and extra gear in their garden shed, and Kevin drove us to the airport, where we picked up our car. By the way, a nifty little Kia cost less than $25 US per day with unlimited mileage. Which of course raises the question, Why are we biking?
No worries. On the second day, we hit one home run after another. Below are out photos of the animals we saw -- only a few of them. Our time in Addo will surely be a highlight of the trip.  Note smallest baby to left of center
And now, for Nicole's Birthday, More Elephants
February 9 We left Addo only after a final drive, the length of the park, hoping to see some lions that were reportedly hanging around a fresh kill. We missed them, however, and we had to return the car to Port Elizabeth. On the way, we dropped off some of our gear at a campground so that we wouldn't have to carry it on the bikes.
February 10 This day ended in a bizarre way, though our sons would say it was perfectly fitting. The ride from Colchester to the next likely stopping place, Alexandria, was about 40 miles, and it got seriously hot -- 100 degrees. We stopped whenever we could for cold drinks. At one super-pleasant farm stand-restaurant, we fell into conversation with two families who have farms just down the road. When we told them that we were continuing to Alexandria, one of the women, Tanya, made a surprising suggestion. She told us that she is the manager of the Old Age Home in Alexandria, and that the home has a nice guest accommodation. She urged us to stay there. At first we thought she was teasing us about our advanced years, but she insisted that she was serious.  Later in the afternoon, as we approached town, another seious storm was threatening. Barbara wanted to take advantage of Tanya's offer immediately, and we did. It turned out that Tanya had called ahead, so we were expected. The room was spacious and comfortable, and we were served tea and a light dinner along with the regular residents, though at our own special table -- with placemats and flowers. So now we've had a glimpse of what our declining years could bring. We'd better keep cycling! Barbara, Tanya, manager of the old age home who invited us, and Stewart, one of the fittest and most helpful residents |
