Garden Route Game Lodge

We saw a sign advertising The Garden Route Game Lodge and spontaneously decided to go there.  It was obviously ordained as we literally arrived 5 minutes before the game drive started at 11 am.

Highlights

• Having the vehicle to ourselves.
• Robyn, the guide, who was very friendly and very knowledgeable.
• 'Africa from behind."
• The lions, especially when the female lifted her head and preened for photos.
• The baby ostriches

Cape Point

What would a visit to Cape Town be without visiting the iconic landmark of Cape Point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean?

Highlights ...

• The steepish climb up to the lighthouse and a larger than life fellow South African lady doing a triumphant dance when she reached the top (so much better than and healthier than the bus!). 
• The beautiful panoramic views from the top of rugged cliffs and nestled beach coves.
• A lady asking Chrisèl to take a photo of her and then giving her "constructive" criticism on her photographic attempt and asking for another. Then more criticism and another requested attempt, and another ...  until Chrisèl politely but firmly returned the camera. 
• A lovely walk along the cliffs of the narrow peninsula to a view of the little lighthouse right at the tip. 
• The way the clouds lifted and the blue sky added to the colour of our photos.
• The melodic calls of the red winged starlings that seem to love Cape Point as much as the tourists.
• A deep discussion about life on the way home where, after a refreshing red cappuccino and sublime roast vegetable wrap at The Red Bean, we proceeded to pack for our Baz Bus trip leaving the next day.

Dubbo Zoo

We chose a very hot day indeed to explore the famous open plain zoo in Dubbo but had a great time cycling around checking out all the animals.  I used my big 400 mm lens and Dani borrowed my almost as big 200 mm one, so we looked like professionals.  Thanks goodness the bikes had handy baskets to keep the camera in, or our necks would have been very sore by the end of the day.  Dani's favourite animal is the Zebra and it was wonderful to see her enthusiasm when we came across them.

And the award for the cutest goes to...

... and a close runner up 

Award for the best rear end was tied three ways

The big cats were out...

... as were the buck

The last remaining African elephant in Australia

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Rhinos

And yet more animals

Wild birds we saw

Intrepid cyclist

Giraffing around

Next stop

Mudgee

Outdshoorn Ostrich Farm

I can't believe this is my first time to The Ostrich Farm. Of course, I couldn't resist the temptation to ride one. I found I had to hold on pretty tight!!