Get to Know the Western Cape in South Africa

The beautiful coastline in South Africa's Western Cape is just but one of its many reasons to visit

Even simple pleasures like strawberry picking at this Stellenbosch farm in the Western Cape is a scenic experience

Majestic Table Mountain is a stunning backdrop to South Africa's beautiful coast and cosmopolitan Cape Town

With 11 official languages, South Africa is called the Rainbow Nation

Biltong is an air dried meat that is an everyday staple in South Africa, and is very different from jerky

The marker at Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of the African continent and the division point between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

Wine tastings are a popular attraction along the many wineries in the Western Cape

The Western Cape would be our playground for excursions during our three-month visit

The Western Cape offers a rainbow of options, with something to suit everyone's tastes

While there's much to see in Cape Town, the Western Cape has much more waiting to be discovered than just its well-known city

Kogel Bay Beach and the Hottentots Holland Mountain range, in the eastern part of False Bay between Gordon's Bay and Pringle Bay

Gordon's Bay is situated on False Bay at the base of the Hottentots Holland mountain range

The Old Harbor in Gordon's Bay is home to the South African Naval College and the Yacht Club

The Harbor Island development is designed around a series of canals and waterways, with protected access to to the ocean

The luxurious Krystal Beach Hotel has beautiful ocean and mountain views, and overlooks the Harbor Island Boardwalk and Marina

The ndiza Gallery in the Krystal Beach Hotel is worth a visit even if you're not a guest of the hotel

Our self-catering 2nd floor apartment at The Boardwalk was a prime location, with stunning ocean, mountain, and marina views

The great room in our Boardwalk apartment included the kitchen, dining area, and this ample lounge leading to the balcony 

Imagine having this balcony view every day, with the ocean, mountains, and the Harbor Island Boardwalk & Marina right in your back yard

Sunset views from the balcony were stunning, with a new portrait painted every evening

The mountain and ocean view from the left side of the balcony, where we spotted dolphins surfing the waves beyond the harbor break wall

It was fun watching our resident seals playing in the marina in front of our balcony

The South African three pin electrical plug required adaptors for our tech and appliances to function

Connecting our laptops and cell phones to the local WiFi was easy, but charging them required adapters

Load shedding was a random but frequent occurrence, with complicated schedules we had a hard time understanding initially

We had to be sure our devices were charged to be prepared for whenever load shedding occurred

Homemade turkey burger with cheddar cheese, onion & mushroom jam, guacamole, and fresh tomatoes on a toasted everything bagel

Homemade pizza with garlic & olive oil sauce, loaded with 3 cheeses, tomatoes, green peppers, onions, olives, spinach, & mushrooms

Produce was fresh and plentiful at Food Lover's Market, with rows of colorful options to choose from at reasonable prices

 The lunch special at Food Lover's cafe was a delicious meal at a great price, which Mauricio and Rainman enjoyed more than once! 

The inviting choice of desserts under glass bell jars as you first enter Pajamas & Jam was a feast for the senses

An omelet with mushrooms, tomato relish, pesto, and fresh basil

Stuffed pancakes with clotted cream and candied guava

Wonderland Costumes carries a wide range of unique pieces to make your outfit a hit for your next costume party 

Dim lighting and long tables create a cozy family-style atmosphere in the dining room at Im Eimer

Other German favorites on the menu at Im Eimer included several types of schnitzel, and the homemade egg noodle called spaetzle

Eisbein is the star on the menu at Im Eimer, served with sauerkraut and mashed potato

The Heartlands Coffee Shop helps to supports its mission of helping abused or orphaned babies & children up to six years old

The lunch salad was loaded with goodies, for only $5! Jane & Rainman chose a chicken salad sandwich, but opted for the salad on a later visit

The gourmet burgers on the Monday night special at Bossa were a double handful of yummy at a bargain price

The lunch tables at the second-hand shops were often situated in peaceful garden settings

Relaxing after our morning walk with a rooibos cappuccino at On the Go cafe

Rooibos tea is healthy and caffeine free, made from a native plant grown mainly in the Western Cape's mountainous Cederberg region 

The slope of the mountainside off Sir Lowry's Pass is ideal for paragliders to launch, and provides a sweeping view of Gordon's Bay below

The mountainside was draped in color as the paragliders prepared for launch

The expert and the novice prepared for their tandem ride...

...and they're up, up, and away!

The Birdmen offers paragliding experiences for novices and seasoned gliders

The water playground at Blue Rock Resort is hidden away in a beautiful natural setting

An attendant operates the pulley system that transports athletes around the quarry's obstacle course

Aattached to the pulley, athletes water ski around the quarry and tackle numerous jumps and ramps

A surprising camel sighting on our drive to Yzerfontein!

The beautiful home that would be our weekend retreat in Yzerfontein

Each of the bedrooms was uniquely decorated, creating its own special ambience

The home had a cozy ambience, and was decorated with many unique second-hand finds on a budget

The deck overlooked the natural fynbos, home to many local wildlife

We were treated to a visit by a large family of guinea fowl as they paraded through the fynbos

The West Coast National Park is along the migration route for the Eurasian curlew

The beach at the Langebaan Lagoon was filled with windsurfers, and their colorful sails painted the sky

The wind currents in the Langebaan Lagoon are consistently good for windsurfing during the warmer months of November to March

A traditional South African braai, with a variety of meats

A melktert is a favorite traditional South African custard dessert

The whitewashed buildings at the Club Mykonos Resort are reminiscent of Greece

We explored the grounds and marina at the picturesque Mykonos Resort

Our introduction to Pastéis de nata, traditional Portuguese custard tarts, was one we'd like to make again!

The Milnerton Market has an eclectic mix of items for sale, against a dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain

We arrived home to witness another beautiful sunset painting the sky over the marina

We appreciated simple pleasures like having available family members over to enjoy a homemade lunch and our balcony view

Cape Town is a cosmopolitan city filled with culture and beauty

The Hop-On-Hop-Off CitySightseeing bus is an ideal way to explore Cape Town

Perusing the artwork displayed at the waterfront in Cape Town is like strolling through an outdoor gallery

The V&A Waterfront is part of Table Bay Harbor, the oldest working harbor in the country

The Two Ocean Aquarium is a popular attractioin on Cape Town's V&A Waterfront

Though we weren't interested in buying, we had fun window shopping as we walked through the market 

The bridge swings open to allow boats to pass through, then swings back for pedestrians to cross over

Built in 1882, the clock tower was imported from Edinburgh, Scotland

The old silo complex was renovated with reinforced concrete and large eco-friendly glass panes

The interior architecture of the towering silo building was monumental and very impressive

The dramatic view of Table Mountain's tablecloth from the top floor of the silo

The unique artwork at the Zeitz Museum...

...even the restrooms were a work of art!

Sitting on the top deck of the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus gave us the best view as we toured Cape Town

City Hall has seen changes in South Africa as it has become a fusion of many cultures

There was so much to look at on our way to The Castle through the Grand Parade open-air market

The Castle was designed in a pentagonal shape, with five bastions for defense

We reflected on our personal family history as we approached The Castle entrance

One of The Castle's five defensive bastions, with a dramatic Table Mountain backdrop

The interior front courtyard of The Castle, with Table Mountain's thick tablecloth

The Kat Balcony with the Kings of the Castle standing guard below

The view from Leerdam Bastion, the first built at The Castle

Colorful tree trunks added to the vibrant vibe as we walked along the streets in the city

Lion's Head is popular with hikers and offers great views as a reward for the challenging climb

The view of Cape Town from the Table Mountain lower cable car station provided a broad profile of the modern city

The cable car leading up to Table Mountain affords a quick and scenic ride to the summit

The trail on Lion's Head in Table Mountain National Park is a challenging hike

Cape Town, seen from the summit: Lion`s Head on the left, Signal Hill in front, the city center and harbour on the right

The Cape Rock Hyrax, commonly referred to as a dassie, is closely related to the African elephant

The cloud formation commonly referred to as the tablecloth is often seen draping Table Mountain

The Eastern Food Bazaar is levels above fast food quality

EFB has rows of kitchens, with many options of food to choose from

Our locals filled us in on the process of paying first, then bringing the receipt to your kitchen of choice

We were really happy with our meal choices of curry, with dhal, rice and a number of small salads

Each table at Madame Titou's was private and uniquely decorated

The view from picturesque Victoria Road, complete with a couple of thrones for picture taking

The stunning view of Camps Bay is postcard worthy

The high-end real estate overlooking this top beach destination in Clifton 

High-rise development along the craggy shoreline of Sea Point

The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens was next up on our itinerary

The relaxing back patio at Kate's house in Kenilworth

The Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town's centrally located suburb of Kenilworth

The Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is one of the 10 National Botanical Gardens in South Africa & part of the Table Mountain National Park 

The UNESCO World Heritage Site mission is to preserve South Africa's indigenous plants, with gardens reserved for Western Cape natives

We paid our respects to this impressive collection of elder bonsaii trees who have stood the test of time

The gardens blended seamlessly with the natural landscape

The sculptures scattered along the path were another layer of interest on our tour through the gardens

The candelabra tree is a unique specimen and particularly dramatic

Van Riebeeck's Hedge was originally positioned as a boundary to grazing cattle in 1660

The Tree Canopy Walkway meandered along the treetops and allowed a bird's eye view of the surrounding environment

The mountain view backdrop on the Tree Canopy Walkway contributed to the majesty of the landscape

The towering aloe tree looked like its low lying counterpart in tree form

Cyads are quite ancient, but only male clones have survived in botanical gardens, and thus will never replicate again

This Wood's Cyad is a clone of one found in nature, now extinct in the wild since 1916, and is protected by metal cage fencing

The fynbos of the Western Cape is considered more bio-diverse than even the Amazon Rainforest

Proteas are one of the most ancient flowering plant species on the planet

The King Protea is iconic South Africa

Restios Reed is used for roof thatching, a quintessential look in Cape Dutch architecture

The Erica gardens were beautiful even though it was not their peak flowering season

We took a break at the Moyo Restaurant, with iced rooibos tea and decadent Florentines

Sunday morning started with a visit to Ferndale Nursery for a couple of choice finds for Kate's back garden

Today, Groot Constantia is a working farm, and ownership of the estate rests with its Trust

The expansive vineyards at Groot Constantia sprawl across the grounds of the large estate

The shaded path leading into the estate is lined with grand old oaks, and some stumps from the 1600s still remain

The Great Manor has classic Cape Dutch architecture with its white gables and thatched roofing

One of the Cloete family bedrooms in the Great Manor, decorated with period furniture

Grand Constance wine was sought after by Napoleon as well as the aristocrats of Europe in the early 1800s

The outdoor restaurant set back on the oak shaded lawns was a lovely setting for brunch

It was time to end our Kenilworth visit, but we enjoyed spending time with younger brother William, and getting to know his fiancé, Kate

Simon's Town is located on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula, about an hour from the center of Cape Town

The Boulders community is where the Netflix documentary Penguin Town was filmed

Vendors were selling hats for the bright sun, plush stuffed penguins as souvenirs of the area, and lots of colorful things

The wooden ramp blended in nicely with the landscape, and was wide enough for all users

The African penguin lives in Simon's Town, and is an endangered species

An artificial nest that provides stable shelter for the area African penguin residents

This penguin nest is tucked in discreetly among the shrubbery, providing shade and privacy

Penguin Town followed several penguin families, from the start of their nesting season through fledglings becoming independent

We observed some solitary penguins returning from the ocean who didn't seem to even notice our presence

The beach was checkered black and white from so many penguins congregating and basking in the sun

Penguin parents are dedicated to their offspring, spending much of their time & energy providing food for the young chicks

African penguins are also called Jackass Penguins for the braying sound they make when communicating with each other

Young penguins, soon to be fledglings, in the molting process of replacing their old feathers with new

We had a great vantage point for watching the penguins as they navigated the surf

A mother dassie and her baby interacted on the wooden walkway, then scurried back into the bushes

The railway runs from Cape Town through Simon's Town, with a station in between at Kalk Bay 

A welcoming smile from this Kalk Bay street performer helps create the cool vibe the city is known for

The main street was visually appealing, lined with lots of interesting shops and colorful boutiques

The Kalk Bay Trading Post sells a wide array of antiques, collectibles, and unique eclectic finds

This side alley, called Petticoat Lane, was a colorful and whimsical stroll down Memory Lane

Found in a second-hand/antique shop, these South African brands were household names from childhood

The famous Brass Bell complex of restaurants and pubs is a major attraction in Kalk Bay

The ocean view from the dining room of this Brass Bell restaurant also overlooks a manmade tidal pool

The view of False Bay from the Pavilion area on the lower floor is stunning

The waves crashing into the breakwater barriers were pretty tame, but can be huge during Cape storms

Cape to Cuba's Hemingway Bar, with its stools in the beach sand and great ocean view

The beachy colors and Cuban vibe make this trendy restaurant and bar a secret worth telling

When in the Cape, do as the Cubans do... and have a cocktail!

Looking out over picturesque Hout Bay as seen from Mariner's Wharf

Fishing is still an active industry in present day Hout Bay

This resident Cape Fur Seal is the official greeter at Mariner's Wharf in Hout Bay

Experiencing the energy of the Kaapse Klopse performers live and up close was a real treat

The Kaapse Klopse are a prominent feature in the Second New Year celebrations in Cape Town

As the excursion boat approached the island, the multitude of seals came into view

The little island is a respite for the crowd of seals commonly visiting this area 

The Cape Fur Seal is the largest in the species, and is closely related to the sea lion with its external ears

On one of our morning walks, we found a giant piece of kelp on the beach next to our Boardwalk home base in Gordon's Bay

Cape Point is the most southwestern point on the African continent, though technically may not be where the Atlantic & Indian Oceans meet

Cape Point at the Cape of Good Hope is beautiful as well as historically significant

Vintage engraving from 1878 of Bartolomeu Dias on his voyage to the Cape

The ride in the Lost Dutchman Funicular Railway was a quick and easy way to get to the lighthouse

The views of Cape Point and False Bay from the Old Lighthouse were well worth the trip up

The ferry ride to Robben Island was a scenic one, but the seas were rather rough

Though the boat ride was relatively short, the choppy waters left us feeling a bit queasy

The quarry on Robben Island where political prisoners labored during Apartheid

A South African flag flies at Apartheid's maximum security prison, declared a national monument in 1997 & a World Heritage Site in 1999

The tour of the Robben Island prison area was very informative, but hearing about the day-to-day life of lockup was emotional

The confines of Nelson Mandela's tiny cell made the philosophy he held following his release even more impressive

The ocean view along the Garden Route drive was particularly expansive and quite beautiful

The condition of the Garden Route roads made travel easy on this scenic drive

Route 44 on the eastern edge of False Bay twists and turns along the coastal route that leads to Hermanus

We spotted several wild baboons roaming free in the remote area of Rooi Els

The view of this manmade tidal pool was worth putting a pause on our journey

The Stony Point Nature Reserve is located near Betty's Bay, and the wooden boardwalk provided an easy way to take in the penguins and the views

The cement slab may no longer be used by whalers, but it's still beneficial for researchers, and the penguins

The waters off the Nature Reserve contain extensive kelp forests, which are home to complex ecosystems

The boat launch at Kleinmond, with cement tables for processing the day's catch

Hermanus is known for its winter visitors and is considered a top whale watching site

We searched the waters for a whale sighting, but were rewarded with only a stunning view

On our walk along the coastal path, we were delighted to find an outdoor art gallery, featuring some sizable and unique pieces

Our chosen table at the Harbor Rock restaurant was in a prime location, with a great view of the harbor below

The meal at Harbor Rock was complex, presented beautifully, and really delicious!

For sale at the entrance: A South African salted fish called bokkoms, which are dried in the sun & wind and eaten after peeling off the skin

Each room of the many at Dassies Fontein held an array of eclectic treasures

The Dassies Fontein restaurant serves South African favorites and has a coffee bar

The homemade baked goods were a tempting find that we struggled to resist

This giant dining room in the field at Dassies Fontein invites visitors to pull up a chair!

Tredici, meaning baker's dozen in Italian, was a recommendation we were excited to try for an early dinner in Swellendam

A rustic pizza, followed by two decadent pieces of cake, was shared and enjoyed by all

The Oude Post Bistro was another must-see stop on the journey to our Riversdale destination

Roosterkoek literally translates to grill cake in Afrikaans, but is more accurately described as dough freshly baked on a grill

The baker shaped the dough into uniform sized balls of just the right consistency

In between shaping the dough, the baker had to add coals to the grill to ensure it was the right temperature for cooking

The baker was constantly checking each side for doneness and flipping them over for completion

The Oude Post Bistro sells so many roosterkoeks, they have a board to keep track of their sales records

Once the roosterkoek is cooked, it is stuffed with your choice of fillings, like this one with bacon, egg, and cheese

The goats and tortoises were really close (literally!) and coexisted quite peacefully at the little petting zoo

Ostrich farming has history in the Riversdale area

The area fynbos and the Langeberg Mountains came into view as we approached Riversdale

We left the main highway and headed onto a well used dirt road towards the Riversdale farm

A new strategy has emerged, with entrepreneurs providing starter herds for farmers in exchange for a share in the offspring

Gerhard and Betty hope to build their herd from about 300 to 1,500 over the next several years by using the new entrepreneurial strategy

Getting the coals ready for the night's braii on the indoor grill

Gerhard puts out feed that supplements the sheep herd's grass diet, with some help from a future farmer

We piled into two 4x4 vehicles for the bumpy ride through the fynbos towards the summit

Once on the summit, we were treated to Reinhard's amazing views and sundowner drinks

The painted sky from the summit was a natural masterpiece as the sun went down

Gerhard's well used pooitjie pot was the star of the evening's braii

We had a little ice cream to celebrate the days of childhood remembered

The secret is out, and Still Bay is now a popular holiday getaway

The long white sand beach at Still Bay leads all the way to an estuary, and the nearby lagoon is popular with sports enthusiasts

We said our goodbyes to Gerhard and Betty, with memories of a special reunion weekend

Various sea excursions launch from the well-developed docking area in Mossel Bay, with South Africa's only north-facing beach

The natural and unspoiled ecosystem of the Klein Brak River area is home to a rich diversity of life

Driving through to George, before us lay the majestic Outeniqua Pass

We stopped at an overlook along the Wilderness drive to admire the the coastal view and the colorful local artwork for sale

Goukamma is a nature reserve and marine protected area, managed by its government custodian CapeNature

Buffelsbaii juts out into the ocean on a small peninsula, and is almost entirely surrounded by ocean

Knysna is built on the shore of the Knysna Lagoon, which is actually an estuary

The waterfront at Knysna is a hub of activity, and one reason the town has been named one of the Top 100 destinations in the world

Timber is a consequential resource in Knysna and a big part of the local economy

Our invite to Uniondale gave us the opportunity to experience rural life in the Little Karoo, which is surprisingly lush and green

As we traveled the dirt road to their house, we were reminded that our hosts had chosen a truly off the grid location to call home

The view from the deck was a vast expanse of the natural environment in their backyard

The Kbuku Pub & Grill's outdoor seating area gives patrons a peaceful and scenic setting for getting together with friends

Everywhere you looked inside the Kbuku Pub was something interesting to see, with a story to tell

The bar in their living room rivaled any professional drinking establishment, and was ready to serve whatever your thirst desired

As evening approached, shadows began to settle on the mountains

The Garden Route birding clubs reported a rare sighting of the Red Phalarope

Encountering a Cape Cobra in the wild may be frightening, but even more so if the creature takes up residence somewhere in your house!

South Africa's Cape Route 62 has been compared with America's iconic Route 66

Vineyards are a common part of the scenery along the wine route in the Western Cape

Memorabilia from bygone days can be found all along Route 62

Oudtshoorn has been named the ostrich capital of the world, with a history dating back to the middle of the 19th Century

We especially enjoyed seeing the ostriches up close on the working farm 

An ostrich egg is about 20 times the weight of a chicken egg

Rainman's camel was not happy, and decided to buck and spin to get rid of his rider

When they were finally able to calm the camel, Rainman was rescued and carried like a child over to Mauricio

Tricia and her camel were led off for the camel ride despite the unexpected drama that had just occurred

The Cango Caves were truly cavernous in size, and one of nature's wonders

It was evident as soon as we arrived that the Smitswinkel Restaurant and Farm Stall was a blast from the past

Smitzwinkel was filled with lots of old time memorabilia, and even an old Morris Mini car

We got a roosterkoek do-over, stuffed with a hearty helping of eggs and cheese with a side of chips (South Africa's name for fries)

Fine wine starts with quality grapes, & the De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve is considered to be one of the best port-style wines in South Africa

There's a highway sign directing travelers to Ronnie's Sex Shop, though there's not much else to be found in the area

Ronnie's Sex Shop is a rather nondescript building, except for its eye-catching name handwritten on its plain white facade

If you take a closer look, you can clearly see that the word "sex" was not part of the shops's original name

The Roadkill Cafe offers milkshakes and snacks, but not actually anything like its namesake!

Hanging from the bar's ceiling was an array of signed undergarments left to commemorate their owners visit 

We got to meet Ronnie and hear the place's famous story straight from the man himself

Barrydale in the Tradouw Valley is known for its fruit and wildflowers

The Tradouw Pass is an engineering marvel, with spectacular views of the immense gorge it was carved from

For centuries, warm mineral rich waters have been known to have healing properties, and are quite relaxing

The Langeberg Mountains overlook fertile fields in Montagu

Fruit orchards are a common sight on the farms in Montagu

The tunnel at Kogmanskloof Pass is an impressive engineering feat through a massive geological formation of rock

The jacaranda trees on Main Street were a charming introduction to the quaint town

The green-skinned Chardonnay grape was originally from the Burgundy wine region of eastern France, but is now grown across the world

From wine aficionados to tourists, The De Wetshof Wine Estate is very popular for wine tastings and tours each year

The Bon Courage Wine Estate has been successful with a wide range of wines, all available for purchase

The grape harvester machines are an expensive purchase but save about 75% on labor costs

Today's vineyards are designed for the use of efficient mechanized harvesting

South African law requires that potstill brandy be distilled in oak caskets for three years

Though olive production at Willow Creek Olive Estate is relatively new, the farm has grown into one of the biggest in South Africa

Samples of a variety of olives and olive oils are a treat in the Tasting Room at the Willow Creek Olive Estate 

The Langeberg Mountains are a scenic backdrop to vineyards in this region of the Western Cape

The drive through the farming area around Paarl passed by miles of orchards and vineyards

In between road trips, family time was a priority; here with Rochelle, her husband Nicko, and daughter Leigha in Gordon's Bay Old Harbor

The South African wine industry is very well-developed, and the Western Cape has an abundance of wine routes

Wineries in Stellenbosch were some of the first to be established in South Africa

The Cape Winelands include some beautiful landscapes

Originally part of a larger estate, today Lourensford is well developed and stands on its own

The Lourensford Estate cultivates a wide array of grapes and offers a complex range of wines

The Cape Dutch architecture at Lourensford is surrounded by manicured gardens

The garden paths were lined with one-of-a-kind statuary

The Art Gallery had an impressive collection of contemporary African art

The tranquil setting at Lourensford lends itself to mind-body-spirit traditions like yoga and meditation

Lourensford offered a number of affordable wine tasting packages

A tasting session in the Barrel Room offers groups an introduction to Lourensford's more select boutique wines

Lourensford Estate's setting on the lower slopes of Helderberg Mountain and artfully landscaped gardens make this wine country visit special

The expansive view of False Bay from Waterkloof is but one of its distinctions

The perfect location for Waterkloof was found on the southern slopes of Schapenberg, or Sheep Mountain

 Almost half of the Waterkloof Wine Estate was set aside to protect the local flora and fauna, which was important to its founder

In keeping with its sustainability philosophy, Waterkloof uses old fashioned techniques for farming instead of modern machinery

The interior space at Waterkloof with its double story walls of windows allows for a bright and airy view of its stunning landscapes

The life-size metallic tree sculpture at the entrance to Waterkloof is inspired by the neighboring countryside

The seating area and fire pit beside the bar is spacious, comfortable, and modern

Looking out the towering windows seemed to accentuate the stunning views

The view of False Bay from the upper balcony deck is postcard worthy

The ladies were seated in the Glass Box for their wine tasting experience, with glorious panoramic views

We enjoyed some delicacies from the signature Waterkloof Platter served during the wine tasting

Back in Gordon's Bay, having a relaxing scenic breakfast on our balcony at the Boardwalk apartment was a real treat

Next stop on our South African journey was the Caledon Spa and Casino

The Victorian Spa at the Caledon Resort is actually a refurbished version of the original bath house built on location in 1897

The fridgedarium pool has cooled water temperatures

The terraced outdoor mineral ponds each have a private setting, with the lower pond being slightly warmer than its higher counterparts

The water's brown color is due to its high mineral content, which is said to be moisturizing and good for the skin

Our next destination was the Elgin Railway market in the heart of the Elgin Valley

Appletiser is often our drink of choice when visiting South Africa

Apple, pear, and grapes are successful crops for the small farming communities in the Elgin Valley

Increasingly, the Elgin Valley is becoming known for its great vineyards and cool climate wines

The interior of the Elgin Market building had a decidedly industrial vibe

We enjoyed browsing the stalls and some of the vintage pieces on display for sale

These colorful poke bowls were quite tasty and full of healthy ingredients

The dining room on the market's upper level encourages more than eating in the sunny space

The loft area upstairs featured upscale jewelry and clothing stores, and gave an interesting perspective to the market below

We chose to view the train's arrival from the old railway platform so we could experience it up close

The old fashioned steam locomotive runs day-trip excursions from Cape Town to the Elgin Railway Market

Young and old in the crowd were excited to watch the steam train arrive at the station

TheAlmenkerk property was originally an apple farm, but about half is now dedicated to cultivating high quality vines

The Almenkerk Wine Estate has used numerous scientific strategies to maximize the quality of their stock

The Peregrine Farm Stall is much more than the simple name and outward appearance implies

Peregrine's Liberty Books had floor to ceiling bookshelves and windows, with an inviting window seat

The Book Bus has been outfitted inside to provide a cozy and comfortable nook for reading

The garden shed at the Gaia Nursery was artfully decorated in a homey garden theme

The smells of fresh ground coffee and baked goods coming from the sit-down cafe restaurant at Peregrine was tantalizing

Peregrine is famous for its homemade pies, both savory like quiches and sweet like pecan or the South African melktert

The top of this healthy South African seed loaf is covered with a wide range of seeds, with more baked right in

The beautiful view at sunset from brother William's home in Gordon's Bay

The main course of the farewell meal was baboutie, organized and served by William's daughter and her boyfriend

The farewell family gathering was bittersweet, remembering the special times we had together, but knowing we would be leaving soon

A special family group photo to commemorate our treasured visit that would soon be coming to an end... until next year!

Rent loved the Western Cape and felt like part of his South African family