Gate 1, South Africa - Day 3; Table Mountain and wine tour

We are a group of 25. 15 of them went cage diving with sharks today, 6 did things on their own and 4 of us had signed up for the wine tour. As we drove away form the hotel, Renier stated that it looked clear over Table Mountain and asked would we like to do that while we had the chance. We jumped at the opportunity and that was the first of the examples of his flexibility on the days agenda. Easier he said with such a small group.

We were lucky to just have a short wait in the lineup and then boarded the cable car. It rotates (like one George and I went on near Palm Springs) so you get to see all the views without having to move.

The cable car station at the top

There is a hiking trail up, quite steep in places, and we saw people doing it.

People also mountain climb on the sheer cliff faces. Last week 2 tourists and a guide died when their rope let go. More people die on Table Mountain (climbers and people who misjudge the changing weather) than on Everest.

The views are spectacular

Looking down at Lions Head and Signal Rock, both of which also have less onerous hiking trails.

Sometimes the clouds dulled the view but still pretty impressive.

There are 6 distinct floral regions in the world. "Cape" is one of them but is tiny, only occurring at the tip of South Africa.

At the top of Table Mountain we were able to see some of this unique flora (I don't remember any of the names though)

This one is related to Scottish Heather.

As for fauna, there were lots of these cute little creatures around, eating the vegetation. Renier called them "rock rabbits" or "dassie" but its actual name is a Rock Hyrax. Closest relative is an elephant!

I hate having my picture taken but I think Renier considers it part of his job as tour guide.

I think Tessa is a "dassie whisperer" as this little guy walked up to her and then rolled over, asking for a belly rub.

Back down on the cable car. Some of the windows are open which is a bit scary.

Especially when the other car whizes by.

Back into the minibus with Renier commenting on whatever we passed and answering all our questions. He told us how the Huegenots had been driven out of France and ended up in Holland. They were then offered land in South Africa if they knew anything about making wine and 200 wine making families were settled in the valley we were visiting.

The first winery was called Fairview. They also have a herd of goats and make the creamiest goat cheese I have ever tasted. When the goats got out into the vineyard they decided to name their next wine "Goats do Roam". Yes it was a cute play on words but the French Cote de Rhone winemakers took them to court, and lost. I know Heather likes this wine so took the photo for her.

We had 6 wines paired with 6 of their cheeses and they were, by far, my favorite wines of the day.

Broken Barrel was my favorite but it was a "one off" blend and will not be made again.

The others bought wine but I didn't want to have to deal with the transportation. I did by some cheese and a large pretzel, for lunch, at their deli.

I am going out to dinner with "the Canadians" as our group of 6 is now called (the rest are American) so can't finish the days post. I have a feeling this will be a pattern, one or two days behind on the blog because there just isn't a lot of free time and lots of early mornings so early bedtimes too.