Starting the next part of our South African journey.
Neighbourhood scenes along the highway.
Informal Settlements is the term used for this type of housing.
The countryside, enroute to Knysna.
This part of South Africa has scenic mountain ranges.
A rest stop at Mossel Bay park and maritime museum.
Rotarians enjoyed going aboard the full size replica of a unique historical ship.
PDG Doug V. at the Rotary sponsored sundial in Mossel Bay.
On the road again, countryside scenery.
A variety of informal settlements along the highway.
A wide variety of home styles in the area.
The group arrives at Knysna waterfront.
Our hotel for two nights at Knysna Quays.
Of course, where there are tourists, there are bargains from native residents.
Boarding our boat from Knysna to Featherbed Nature Reserve.
It was a wonderful cruise up the bay, toward the ocean.
This popular area is growing fast with recreational development.
Knysna Heads - the channel into the bay from the Indian Ocean. It is so treacherous for ships to enter that even Lloyd's of London will not insure them to pass through this area.
Docking at Featherbead Nature Reserve.
Climbing the mountain, the easy way for a relaxing hike back down along the cliffs.
We're off on our 3k hike, with Dave leading the way!
Magnificent view from atop the Knysna Heads.
A photo stop along the journey.
More breathtaking views at the mouth of the channel.
The bush provided some great windows to the scenery below.
It's time for a rest stop!
It's a long way down, but a wonderful beach if you get there!
Many interesting inlets and foot bridges to cross over.
Even caves to explore for those who are daring!
A little piece of heaven.
On to another attraction, the monkeys. (No, these are not the monkeys!)
Monkeyland is a sanctuary for returning monkeys to the wild. Often these animals have been hurt or come from the entertainment industry.
This rascal was a thief! He picked the pocket of a Rotarian and got 20 rand. We learned this monkey was likely trained by a pickpocket person to steal for him. Now that he's here, he's self-employed.
Time for dinner and fellowship after an exciting day.
A visit to see the Ostriches.
A chance to feed the hungry creatures.
Visiting the nest of a female Ostrich.
She gets out of the way so we can see what she's been up to.
The eggs are very thick and tough as demonstrated by Chris.
Hey guys, they are not foot balls!
Learning about the Ostrich.
Giddee up go!
An Ostrich jockey in training!
Driving lessons anyone!
OK, place your bets for the Ostrich race.
Arrival in Port Elizabeth.
The pyramid was erected by the King in honour of Elizabeth, his deceased wife.
Some interesting city sights on the street across from the Port Elizabeth park.
Time to say goodbye to Frank our guide and Andres our driver, as we prepare for our flight to Durban.
Arrival in Durban, a city with beautiful beaches and the largest port in South Africa.
A view from the balcony of our Oyster Box hotel room.
Time to eat again and enjoy fellowship with Rotarian friends.
The countryside north of Durban, enroute to our CDCC (Community Development Care Centre) grand opening ceremony. This was one of the 18 Rotary Foundation matching grant projects D7080 members worked on over the past 1 1/2 years.
Passing through the beautiful “Valley of 1000 hills”. This is a reservoir for the Durban city water supply.
Driving into the neighborhood, where the CDCC is located.
A variety of home types are seen scattered across the hillsides as we get closer to the project.
More informal settlements.
A close up look at one of the typical homes in this area.
The people are walking to the CDCC from these homes and preparing to greet us warmly.
All of the local children are tubbed and scrubbed in preparation for the special day at their centre.
Ladies from the community work on their Soul of Africa sandals, which help cover building construction costs, in a joint venture with Rotarians. Our TRF projects cover the facilities, equipment, furniture and fixtures other than bricks and mortar.
Ladies from the community stitch sandals with proceeds going to Soul of Africa, a non profit group which works in a joint venture with Rotary to cover building construction costs. Clark shoes is a sponsor of this organization and markets the shoes through their stores.
In this area grannies are an important part of the support system, helping care for many of the children who are orphans or from single parent families due to AIDS deaths.
Our visiting Rotarians enjoy spending time with the children.
Many of them are hungry for a hug and some personal attention.
The official opening ceremonies are about to begin.
Many of the children have special outfits, sown by their mothers or grannies for this special occasion.
Elders and members of the community come out to share in the celebration. We are all made to feel very welcome with the Canadian flag, lots of smiles and refreshments too.
The children take delight in entertaining us with songs and activity dancing.
Community officials and Rotarian committee chairs get to speak.
The local majorette troop end the special celebration day with much fanfare.
One more exciting moment for the children, when Canadian Rotarians presented several soccer balls. These were members of a local senior school who had entertained us during the ceremony program. The ending of another exciting chapter in our adventure.
