Ostrich, hippos and dolphins in just one day

Another early start - this time to drive a few hours along R62 to Oudsthoorn - home of the Ostrich. The drive there was another little slice of perfection and we arrived at Outdsthoorn in time for the morning Ostrich show. This involved holding eggs as ostriches tried to peck their way out, holding day-old chicks, standing on ostrich eggs, feeding ostriches, stroking ostrich feathers and riding ostriches. Oh, and did I mention the ostriches? There were twenty or so people on the tour and when the guide asked for a volunteer to ride the ostrich I decided to put myself forward. They helped me up "ha, ha, ha, what jolly good fun - photo please" and I felt quite comfortable. They cover the ostrich's head so that it stays calm and stays still. But not for long. The guide took the hood off the ostrich, and before I knew it I was about 40m away on the other side of the field - I don't even remember how I got there. Terrifying. Needless to say I was the first and last volunteer to ride the ostrich. Those big furry birds sure can run. Mike could not be persuaded to give it a go. Too heavy apparently. Hmmm.
Next stop..... wait for it.... a private game reserve for lunch overlooking a watering hole. We kept waiting for someone to come and escort us off the premises - this place was seriously high class. As we sipped a cool beer and shared a starter of delicious kalamari and devoured a 300g ostrich steak, a mother and baby hippo wandered by at the other side of the lake. After lunch we got chatting to one of the staff and he showed us around the private lakeside tents. The lunch cost us the princely sum of ten pounds a head.
Later in the afternoon we arrived at tonight's accommodation - a three story beach house with a 360 degree balcony on the top deck. As we chatted to the owner on the deck more whales and a school of dolphins swam in the bay just 50m from the house. We settled down for a cup of Rooibos and a sunset.