Horse-riding at Swellendam

Woke up today early as always. Had a nice surprise waiting as I showered and came back to the hut.  A family of guinea fowl were moving about the garden and it was nice watching them run about with chicks. Moments later another family joined in and I managed to take a quick shot of them running towards the stream behind. Today would be horse riding up the trail and it was something i was looking forward to. Breakfast was chips which I had gotten the day before. The ride down to the stables was fast and we had a quick introduction and a walk around the stable. Stephanie had earlier mentioned to me that they had had 17 horses before and now had reduced them in number. Eran was taking care of the horses and everyone helped to fix the saddles on before getting up for the ride. All three who were there with us ( Vanessa, Eran and Stephanie) have extensive knowledge on horses and treated them really well. The ride was a trail ride and felt really comfortable.

The horse I was on was apparently 28 years old and the ride was simply so relaxed with him. The views as we rode on were amazing as well and I had a nice chat with Eran as the ride progressed on about her life in Africa. We rode on for like an hour before coming back to where we started. After spending some more time in the stables, Eran gave us a drop back to the backpackers.

 The rest of the day was spent exploring the town and we decided to head to a nice restaurant for dinner, Mattsens.(www.dining-out.co.za/md/Mattsens/3227) Dinner was great and windy so the oil lamps had to be lighted and relit again several times but the meal was simply delicious and the service really good.  After a delightful dinner of pita bread appetiser and cheese infused steak and pizza, it was time to take a slow walk back to our quiet hut. Both Patrick and me enjoyed the silence very much and how the mountain always seemed to peer at us wherever we were. The walk back to the hostel along quiet roads with beautiful houses also seemed fulfilling by itself.

Another beautiful evening at Swellendam.