We continue with Dad along the southern coast of South Africa. Just a quick entry for the moment from the in-room internet at our hotel. Not somthing you find every day in a hostel.

From Simons Town we continued east to wine country and did a couple of tastings. I've been to some of these at home and I actually liked the ones we did here a bit more. The people were knowledgable without crossing into rediculous wine snob territory. Although I think I caught a rolled eye when I continued not holding my glass by the stem after the proper technique was clearly explained. The wine, unlike the tasting, was extremely cheap and quite good.

Then to a town called Mossel Bay where we lucked into some unbelievable accomodations. A beach-front bed and breakfast... a huge, recently redone modern house with amazing rooms. We were the only guests there and paid about $60 per night. Wow.

There's actually a bit more to this story. We had a brochure for the place and arrived without a reservation. It's just a house on the beach with a small sign.

The owner wasn't home. Just a few of the staff hanging out in the driveway. It was really weird. They kinda showed us around the amazing house and told us the rediculous price and left. Then here we were in this place by ourselves unsupervised. I wanted to pay someone quickly before they changed their minds, but couldn't.

We had no idea when any owners were returning, nor what the customs were regarding using the kitchen, eating the food, cleaning up, drinking everything in the liquor cabinet. We took a liberal interperation of what we might be allowed to have... although I did clean up after dinner and was later admonished for doing so.

Pool table, beach furniture, satellite tv, complimentary liquor, a giant kitchen. All yours for $20 a day per person. Check out www.baymanor.co.za.

From Port Elizabeth we're headed on to what should be some of the best parts of Dad's trip. Today it's an elephant reserve park where you drive around and look at elephants. Then tomorrow a private game reserve. I think they drive you around to see all the zebras, rhinos, leopards and whatever else.

Know the Filter song "Every Way Is the Wrong Way?" I hum it to myself when driving down here.