Arrived at a hostel outside Oudtshoorn last night. We read that it was a little quirky and it certainly lived up to that expectation. The owner was German lady who moved to Africa 9 years ago and she was also a few sandwiches sort of a picnic. But it was clean and near where we wanted to be tomorrow so we stayed in a dorm room with mattresses on the floor and thankfully a fan.

We spent the yesterday getting to this point by visiting about 4 wineries enroute and having the bonus of some cheese tasting. After feeling rather sleepy yesterday after wine all day I decided that I would offer to drive which meant that I got to samply some rather yummy grape juice at some farms which was not quite wine, but really refreshing.

We started today with a drive to teh Cango Caves. We are in Ostrich farm territory and so there are lots of paddocks of Ostrichs basically everywhere. We heard that routes off the main road were really pretty so we decided that our Cheverlot Spark would be fine and dirt and we headed for the hills and gravel roads. The Caves were beautiful and really interesting. We arrived at 10am as a standard tour was leaving, it was another half hour until the adventure tour commenced so we decided standard it was. We rushed to meet the group and as we arrived and clocked the average age of 65 we wondered if maybe we were on the wrong tour. This was confirmed when the tour leader made of point of coming over to ask if we were tired and ok as it was really unusual to see young sexy people on this tour. We explained more short of time than tired, but she called us young and sexy so we were happy.

After the caves we headed to an Ostrich farm where we did an Ostrich tour. We started by learning about Ostrich's, getting to touch their cured skin, see the contents of a stomach which included a lipstick, porcelain, rocks, tree branches and the heel cap of a ladies high heel. Basically these birds eat anything and everything that shines. Rory got to hold a piece of food in his mouth and basically kiss an Ostrich. I managed to identify a pair of Emu's which I was rather chuffed with and then the highlight of my day arrived and I got chosen to ride an Ostrich.

The Ostrich got caught by 2 handlers and a small hood was put over its head. It was then lead into a V type shape which served as the mounting area. I had to come up behind, the wings were lifted and I sat on the Ostrich. Your legs naturally mould around the body and it is almost like a saddle. They then put the wings back over your legs and you hold onto the front of the wings and lean slightly back. The hood was then removed and I was off. The moment I realised the hood was being removed was, I must admit, rather scary. The Ostrich backed out and ran full pelt across the yard. Thankfully the 2 handlers were running behind, but to be honest it felt like I was alone on a run away Ostrich. The Ostrich turned and ran back across the yard. At this point I could not determine how I was going to get off the bird and got worried that a fall was iminent. It was at that moment that people yelled - let go, let go. I did and literally slid off the back of the Ostrich. My legs were shaking, my heart was pounding and I felt alive!

Shelley then also got a chance to ride an Ostrich and watching her made me cry with laughter. Rory took video of both rides and I will look back at my video when I am feeling down and want a good giggle.

Laura did not miss out and got to hold a bucket in front of her face while Ostrich's ate over her shoulder. This was considered an Ostrich massage. Her face did not make it look that enjoyable.