Well how lucky are we?? It appears as though I can get the wireless internet here up in the Drakensburg! We are staying at the campsite at Monks Cowl. I am just about to put a potjie on for dinner and then have a lovely shower. Today has been hot - got up to about 35 degrees in the car, but the humidity is the one sapping your energy here.

We have been having quite alot of thunder around us and a little splasttering of rain earlier on, but nothing significant as yet. We are hoping to go hiking into the mountains tomorrow - I like waterfalls and there appear to be quite a few.

Now to catch you all up to date on what we have been doing. The second day at Fugitives Drift was the morning tour to the Isandlwana Battlefield - what a huge site and loads of ground to cover. The Zulus really showed the English what a bunch of 'savages' could really do there. Joseph was our guide (and a Zulu to boot), he was wonderful just like Rob at Rourke's Drift. You really do feel like you were there at the battle itself - almost seeing, feeling and smelling it.

Got back to the lodge for lunch and then went out for a walk to see the gravesites of 2 of the English killed by Zulus whilst trying to save the 'Queen's colours' - these are on the property and was a beauitful walk as they have got quite alot of game on the farm.

Needless to say we had a fabulous time at Fugitives Drift and even though it was one of my choices - Martin thoroughly enjoyed it as well.

We then phoned Rocktail Bay Lodge to see if they had any rooms available. We were told just for two nights so booked and headed on our way across to the coast. It was a lovely drive through once again beautiful countryside. The road in was a little on the dodgy side - sand/mud and quite wet in places. We got to the gate to get our permit and were in luck as the lady had been delayed going home.

We finally arrived at Rocktail around 4.45pm. What a lovely setting for a lodge and a beautiful beach that goes on forever. We settled in and then tried to book the turtle tour, but it was full the first night. So I quickly added our names to the next night as that was the main thing we went to see. We also asked about being able to stay 2 extra nights and Tim & Hailey said that was fine and they had room - we just had to change rooms after our second night.

Next day was Valentines Day and we decided to have a relaxing day - so went for a long walk along the beach towards Black Rock after breakfast. We were sort of swimming along the way although you have to make sure that your can stand the whole time as the undertow and currents are extremely strong. Not a soul to be seen the whole time we were out (about 3 hours) was lovely.

Got back in time for lunch and then Martin had a sleep and I went exploring around the camp. I went to the bird hide and watched for a bit and also took the Hammock Trail through the forest and back to camp. So peaceful and the birdlife is great.

We went looking for turtles after dinner around 2245, we saw three nests which had all hatched that night, but we didn't manage to see any of the babies. One of the nests had been disturbed by honey badgers - they eat the young and once they are full the just kill all the rest and leave them (horrible buggers), at least we saw tracks so some of them made it to the sea.

Next day we were hoping to go diving, but it was too rough. So we went out and did the quad bike ride around the community with a local guide whole gave us a good insight into the community as a whole - very interesting.

Got back and after lunch went birding with our guide Gugu. He is fantastic, knows so much and is great with the birds. We spotted quite a few birds that I have never seen before - Rosy throated long claw and orange throated long claw - fab!!

We went out looking for turtles again and didn't see anything. It is half an hour later each night so getting really much later each night.

Next day we went on a forest trail with Gugu which was great fun, learning all about the plants, insects, cows and loads of stuff. We had a baby sleeping in the next room and it cried heaps during the night (could have killed it). You get back from the turtle tour about 1.30am so it gets later by half an hour each night as well.

We went to the hippo pool in the afternoon and also did a whole heap of birding on the way. What a fabulous place and Gugu is just one of the best guides around.

We decided to come back across to the Drakensburg as the hiking is meant to be reallu spectacular. We left a little later than we wanted (due to baby agsin during the night), but at least we got to finally see some hatchlings - awesome. Also there is loads of road works going on so we were slowed down heaps with those. We ended up staying at Thatchers Country Guest House between Newcastle and Ladysmith.

What a lovely couple, John & June Smith and a stunning place. The power went off as we arrived so we all had to eat dinner around the table by candlelight. Had as lovely chat to them about farming and business in general, also about the up and coming elections.

We left this morning in good time and stopped in Ladysmith for some shopping - I hope you all appreciate that I was sitting in the car in a carpark in the 33 degree heat updating our travels for you....

But at least I may be able to update a bit more now. I will sign off now and download all the new photos so that I can try and attach some for you.

Love and hugs to all xxx