Since arriving in South Africa we have been exploring this beautiful country. We rented a car in Durban and discovered some great golf courses. We were enthusiastically welcomed onto these amazing golf courses by the locals who were quite impressed by us sailing all the way to their country on our sailboat. It gave us semi-celebrity status.
Princes Grant Golf Course
We were accompanied on the golf courses by springboks, monkeys, baboons and yes even a dreaded big huge snake, the cape cobra.
Springbok eyeing us
Our rusty golf started to improve and now we are seeking to play as many of the great courses in SA that we can.
We then flew to Cape Town and embarked on our long anticipated motorcycle trip.
BMW GS 1250
Traveling by motorcycle was high on the list of one member of the Matilda crew but soon became a highlight for both of us. We explored the wine country, mountains, farm land, and sea coast along the famous Garden Route.
The Garden Route
We discovered hidden lunch spots and amazing vistas and visited some of the daunting capes that we are yet to deal with on Matilda as we attempt to sail under the continent of Africa.
Beach Road just out of Cape Town
The motorcycle tour included a very smart BMW bike with just six of us bikers in the group. A lovely couple from Denmark who live in Belgium and work as translators at the EU, and two guys from Romania who were such fun and very famous back in Romania. They have thousands of YouTube/insta followers in Romania and were even interviewed by CNN Romania during the trip.
Cape of Good Hope
We covered about 1000 kms and it was with mixed feelings of relief and sadness when we safely returned to Cape Town and said farewell to our trusty bike and new friends.
Mountain Passes
We are now on Matilda, in East London having sailed here from Durban. Most of the other ARC boats have already made it to Cape Town, a 780 mile journey.
Passing Cape Agulhas, the southern-most tip of Africa is to be done with great caution. This is where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet with a lot of conflicting currents. We will then round the Cape of Good Hope and sail into Cape Town where the great Table Mountain will be awaiting us hopefully with her tablecloth on.
Sailboat Matilda 
Love it all ! GO MATILDA AND CREW !
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
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Your adventure continues to amaze me. Thanks for sharing
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You two are amazing, with such an adventurous spirit! Love the pictures. Keep up the fascinating blog so I can live vicariously.
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Just amazing, amazing, amazing! What a life journey you have created and enjoyed.
And the other travelers you have met each bring additional experiences and joy to your fabulous trip!!!! A little jealous here!
Love you!
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Really wonderful pictures and simply amazing adventures – ‘living it large’ … totally the way to go!
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Nice stop over. Golfing with monkeys makes me want to take up the sport!
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Wow! What an awesome series of adventures this journey holds for you two lucky sailors!
We love hearing about your adventures and know how great it must be for you guys to get back on a motorcycle and to play at the golf courses and hopefully Fiona is finding some swimming pools large enough to satisfy her swimming ambitions…
Btw, I have only been to Cape Town once, and we had some wonderful, memorable activities, but doing tandem paragliding off of table mountain was an unforgettable thrill which I recommend to you guys.
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Safe travel fies and Matt we are with you every step and sharing your adventure with several friends of ours who are sailing enthusiasts-safe passage. Love julz and Billy
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Hi Julz, it is Paul Hoffman. It is truly amazing these 2 got married >35 years ago and end up sailing around the world together; what a testament. Anyway, I saw your name and I hope all is well with you – I think you live(d) in Florida. My son is at Univ of Miami and I get down there periodically. He got home last night for his xmas break. I am tentative to visit him in March. Strength to you, Fiona and Matt.
Merry XMAS and Happy New Year. Paul
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Action packed adventure by land and sea! So fun to read and follow along your exciting journey.
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Beautiful experience. Love the pictures.
John House
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You are an amazing couple. Do it whi
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Will need to reread for clarification- so you’ve been back and forth to Cape Town? Fiona- you fit right in with the moto gang- bad ass! Sooooo excited…
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