Montagu: Tractor Ride!

Since my last post was a bit of a downer, I thought I ought to post something more positive--and something that's been pending for a while now anyway. Three weeks ago the clouds spread wide, the sun shone, and we went to our favorite place: Montagu. We left early enough in the morning that we were even able to surprise the boys with a tractor ride through the Montagu Fruit and Nut Company's orchards and surrounding mountains. 

We left Stellenbosch early enough that the clouds surrounding the Toitskloof mountains that we literally drive through were still descended almost all the way to the ground--and yet it wasn't exactly foggy. So due to the fantastic mix of clouds and mountains, the drive was stunning, and I only wish we had had a decent place to stop and take photos. We sang Jingle Bells, Silent Night, and other Christmas songs because we brought along one of the boys favorite books, Richard Scarry's "Best Christmas Book Ever." Who needs it to be December to sing Christmas songs? Not us! ;)

Here are our tractor ride photos. The boys still talk about it, and each night as we pray before bed, Eland demands that we, "Pray tractor ride!" and Auggie asks to pray that we go on it, "Two more times!" They had a blast. 

After the tractor ride and boosting the Montagu economy by purchasing loads of dried fruits and nuts (their prices are amazing, so we actually come home with quite a bundle), Dan and I indulged in one of our favorite activities: rock climbing. I don't have any pictures of that, though. 

No one else showed up, so we had the trailer to ourselves

The orchards and farm area is gorgeous--rolling, golden, and green with a great big blue sky to set it all against.

I think this building actually belongs in New Mexico ;)

Auggie was very excited

At the "top" of the tractor ride the driver let us out to explore and hike a bit. They even have a braai area (BBQ) for lunches that overlooks the entire farm.

"Mama, what is this?"

I have no idea, but it looks like some kind of succulent dandelion leaf

The tractor roads were paved in excess nut shells and fruit pits

"Look at dat!"

Eland the Hiker Guy

It's just about impossible to get them both looking at the camera at the same time--this is literally the best photo of these two monkeys on this bench.

Happy to be in our happy place

Auggie scouting out a new place to climb.
(Please take no notice of the fact that he's clinging for dear life to a bolt. ;)