Check out of Hotel
SS Cape Sun :
The morning of
Monday 13th May 2019 saw us checking out of Hotel SS Cape Sun. By
now the members of the group were getting used to the Tour leader Dev’s
terminology of informing us of the timings (for the next day morning) in terms
of 530/630/730 meaning one needs to get up by 530 AM, reach the breakfast table
by 630 & be seated in the coach by 730.
The members
accepted the time schedule set by Dev & ensured that they had boarded the
coach & were in their seats at the time specified by Dev; breakfast duly
completed. True to their words, Dev & Charl ensured that the members
reached the helipad by 0845 hours.
Forming groups
of 6 members (per helicopter) the members boarded the chopper & started their
helicopter ride. Each member was strapped to their respective seats &
supplied with a head phone. The set up was such that each of the 6 members plus
the pilot could talk to each other through this system.
This was another
unique experience. The ride lasted around 12/15 minutes. This experience allows
one to see the beautiful city from air. One could also see the beach spots. The
take off is from the V&A waterfront area, flying over the beaches, covering
the breathtaking Table mountain, flying over the Cape Town City bowl &
finally back to the V&A waterfront area.
After this
helicopter flight, the tour leader Dev gave the members the option of another helicopter ride. The Huey army helicopters, probably
the only army helicopter in the world licensed to do this particular flight.
Also this army helicopter would be with open doors! This was not part of the
deal with the travel agent, but for which the passengers have to pay
additionally. Since this sounded “adventurous” around 12 members from our group
opted for the same. Unlike the helicopter ride mentioned in the earlier
paragraph where passengers recorded videos and snapped fotos in their mobiles,
those opting for a ride in the combat army helicopters were required to empty their
pockets of all loose items, including mobiles, wallets, etc before boarding
them.
Again, unlike
the earlier helicopter where each rider was provided with a headphone, no such
headphone or earphone was given when buckling up for a ride in the combat
helicopters.
The thrill of
low level flying and sharp manoeuvring with the wind rushing in through the
open doors, this ride is something to be experienced & not written about.
This flight is flown with open doors & delivers a most unforgettable experience.
This ride flies over Cape Town City, waterfront area, over beaches, over oceans,
over mountains, & includes amongst other moves - low flying, steep
climbing, sudden dipping, hard banking, etc.
By 1130hrs we
completed (both) the helicopter rides & started on our long drive by the picturesque
garden route to Knysna. By 1300 hrs we took a lunch break in a place called Grill & Go, &
as per Charl, this eatery has the distinction of having the men’s washroom with
the best view in the world!
After lunch the
drive continued; some members catching up on lost sleep.
Long drives in
vehicles, with nothing to do for the passengers, especially if the passengers
happen to be Indians invariably leads them to India’s most popular time pass (irrespective
of whichever part of the globe you are in!)– Antakshari. As the members split
into 2 groups and started, no one knew how the hours flew. Soon we were on the
outskirts of Knysna town & reached the hotel The Knysna Quays by around 1945
Hrs. The members checked into their rooms, freshened up, had a hearty dinner
& retired to bed.
At dinner time
Dev announced the next day morning’s timings as 6/7/8.
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