Last stop: Clarens

Leaving Kimberley it became apparent that the Karoo was behind us as we passed through lush green fields contrasting with deep red soils.

Soon we began to see spectacular rock formations -

Accompanied by that dreaded road sign -

The roads through the Karoo had been smooth as silk, but as soon as the scenery improved, the roads went all to pot (holes).  Guess you just can't have it all.

So we did the pothole slalom into the town of Clarens, which is our final stopping place before heading home.  This is a popular vacation spot, a few hours from Johannesburg and at the entrance to the Golden Gate National Park.  I'm sitting on the patio of our hotel room looking out at the sun setting behind the hills.

The hills are actually higher than they appear - the town of Clarens is at about 6000 ft. elevation.

After we arrived and got settled into our hotel, we went for a drive in Golden Gate National Park, climbing in elevation to well over 7000 ft. - the surrounding mountains are over 10,000 ft.  We saw more rock formations and a herd of mid-size antelope - we believe these are kudu.

Last night we were entertained with an absolutely spectacular thunderstorm, with nearly constant lightning that went on for hours.  We opened the drapes and sliding glass door so we could see and hear it - until the torrential rain began pounding down, forcing us to close the door.

This is also an artist enclave, with many galleries of both serious and whimsical art.  I enjoyed this fountain outside one of the latter  -

The water pour from the teapot into the flower pot below.

Now it's time to get our bags packed for the journey home.  It's been a fantastic trip.