As we leave St. Lucia we saw this on a telephone pole.

Juvenile African Harrier Hawk

The weather was coolish and drizzling but the temperature was pleasant enough.  We went to the Dlinza aerial boardwalk and got some much needed exercise after so much time in the van.

Strangler Fig

Millipede on the trail

Fungi

Clivia at the entrance

A few of the nice birds we saw but couldn’t photograph were Chorister Robin Chat  and Spotted Ground Thrush.

From here we went to a dam where we saw African Pygmy Geese, African Jacana and White backed Ducks at quite a distance.  We also saw some things closer.

Another Wooly-necked Stork

a closer view of a Hamerkop

Then we stopped at a Mangrove Swamp with lots of Hermit Crabs and our first Terek’s Sandpiper

and this lovely butterfly.

After a nice lunch we went to the Durban airport to change vans as ours was giving us trouble.  We had a hard time opening the sliding door which can be really problematic when you’re trying to get out fast to see a bird.  We made a stop at Greg’s parents’ house to try to find the Sparrow-hawks that nest there.We saw one from a great distance. Durban is So. Africa’s third largest city with about 7 million people.  There is a lot of new building that is very upscale with big malls and sprawl.  Then we drove on to Hilton.

Here are pictures of some of the countryside on our drive.

Our B & B for the night was called Capulet.

We once again had a lovely room-Juliet

There was also a double shower, which we have had several times, and a very large tub, big enough for two.  

We went out to one of the best meals we’ve had so far at Jaxx.  Greg left us for the night to stay with his parents.

I should mention that the places we stay are all gated with big iron gates.  Crime is apparently a big problem in So. Africa no doubt due to the poverty and high unemployment.  This area we were in is a classic example of the haves and have-nots. The innkeeper here bemoaned the fact that one had to put a gate around their home.  She said if you didn’t and tried to sell it no one would buy it.  Sad.