Hi everyone, Birkenhead House is unbelievable! Also, the weather today is gorgeous. We arrived here yesterday at around noon. Had a nice lunch, then went to two wineries. Last night's dinner was very good. We were up bright and early today for the shark excursion. The weather couldn't have been better. We saw a number of sharks and Ken has some great shots and I have a few good ones also. The guide said it was the best day in weeks. Calm seas and warm. Then after a couple of hours with the sharks, we took the boat to an island with hundreds of fur seals. Smelly, but terrific. Ngaire said it rivaled Antarctica. Then back to BHH for a lunch outside by the pools and fountains. Our suite looks out into the bay and we can literally seas whales playing in the distance from bed! You see the whales constantly out in the bay. They stay at the surface, but don't dive as in Alaska. They're right whales. The cliffs and paths are beautiful. We went for a walk after lunch along one of them. Gail and I just want to stay here and then go to the camps, but alas, we're going to have to pack tonight for the return trip to Cape Town. The Radisson there is very nice, but little can compare to this place. Our first full day in Cape Town had very changeable weather so we didn't go to Table Mt. We should have a lot more opportunities when we get back. Anyway, since I knew a lot of you wanted to know about this place, I wanted to post. Now, I've got to get ready for my massage. It's a rough life!

--------------

Eugene

Great to hear from you, Eugene! Sounds like you & all are having an absolutely wonderful experience. So glad to read that you had a good shark excursion & got to see the fur seals. Did anyone go down into the shark cage?? Can't wait to see yours & Kens photos!

Whale watching from bed? Wow! Yes, one could just stay at Birkenhead House forever......!
Thanks so much for checking in with us & give our best to Ngaire & Ken.

Thanks for reporting in, Eugene. What wonderful experiences you are having. 2008 can't come soon enough for me!

I'm looking forward to more of your reports. Keep having a good time!

Thanks Eugene! I'm with Donna...ROAR 2 just can't come quick enough for us! Keep enjoying and keep sending us landmail when you can.

Sounds so wonderful, Eugene - like a dream! I agree with you two, Donna and Marcie - can't wait - 2 years and counting! ;)

I see the Rand is up to over 7.60 - going in the right direction!

Thanks Eugene. Which room do you have. I'm so happy you are having such fun.

I am thinking he has 5?

The view he describes sounds wonderful. Olivia, which room are you for ROAR2?

Thanks Eugene for the report!

Masaki

We're in room #10...hope we're not looking at the AC unit (been there done that)! Any TUSKers in our room?

We're in 1. Marc and Arlene took our first choice and we couldn't decide and this was what was left.

Hi again. We just had breakfast set up overlooking the bay outside. I have a terrific picture from our balcony of the set up of one of the tables. It's another gorgeous day. We have the whole of Birkenhead House, so yes TUSKERs would be in all of your rooms. We're in Room 1, if you've looked at the Web site you know it's unbelievable. It's nearest the water. What we didn't realize from the pictures was that it was on the second floor. It and Room 2 are sort of above the dining area. The roar of the water might take some getting used to, but others find it soothing. Julie and her friend Joe were the only ones who went down in the shark cage. It was in the shade of the boat and even with wet suits they got pretty cold. Julie stayed in the longest. We're off to Cape Town in about an hour, and if the weather holds, Gail and I will probably go straight to table mountain once we check back in at the Radisson. By the way both lunch and dinner were superb yestereday--last night rack of lamb, what else? (Actually there is always a second choice.) Also the most incredible calamari. They looked like huge white asparagus in tempura batter--very tender. Also, a type of bread pudding for dessert, which was excellent. (Oh, I also managed to have an eggplant salad as a separate course.) Well I need to check our e-mail. I'll post a complete review when we're back in Washington. It is very difficult leaving this place.

--------------

Eugene

I think I am in Room 2. I wonder who was in that room for this current trip.

I think I'm in room 7, since it has 2 singles, and I'll be with my daughter.

We're in room 6. Of course, not sure exactly who will be there the same time we are! Only Ngaire's spreadsheet knows.

Eugene, thank you for posting. The best part of your adventure is coming up - the safari! You really won't want to leave!

Eugene and Gail are in the Honeymoon Suite! I found this on their website to refresh our memories of who has what at Birkenhouse.

Bedroom One - Honeymoon Suite, Sea View with King size bed and Balcony
Bedroom Two - Sea View with Double bed and Balcony
Bedroom Three - Sea View with Queen size bed. No Balcony
Bedroom Four - Sea View with Queen size bed. No Balcony
Bedroom Five - Private pooland patio, King size bed
Bedroom Six - Sea View with Balcony and King size bed
Bedroom Seven - Twin Beds and Balcony
Bedroom Eight - King size bed with Balcony
Bedroom Nine - King size bed with Balcony, Sea and Mountain Views
Bedroom Ten - King size bed with Balcony and Sea View
Bedroom Eleven - King size bed with Balcony and Mountain View

Thanks for posting Eugene. I am excited that you love your room, because that is Doug's and mine. I'm so glad you say that the place is wonderful.