Graaff-Reinet, South Africa and scenic Valley of Desolation

The Valley of Desolation is a popular place to watch the sunset but we had thunderstorms for our visit; the geologic formations were still impressive

The white part of town is on the left with wide streets and good schools; the black section is in the center with unpaved roads and poor public schools

The Dutch Reformed Church has seating to accommodate 1,500 people but was closed during our visit; it was influenced by the architecture of Salisbury Cathedral in England

We stayed in what was originally housing for slaves; Graaff-Reinet is the fourth oldest town in South Africa and is home to more national monuments than any other city in the country

Our lodging in Graaff-Reinet was one of my favorites; we had 2 bedrooms, living room, kitchen and bathroom; it was a historic place, beautifully restored to retain character

Graaff-Reinet is known for being a flourishing market for agricultural produce, noted for its mohair industry, and sheep and ostrich farming

Coke Zero is very popular here so I have an ample supply; this area is the main citrus growing region of South Africa and we drove past mile after mile of orchards

The Valley of Desolation is a mecca for hikers and I wish we had had time for a hike; it reminded me of Bryce Canyon in Utah with its distinctive stone formations

The Valley of Desolation is only 14 kms from Graaff-Reinet; sheer cliffs and precariously balanced columns of dolerite rise 120 m from the valley floor, against the timeless backdrop of the vast plains of the Camdeboo

The Valley of Desolation was declared a national monument in 1939 and, with its staggering columns, is sometimes also referred to as the cathedral of the mountains

Nice three bedroom houses here sell for about $100,000; there are plenty on the market but I'd be nervous buying somewhere that may totally run out of water (they are in a prolonged drought)