Wattled Crane Cottage is beside a trout fishing dam on a dairy/beef cattle farm belonging to the Raw Family who are friends of Lauren and Allan.  It took us less than an hour to drive to the farm and then another half an hour up the steep dirt road to the dam which is the highest dam in South Africa.  The setting is to die for and we spent two very relaxing days there with Lauren, Allan, Shannon and Simon.

Before we left Shannon and Simon found another use for their trampoline!

The scenery in East Griqualand is stunning and the Raw’s farm is in a picturesque setting.

Lauren and Allan were up ahead of us and stopped when they spotted the rare birds we were dying to see.  They were across the middle dam but close enough to get good views with our binoculars and even a photographs or two.

Right next to them were their cousins, two beautiful Crowned Cranes which are easier to find.

We have seen Wattled Crane near the cottage before but only at a great distance – this was the first time we managed a half decent photograph so my holiday was complete!  Another bird which I am finding a bit tricky to I.D. but think might be a female Buff-streaked chat.

As soon as we arrived at the cottage and got unpacked and settled, Simon had to practice his fly-fishing skills.

Thursday dawned calm and still and I was the first one up and got coffee on the go and then encouraged the fisherman to take advantage of the weather as the wind tends to spoil things later in the day.

The fishing was successful – all catch and release – but Grandpa was not happy as the son-in-law beat him!  Simon is still learning the art and managed to hook but not pull in a fish.

There always has to be a little inconvenience on every holiday – this time it was a flat tire which the guys set about sorting out.

Although the sun was shining it is chilly at that altitude and i just couldn’t get warm.  I settled down on the couch with a blanket and ‘The Elephant Whisperer’ by Lawrence Anthony on my Kindle.

Allan had to leave after breakfast on Thursday – somebody has to earn the living!   When it warmed up we sat on the stoep, watched the birds and enjoyed the scenery.   When it got colder again the kids amused themselves by making videos on the computer and then entertained us with them.  There were also games in the cottage and lots to read!

It was terribly windy on Friday morning so fishing was out of the question.  We packed up early and made our way back to Kokstad deciding to treat ourselves to a Wimpy breakfast instead of cooking our own!   We are now back at Lauren and Allan’s and the kids have gone down to the river to play.   I think I will download another book onto my Kindle.  The wind is blowing and anything more strenous is just not on my agenda!

Till tomorrow …….