Back in Struisbaai – A weekend with friends

2013-02-02 | puppy1952

Last weekend found us back in Struisbaai mainly so that Earl could fix the irrigation system. Our friends Peter and Heather joined us.

As I had sport duty and a training course to attend at school we only managed to leave at quarter to four and arrived just before 7 p.m. Heather and Peter were already enjoying sundowners on the stoep:-) Earl did a superb braai – chicken wings, steak and chops accompanied by Mediterranean veggies and rye bread. After catching up with our friends we only got to bed after 11 o’clock.

Gus and his little girl Karla drove up early on Saturday morning and were out at sea with Earl by 7 o’clock.

The rest of household emerged from their cocoons at 9 ish had a cup of coffee and then headed for the beach where we enjoyed a delicious swim in a calm sea at Spring Low Tide – and there was hardly another soul around! Th

The fishermen had a wonderfully successful morning and returned with a superb catch of yellowtail. Karla (7) said, “I didn’t catch any – they weren’t in my class!” But she did catch some small ones on other species and released them for another day. We went to watch them come in at the harbour.

Struisbaai Harbour Beach

Kiora coming in

After enjoying a lunch of yellowtail sashimi, Gus and Karla headed back to Cape Town. Earl had a nap and Peter, Heather and I went to do a spot of bird watching. I wanted to find a Denham’s Bustard for them. We drove down the dirt road that takes us to Arniston and then turned toward Die Mond Nature Reserve.

We saw lots of birds. After the winter rains a lot of water was still lying in the farmlands and many waterbirds were enjoying it while it lasted – lots of greater flamingos, a variety of ducks and teals, stilts, spurwing geese, spoonbills, ibises and herons. The distance didn’t make photography worthwhile. Closer to the road we found an African pipit who obligingly posed

African Pipit

A Steppe Buzzard kept flying from fence post to fence post but I finally got a good shot of him.

Steppe Buzzard

I had promised my guests Denham Bustards – but they were being conspicuous by their absence. We came to the turn off to Die Mond and still nothing. I could sense the disappointment. “I saw them down this road in this field in the holidays,” I declared; but still they didn’t appear. The sun was sinking and it was time to turn around. We stopped to look at other birds but still no Denham’s. Some half joking half grumpy comments were made and I just had to find those birds. There was a speck some distance off – moving quickly – I stopped – lifted my binoculars and Bingo – Two gorgeous Denham’s striding across the veld. My guests were thrilled. They were far off but easy to see with binoculars. We even managed some ‘record shot” photography. We observed the birds for some time hoping they would come towards the car but they had other plans so reluctantly we returned home.

The Elusive Denham’s Bustards

It was almost 7 o’clock and still hot. Heather and I had to go for a swim. The men declined the offer! We were the only two people in the sea on a perfect evening.

Struisbaai Beach

Peter and Heather had to leave to at 9 to attend a function back in Cape Town. Before they left we had a last swim in the sea. After breakfast Earl completed the irrigation installation and I caught up with school work. We left at 3 o’clock. Having a weekend a way always makes you feel like you’ve been gone for a week. It was divine.

Back in the Classroom – Welcome 2013

2013-01-18 | puppy1952

In the South Africa, most children who were born in 2006 started the first year of their formal education on Wednesday. There must have been great excitement and enormous anticipation for this big day. At my school they arrived at 9:00 a.m. They’d been up since 6, fully dressed in their crisp new uniforms and right from my house I am sure I heard them nagging – When are we going? Please Mom and Dad, I want to go to school!

Of course their parents had prepared them for this big occasion and of course they couldn’t wait to get there and for most the whole rah rah welcome was fun and there was no problem separating from their parents. But for one or two, the reality was daunting. Suddenly they found themselves in an unfamiliar environment, noisy parents, teachers and children surrounded them and the butterflies in their tummies took over and there was great reluctance to let go of Mom or Dad’s hand. The hardest thing for a parent to do is leave a screaming, terrified child. I had one who clung so tightly I had to prize open her fingers and unwind her from her mom. I saw the despair in Mommy’s eyes but I had to insist – “Go quickly – I promise she will be okay.” Reluctantly she left and my heart went more out to her than to her little girl.

When a child is in a complete state like this, you cannot reason with them. They are not listening. They are functioning in survival mode and need to be made to feel safe and loved. I hugged the little girl tightly and said, Mommy loves you and she will come back. I love you and I am going to look after you till then. We are going to have fun and do lovely things at school. I am going to leave you here on the mat now and you can tell me when you’re ready to go to your place. I then assigned my GAP student to keep an eye on her. It took a while and a few more hugs and reassurance about what time school would end, and that the first few days were going to be short and she would have time to settle in. Once she knew the facts and had her reassurance she stopped crying. I told her that it was now up to her to decide to enjoy the rest of the day. When she was ready, she went to her place, put a big smile on her face and settled down to enjoy all the activities with the other girls. Today she came into class and I asked, “Where’s Mommy?” “Gone,” she told me with a big grin.

It takes me a while to learn 30 new names. I put labels on my girls on Day 1 and asked them to cover them with their hands to see how many I could remember. Some were quite patient with their old teacher and gave her clues or helped her guess. Others said, No – you must try again till you get it right! With such strict pupils I learned fast and am proud to say that today I got them all right!

Me leading my excited girls to their new classroom

The girls experimenting with red

Do you like our work?

Look what we can do

The Coffee Quiz

2013-01-08 | puppy1952

I am taking up the Coffee Quiz challenge set by CrazyTrainToTinkyTown .

1) How many cups of coffee per day
I only drink one or two cups per day – but they have to be good.

2) What is your favourite caffeine delivery system?
I have never been to Starbucks – wasn’t there when I was last in England many years ago. Here in Cape Town we have a variety of excellent coffee shops and most restaurants serve wonderful coffee – I judge a restaurant by the quality of its coffee – even if the food is good I won’t go there if the coffee is bad. There are two places I can be guaranteed of a good caffeine fix in my local mall – Wimpy and Food Lover’s Market

3) What was your best cup of coffee?
I have never had better than the Espressos on the Swiss Alps – Verbier

4) What was your worst cup of coffee?
When I was touring England it was very difficult to get a good cup of coffee – no Starbucks – The worst coffee I ever had was at a restaurant near Jane Austin’s house. I asked if they made filter coffee and was relieved to hear that yes indeed they did. When the coffee arrived it was awful. I asked the waitress how she went about making it. And she had done all the right things and then she said, I poured in half and cup and then added boiling water” Why? Because people don’t like it strong. I am afraid I was a little sarcastic – My darling, I said, Across the channel – they do!

5) What does your favourite mug say?
It’s one my grandsons gave me and is extremely complimentary. “Worlds Greatest Grandma” It has a little poem on it that says things like “You’ll beat any other grandma in any grandma test, there are no grandmas better, you can’t get better than the best.”

6) How do you take your coffee?
Strong, Hot, Black and Rich – Men are better that way too.

7) When was your first cup?
My most memorable coffees were the tiny Turkish coffees I drank at home in my teens – My father was Greek and I believe the Turks taught the Greeks to make coffee.

8) Have you ever gone on a coffee date?
I go on many coffee dates with girlfriends. We chat, bond and get high on coffee. Average price for a good cup of coffee in Cape Town would be between R8,00 and R18,00 (55p to £1,30) depending on whether you order black filter, espresso, cappuccino etc.

Struisbaai Holiday Last Day – Cooking up a Storm

2013-01-06 | puppy1952

I was pleased that this our last day in Struisbaai produced good fishing weather. Earl and Yasin were up early and gone. Shahieda and I slept in late. In the early hours of this morning their daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren had arrived but I had not heard a thing.

They were all up and about by 9 and we enjoyed getting to know each other. Today is Yasin’s birthday and his kids just needed to be here to wish him.

The baby – Imaan – is so cute

Yasin’s birthday wish was to catch a big yellow-tail – not a tiddly little one like those he got yesterday – and yes – he got 12, the biggest being quite to his satisfaction at about 7kg.

Yasin on Kiora with his biggest yellow tail

He thought it hilarious that Earl once again caught very little.

Early with ‘very little’

While the men were at sea Shahieda had already begun to prepare for Yasin’s birthday lunch. She was cooking up a storm and I didn’t like to interfere! After all there is years of training in producing a good Cape Malay meal – they girls learn at their mother’s knee, and then perfect the art!

Shahieda performing her miracle

The rooties are ready for rolling but we don’t have a rolling pin!

Muslims don’t drink but Shahieda found a good use for this cold bottle of wine

Yasin flipping rooties

Before lunch was served Earl and I took Nilfah and the girls, Amirah and Ayesha to the beach for a swim. Amirah loves the water but the sea was like a washing machine again today and she found the the waves a little scary. She rushed out after a few minutes but her cousin encouraged her back in and then she thoroughly enjoyed herself.

Grandpa Earl encouraging the girls to come in deeper

Ayesha (9) enjoying the sea

Amirah (7) running from the waves

We returned in time to be served an amazing meal – there was lamb currie, rooties, braaied chicken, potato salad and garlic bread – enough to feed four families!

A Laden Table

Whaheed with little Imaan

We just tucked in – after my third helping I said, ‘I think I’m going to convert,’ You’ll need a scarf, joked Shahieda.

I am a convert – My sarong will do.

Wow what a meal. And that was not all – There is trifle to follow but we’re all too full to indulge now so are watching TV, playing computer games or sleeping.

Nilfah made this gorgeous fridge cake

There was also trifle made by Shahieda.

The trifle and fridge tart was enjoyed much later

Struisbaai Holiday Day 22 Fishing Running Swimming

2013-01-05 | puppy1952

Oh boy – it was an early wake-up call for me this morning. The weather was perfect for fishing and I went with Earl and Yasin to launch the boat so I could bring the car home. I needed to go to Agulhas to fetch the laundry before early closing on a Saturday. So I just put a jacket over my pyjamas and tagged along! I didn’t go back to sleep on my return but fiddled on the computer and then a welcome Skype call from my best friend in England. We chatted on-line for an hour.

I didn’t go for a road run, planning to rather to do one on the beach at low tide later in the afternoon. After collecting the Laundry Shahieda (Mrs Yasin) and I went to Potpourri for a delicious ‘health’ breakfast and an excellent cup of coffee. We browsed around the shop then went back and put the linen back on the beds and cleaned the house to Yassin standards!

The men returned at about 11:30 and a good catch to brag about. Earl complained about not being able to get good crew these days but Yasin caught all the fish – 15 yellowtail and a Santa as well as some small red fish which were released.

Shahieda on on the jetty next to Kiora

Yasin on Kiora

Earl steering Kiora toward the trailer

Driving Kiora onto the trailer

Bak-load of fish

Proud fishermen

Earl said the only reason he didn’t catch was because he had to find the fish and steer the boat – that’s his excuse and he’s sticking to it.

Well to Shahieda and me it didn’t matter – we just enjoyed the fruits of their labour. Shahieda had never eaten Sushimi before – but now she’s a convert.

After lunch I went to lie on the bed to read my book but before long I was fast asleep. Everybody else, I found out later, also napped for a couple of hours. We woke up at 4 and Earl and I went to the beach – I did a low tide beach run and then we swam in the wonderfully warm sea. The wind had come up and the sea was rough – it was like swimming in a washing machine – but great fun.

Shahieda fried some samoosas to have with our pre-dinner sun-downers and the men braaied a yellow-tail for supper.

Preparing to braai the fish

Enjoying the spoils of the day

So ended another glorious day in the Paradise called Struisbaai!

Struisbaai Holiday Day 21 Visit to Riverine – Breede River

2013-01-04 | puppy1952

It was cool and overcast this morning but the wind had dropped and there was no rain. So there was no excuse – I had to get out there and run. The wind was in my face on the outward route and I found it a struggle but coming back with the wind behind me was far more pleasant. Still I missed the encouragement from the boys. I did not reach my personal best but I did it a tad faster than Wednesday!

Mrs Yassin made us delicious omelettes for breakfast and Yassin decided that my housekeeping was not very good and gave the house a once over before breakfast was cooked.

Yassin at work

Mrs Yassin’s lovely brekkie

Earl and Yassin fetched two labourers and they soon set to work clearing the garden and preparing it for a facelift.

Preparing the new garden

We left Yassin to supervise and went to do some chores in Bredasdorp and then drove to Rivierine on the Breede River to visit my sister, Tana and brother-in-law Brian.

Of course we did a spot of bird watching en route.

Flock of Blue Crane (Our National Bird)

Steppe Buzzard

Driving toward Riverine

It was great to find my nephew Rob and his wife Katya were there too. The weather was glorious. After soaking up some sun on the jetty we decided to take a cruise and to pop in on Brian’s sister and brother in law who live a few km further up the river.

Relaxing on the jetty

Two River Princesses – Cheers!

We passed other boats and I got soaked because of the bumpy wake!

On Pat and Tony’s stoep

View towards The River

Pat and Tony share our passion for birds. They have many feathered visitors to their garden including kingfishers and woodpeckers. Pat has counted over 60 different species during this holiday.

Francolin with chicks

When we returned Rob and Katya had lunch ready.

Lunch Alfresco

We spent a pleasant afternoon chatting and enjoying the fabulous weather.

Me acting like a Lady of Leisure

On our way home we stopped for more birdlife on the side of the road. There was a flock of 9 Denham’s Bustard. As soon as we stopped they moved further away and some took to the air.

Nervous Denham Bustards

One obliged but was still not as close as I would have liked

On the road between Bredasdorp and Struisbaai we found a flock of white storks. One had also flown over Tana’s place at Breede River – and we teased Katya that it was a little early delivering her baby!

Two of the white storks we saw

‘Min dae’ (few days) till we return to Cape Town, work and routine. We are making the most of every minute!

Struisbaai Holiday Day 20 – Suddenly its gone all quiet

2013-01-03 | puppy1952

There is not very much to report today. We woke up to the worst weather of the entire holiday. It was as if the skies knew that our children and grandchildren were making their way back home. The wind howled and the heavens opened to a downpour of rain. Well – I am not running in this – I declared. There was a time many years ago that nothing would have stopped me bar snow or hail. But now in my dotage, I don’t feel that urgent need to stick with the programme. I promised myself that I would skip and work out with the kettle bells – but I didn’t – Sorry Steve!

We have had the most glorious time with our family. The kids got on so well, there was always something interesting happening and the weather was ever so kind to us. The only tiny complaint was that wind did not allow for more than one boat fishing trip – but that’s summer in the Western Cape for you. The fishing is really much better in winter!

The Kokstad Connection left at about 10 and are spending the night with Aunty Diane in Great Brak. Lisa and the boys left to go home to Cape Town soon after. Lisa reports that the cats are happy to be back from the cattery and the kitten has grown!

We felt a bit bereft after the desertion so headed to Bredasdorp to organise the delivery of a new rain water tank. We then had a coffee and did some shopping before heading back to have a very quiet day, my only exercise being an hour of housework! The rest of the day we read books. Earl, who only reads during the holidays finished his Wilbur Smith – River God.

We will be staying on in Struisbaai for a few more days but only to establish a new rockery in our garden – Yassin and his wife arrived this evening and will stay a day or two to help us.

Hopefully the weather will improve. Earl would love at least one more fishing day. I need to read another book and work on the tan!

Saying Goodbye to the tortoise that regularly visits our garden

Getting comfy in the car

Sorry we have to go

Off they go

Struisbaai Holiday Day 19 – Wind, Calm, Lunch and Swimming

2013-01-02 | puppy1952

This morning my grandsons/personal trainers let me down and neither of them accompanied on my morning run. The wind was howling great guns and I’m using that and the fact that there was no encouragement from the youth as an excuse for not achieving the time I did my 4.2km yesterday! The run there was fine but the return against the wind and uphill to boot did was a huge struggle. Nevertheless I made it in 34 minutes and 10 seconds.

After breakfast the kids all went to the beach but I stayed home intending to catch them up later. However, after a missed day of housework the cottage needed a good clean which took me a while. Everyone was back by 11:30 and the wind had dropped so the visit to the beach was most successful.

As it was the last day before the Kokstad Clan are to leave we decided to treat ourselves to a restaurant lunch. Sea Gull in Agulhas was therefore grace with our presence. Yesterday I promised the kids a milkshake so that was first on their order.

Kids at Sea Gulls

Milkshakes at last

Jay and Shannon fooling around

After lunch we all relaxed at home for a bit. Shannon was dying to go back to the beach but nobody quite felt like it. At 6:00 it was still quite hot so I took Shan and Josh for a surf. I went in first so they could look after my camera – It was heavenly – I stayed in for about 20 minutes and then said – Stay in as long as you like.

I messaged Allan and Lauren and told them it was worth coming down so they came down too. It was 7:30 when we left the beach. The weather is expected to change tomorrow so the chocca boats were in sheltering in the bay in preparation for stormy weather.

Gran surfs in

Josh

Isn’t this fun

Allan

Oh Boy!

Lauren

Boats in the background

My Family bobbing in the Struisbaai Sea

The End of a Stunning Day

It was a lovely way to end day and tomorrow is possibly going to be raining so we had to fit in one last swim.

We had a light supper and are now watching a romantic movie on the media player!

Struisbaai Holiday Day 18 New Year, New Personal Best, Die Mond Nature Reserve and Surfing

2013-01-02 | puppy1952

Last night our sleep was disturbed, not by the sound of loud music and party goers, but by the explosive sound of a fireworks display. Lauren and Allan got up briefly to see the sky lit with flashes and stars but then went back to bed. Lisa and Jay also woke up and Jay persuaded his mother to take him to the harbour to see what was going on. Lisa put on a gown and drove to a spot where they could see the whole exciting welcome to 2013!

This morning I had to start the New Year off well. My second oldest grandson, Joshua (14) – a good cross country runner – caught me up five minutes or so into my run and as his brother had done on Sunday encouraged me to increase my pace. I felt really good this morning and got into a good rhythm. I left home between 7:07 and 7:08 and was back by 7:40. I had knocked 6 minutes off the time I did on Sunday! Later I drove the distance and found that I’d run 4.2 km. I am now aiming to get to 5km before the holiday is over and to get my pace to over 9km per hour. My goal is to run 5km in 30 minutes.

The weather since Christmas has not been as wonderful as it was before. The wind simply does not want to go away! It has not managed to spoil our fun but it would be nice to have a still day before the kids return to Kokstad. Today we packed costumes, fishing rods and a picnic and made our way to De Mond Nature Reserve which is situated 26 km south-east of Bredasdorp on the south-western Cape coast. The reserve lies at the mouth of the Heuningnes River, between the coastal villages of Arniston and Struisbaai.

Entrance fee for non Wild Card holders is R40 each. Thankfully the grandparents and grandchildren are all on our card so only Allan and Lauren needed to pay. Because the lagoon is classed as sea fishing, the licences were valid and there was no need to get fresh water permits. The walk over the suspension bridge evoked a giggle or two and then we hiked along the river bank looking for a good spot to fish.

Crossing the Suspension Bridge

Grandpa and Simon stopped at a small bay while the rest of us continued until we found a suitable beach and settled ourselves to tan, bird watch and fish. Gramps and Simon soon caught up and were soon joining Jay and Allan on the mud flats.

Simon Allan Grandpa

Jay knee deep

The bird life was interesting. I found three species of plover, black oyster catchers, curlew sandpipers, swift tern, Kelp gulls and cormorants. A flock of flamingos were at a distance at first and then obligingly flew toward our spot and settled right in front of us.

Sand plovers

Kittlitz’s Plover

White-fronted plover

Flamingos and curlew sandpipers

Swift Terns

A flock of flying flamingos

Greater Flamingos right in front of our spot

After a couple of hours fishing was abandoned as a fruitless task and we hiked back to the picnic site where we enjoyed our seed loaf and a variety of cheeses with tomato and lettuce or jam. In spite of the windy and cool weather, nobody complained. It was just great to be in a different place, to enjoy the scenery and each other’s company.

Hiking back

Enjoying a windy picnic

Simon, Jay and Josh travelled with Grandpa and me in the Fortuner while the others went on ahead in Allan’s car. We took it slowly and enjoyed the roadside birds and animals. We found a yellow mongoose, steenbok, Blue Crane, Yellow-billed kite and steppe buzzards as well as a number of small birds like red bishops, sparrows, wheatears etc. I was ecstatic when Earl spotted two Denham’s bustards although they were too far for good photographs. It was lovely to get one in the same frame as a steenbok.

Steenbok

Steenbok and Denham’s Bustard

Denham’s Bustard at a distance

Steppe Buzzard

Yellow-billed kite

My exhausted younger grandsons fell asleep in the car

Later in the afternoon we took the kids to the beach to boogy board. There were lots of kite surfers making the beach scene even more interesting. The kids enjoyed the sea but after half an hour I couldn’t take the wind any more so walked home ahead of everyone else.

Wind surfer - Josh on wave in the foreground

Kite surfer – Josh on wave in the foreground

Shan in the foreground

Earl had not accompanied us – but instead taken a nap. When he woke up he braaied a yellow-tail – one he’d frozen from an earlier catch – not as nice as fresh from the sea but quite delicious nevertheless. The kids re-kindled the fire after supper and toasted marshmallows – a great treat.

Struisbaai Holiday Day 17 – Trans Agulhas Departure and Surfing the Ultimate Waves

2012-12-31 | puppy1952

Allan and Lauren did the early morning walk thing but I decided to lie in today. However, Lauren, Earl and I were all on the beach with the kids by 7:30, to watch the Trans Agulhas departure. A large crowd was gathered to see them off. Lauren and the kids found a spot to park off and watch while Earl and I found good vantage points to take photographs. Just before the start all the competitors knelt down on the sand while prayers were said for their safety at sea.

Praying for safe racing

The boats were all lined up and ready to leave by 8 o’clock.

The Line Up

There was a count down and then the whistle blew and one partner of each crew raced to join his mate and get the boat started.

Dashing for the boats

Then there was a roar as they raced and bounced over the waves toward Cape Agulhas. It was all very exciting.

They’re off

We then jumped back into the Fortuner and drove toward Agulhas. We did not see the boats but we did find one of them had flipped over and had righted himself. We found out later that he was one of the front runners and was bitterly disappointed to have to withdraw from the race.
After breakfast most of the family went to the rock pools to catch klippies again. I could swear that when I went to bed last night the beach had remained in its rightful place but this morning Lisa and I spent quite a bit of time chasing it out of the house again!

Earl and I then went to do some shopping. When I first came to Struisbaai in the early 80s there was but one very bad shop but now the town offers nearly every facility you need – there is a small mall, restaurants, a nursery, small clothing shops – beach-wear mainly – pharmacy, doctor and dentist. For most of the year it is still a fairly sleepy fishing village which wakes up over Easter and Christmas when the stressed out city slickers hit its shores. It is during these times that the locals really have to work overtime in their businesses and they do! The supermarket – OK Grocer – is amazing. They are open from 7 am to 7 pm and tonight being New Year’s eve they are open till 10! The queues in the place are extraordinary, yet you do not wait for more than five minutes before getting to the checkout where extremely efficient cashiers assist you. Service is excellent, the boss is friendly and accommodating and it is clear that his staff are well trained and happy to be working for him.

Queue in Ok Grocer

Entertainment outside the bottle store

The Mall – Entrance to South Bound Gift Store

Inside South Bound

We have had many years of amazing weekends and holidays in this little town and now that we have grandchildren we are delighted to be able to share it with them too. I wonder, though, what they would have thought of the original place with its poky kitchen, tiny two bedrooms and lack of facilities. And yet when it was like that we managed to fit in friends and dogs and still have amazing fun. No – I don’t want the old Struisbaai back – but I love it that I have the memories.

The weather today has not been that great with the north westerly bringing overcast conditions, but after an afternoon of inactivity we decided to take the kids for a swim at 4 o’clock. I’m glad I took a chair and a cardigan because I did not go into the water! The ,kids, however, had the time of their lives. The waves looked pretty terrifying to me but they thought they were just plain fun!

Omigosh – but nothing scares him

Here comes a big one

Cool ride Josh

Here comes Jay

Surfer Girl

New Year’s Eve and we watched a movie till 10 then went to bed! Happy New Year to all of you. May you have an adventurous and awesome 2013.

Struisbaai Holiday Day 16 – Wine Tasting and Trans Agulhas Challenge

2012-12-30 | puppy1952

We usually go to Kokstad for Christmas so when we asked the kids to come to Struisbaai instead this year, I was a little apprehensive. Was it a good idea to change the magical tradition that in the past had always worked so well?

Things can never stay the same so I believe we have done the right thing. We will always have our wonderful memories of big Christmas celebrations with the whole Kokstad Clan. Yes, I missed being with the extended family. The generation that we raised have their own kids now and it is always great to catch up with them, meet the new babies and celebrate with their grandparents. But there are so many of them now all going their own way that it is probably best to see them at other times of the year instead.

This holiday has been a fun, relaxed and a wonderful bonding time with just our own kids and grandchildren. The weather has been marvellous and we couldn’t choose a nicer place to enjoy a summer holiday. It makes sense to be by the sea in summer! Hopefully we can repeat it again next year. But if not, well we go with the flow and enjoy whatever we decide to do.

This morning the wind, which is not quite as strong as it has been, still prevented a trip to sea. Low tide being only at 10:30 meant the beach might not be at its best for running so I decided to do road run instead. At 6:58 I woke Jay and said, ‘I am heading toward Agulhas. I need you to come with me – catch me up in two minutes.’ I didn’t really expect him to oblige but sure enough ten minutes into my run, he caught me up. What a star my first born grandson is! He was bare foot on the tar but insisted he preferred this to running in shoes. He was like a gazelle or rather a giraffe with his long, muscled legs. He ran ahead to my turning point then kept pace and encouraged me to run faster. “I’m walking at your running pace, Gran.” Yes Jay – that’s why you call me Gran!

“Come on, Gran, you can do it. Just lengthen your stride – and breathe.” Then he sprinted ahead. I did my best. He waited and said, “Now, are you tired or do you still have energy left? – run fast, then slow, fast then slow.” His encouragement did help but I was exhausted when we got back – I ran for 34 minutes – I’m not sure how many km that is but I like to think it must be close on 5.

After breakfast the kids went to the rock pools to catch Klipvis. Earl mowed the lawn and I cleaned the beach out of the house.

Later Allan, Lisa, Lauren and I went to Agulhas and did some wine tasting. The Bon Courage Blush – sparkling wine did it for us. Allan bought a few bottles.

Lauren savouring The Blush

We also went to The Southern Wright Art Gallery and Potpourri to browse and have coffee. It was quite pleasant to just have some adult time.

The competitors in the *Trans Agulhas Challenge arrived from Stilbaai today. The beach was overly crowded and had quite a vibe. Sea Rescue had boats, helicopter and vehicles on standby just in case of mishap – but happily all went well.

Wow

Flying

Coming in

Before supper we decided to go for a walk and a swim. Lisa, Lauren and I chickened out on the swim and Earl stayed behind to start the Weber Chicken. The boys, ever-active, raced down the beach and jumped of dunes while the rest of us followed at a more leisurely pace. Then Shan went in with Dad and the boys for a lovely swim.

The boys leaping

Jay

Simon

A border collie got into the picture of Allan and the kids in the sea

While they were all finishing off their swim, I decided to walk back ahead of them to help Earl with supper. A Struisbaai friend popped in for a chat and then we enjoyed a delicious Weber Chicken dinner.

* The Trans Agulhas Challenge is the toughest inflatable boat endurance race in the world. It begins on 28 December at Plettenberg Bay and ends on 1 January at Strand. During the 5 day race inflatable boats visit beaches along the coast and have surf races to entertain the crowds. Over 60 inflatable boats battle it out on the waves in this most prestigious Inflatable boat Racing competition in the world.

Struisbaai Holiday Day 15 – Arniston

2012-12-29 | puppy1952

Stunning weather greeted us this morning. It was amazing to wake up without back ache – Thank you Steve! At 7:00 am we were once again enjoying an invigorating run down the beach and followed it with a rather chilly swim in the sea.

We found the baby lapwing on the way to the beach

A fisherman tried his luck

A border collie decided to visit and dig a hole and Simon buried himself in the sand while the family look on

A border collie decides to visit and dig a hole and Simon buries himself in the sand while the family look on

On our return Earl made a special birthday breakfast for Laurie – my precious girl is 33 today! We sang the birthday song to her and gave her presents and then she set off back to Cape Town where she will celebrate with her friends tonight.

Low tide was at 10ish today and we were to meet up with Monet’s family, visit the cave have a swim and collect Jay and bring him back to Struisbaai with us.

We travelled up in the Fortuner and Allan’s VW Polo. There is a dune road to be negotiated to the place where the climb down to the cave begins. We all squashed into the Fortuner so that we didn’t have to walk from beach parking lot. The kids shrieked when Grandpa pretended to skid and Shan said, Please don’t do that again Grandpa!

We negotiated the slippery rocks and met Monet’s family coming out as we went into the cave. Jay was clearly enjoying himself.

Making our way gingerly across the slippery wet rocks

Die Groot Grot

The Cave

Shannon emerging from the tunnel

When we came back we saw the two young people coming down from the dunes. Jay was covered in sand as he had rolled down – When you’re on the dune it is compulsory to roll down, he said. The two of them stood on the running board and hung on as we gave them a lift to the beach parking area. We are used to no crowds when we come out of season but at this time of the year finding a spot to park proved quite tricky. Of course the spring low tide brought lots of visitors to the cave too.

We joined Monet’s family on the beach and went in for a swim. The water was heavenly. The kids went in with boogy boards and had a brilliant time surfing the waves.

Jay and Monet taking a wave together

Josh, Monet, Jay

All too soon it was time to return to Struisbaai. We packed Jay’s bike into the back of the Fortuner and made our way home. Jay told us about his exciting two days. They had explored the Breede River area, taken bikes into De Hoop Nature reserve and enjoyed an 11 km bike trail and come close to eland, bontebok and zebra.

On route we had to stop for yet another shot of a pair of our beautiful national birds.

A Pair of Blue Crane

We stopped at the market to buy miellies and had them for lunch. Everybody was pretty whacked and an afternoon nap was called for. In the evening Allan cooked us a delicious beef stew.