Struisbaai – A week with three generations – Day 1 and 2

2014-12-12 | puppy1952

Thursday 11 December 2014

Today began a new chapter of my life – RETIREMENT! Well I have had a chequered on and off career of teaching but with Earl’s retirement I know that the time has now come for me to call an end to my career too. I bade farewell to my principal and colleagues just after 9 0’clock yesterday morning no regrets as the last three and half years have been very happy and I’ve left on a high note!

It was just an hour or so later than Earl and I along with our two teenaged grandsons hit the road to our holiday house in Struisbaai.

The Kokstad Clan – Daughter Lauren and Son-in-law Allan travelled up with the kids Shan 12 and Simon 10 overnighted in Graaff Reinet and arrived an hour after us at 3:30 this afternoon.

Simon, Earl, Josh, Jay, Shannon

Proud Grandfather with his brood of grandchildren

Josh and Simon play fighting

UNO – A favourite of our youngsters

Friday 12 December 2014

This morning we were horrified to wake to rain and wind. Not a fishing day! But this did not dampen our spirits and it wasn’t long before it cleared up. A trip to the local supermarket produced freshly baked break and croissants which accompanied Grandpa’s famous Earlie Brekkie.

Bonding over an “Earlie” Breakfast

The adults went off to the Wine Boutique in Agulhas while the kids went to explore the rock pools. Earl and I also popped into Potpourri a favourite gift/coffee shop that I love to browse in. Grandpa spotted a poster that he just had to have. Most appropriate don’t you think?

Excursion to the Rock Pools

My favourite granddaughter – (I’m your only granddaughter, Granny!)

Gathering the family together is far from peaceful. It is full of noise, attention seeking, teasing, laughter, bantering, chatter and fun, fun, fun.

Our older grandsons are amazing with their younger cousins. Jay 17 and Josh 16, always relate well to them and make sure they have a good time. They include them in the board games, take them off to the beach without the adults and make sure everyone does their fair share of the chores!

Our other two daughters had to work till lunch time today so only joined us at 3:30 this afternoon. Laurie brought her friend, Annie, visiting from London along too. So we now have a household of 11!

Laurie and Annie

Lisa and Earl – Allan braaing in the background

Annie, Shannon, Laurie

Simon, Shan and Jay

Playing Clue

Good old S.A. Braai

Struisbaai – A brief interlude

2014-10-11 | puppy1952

For the first time in four years we have stayed home for the school holidays. Well, the intention was to stay home for the school holidays and deal with stuff that term time does not allow time for. For my sins I am involved in several ‘clubs’ and ‘organisations’ that need my attention – I won’t go into the boring details but I had things to do in this regard. In addition I had to deal with things like replacing a lost Identity document – that didn’t happen – queue hours long – it will have to wait till next year!

By Wednesday afternoon I had accomplished most of the things on the list and my darling husband couldn’t take it any longer and insisted that we shoot off to Struisbaai for the last few days remaining of the hols. So much for a week at home!

But did I complain? Of course not – how fortunate are we to have this amazing place to visit whenever we feel like and time allows. I packed in a rush and forgot my shoes and jerseys but hey – what’s wrong with bare feet? And I got to go shopping in Struisbaai’s mini metropolis.

We arrived on Thursday evening and went straight to the local Pizza Place and ordered Al Greco Pizzas to be collected once we’d unpacked. Just before collection time we had a power cut! Luckily our dinner was cooked in a wood fire oven. They were delicious and having no electricity added to the ambience of our evening.

It is always a pleasure waking up in our little house in Struisbaai. The sun poured in and I thought I would survive without my jersey. I did have a light cardigan and jacket. The sunshine did not last long – it clouded over and was quite chilly. I felt a bit foolish in a cotton summer dress and long black cardigan. We went off to Potpourri for breakfast and the coffee soon warmed me.

The old man reading The Times

Delicious breakfasts are served at Potpourri

The purpose of our sojourn was for Earl to do some urgent chores at the house – i.e. put up a 9DB aerial and a weather station. Don’t ask! It’s all to do with talking to the boats at sea.

Friends in Struisbaai picked up on something I posted on Facebook and made contact. They live in Abu Dhabi and Ray is a friend of Earl’s. I had only met Percilla online. They were here to take up residence in a holiday apartment they have just purchased. So we arranged to braai together on Thursday night. What a great eveing. We caught up on their romantic story and how life is treating them in The Middle East. They plan to retire in a year or two and will then spend more time in Struisbaai. Looks like they have similar plans to ours. Thanks for a stunning evening, Ray and Percilla.

The boys at the braai

The Newlyweds!

On Friday Earl had to sort out some details with the council so after cooking us a delicious brekkie he dropped me off to wander around the Struisbaai Metropolis. I popped in to visit friends who have a wonderful gift shop, Southbound, here. Then I found a shop that looked like it might have a jersey or t-shirt suitable for an old lady. By this time Earl had joined me and let me get two cotton jackets, a pair of pants and a boy’s long sleeved T. So I didn’t have to completely freeze my toes off for the rest of the weekend! As Murphy’s law would have it, Saturday was a beautifully sunny and warm day. But the evenings are a still chilly!

We ventured to the beach on Friday but didn’t stay long as it was freezing.

Our dinner on Friday night, cooked by my personal chef – shellfish stir fried into sweet potato and onion. To die for doll.

My special chef

This morning, Earl cooked up a delicious breakfast and we relaxed for most of the day – well, I relaxed and Earl pottered around doing stuff. I did update the inventory and entertain a few people who popped in – namely Steven and his wife and child who are looking for property, some staff members of Earl’s who were up to do a spot of fishing and the grandchildren of the guy who came to fix the electricity – our main circuit breaker burned out! Earl couldn’t fix it himself as it was the Municipality’s jurisdiction.

I don’t think it’s a good thing for a 70 year old grandfather to do all the things Earl does but he thinks I’m crazy when I tell him to be careful. There’s no stopping him.

What can possibly go wrong?

After he’d fussed around the place for hours I managed to persuade him to do a spot of bird watching. Some we found in our garden or around Struis – the rest on the road to Die Dam.

Cape Bulbul outside our house

Cape Sugarbird in our Milkwood tree

Tortoise visiting our garden (I know it’s not a bird!)

Forest Canary on our lawn

Common Fiscal

Weavers Nests

Kittlitz’s Plover

Capped Wheatear

Grey Rhebok

We saw lots of other birds but they refused to sit still for their portraits to be taken. But we enjoyed the bokmakieries, sparrows, weavers, lapwings etc that were enjoying the bounty of the farmlands.There were lots of yellow-billed kites and we also saw a black-shouldered. Jackal Buzzards were conspicuous by their absence! We usually see lots.

We spotted Denham’s bustards way in the distance – nice view through binoculars but only blurred photographs – not good enough to post.

So tomorrow is our last day and rain is predicted. We will probably pack up early and head home. Back to school on Monday – my last term before I retire. Mixed feelings about that!

Struisbaai – Five Fab Friends and Two Old Toppies – Day 3

2014-04-19 | puppy1952

So this morning we decided to Google where the closest licensing authority would be and were relieved to find that it was right here in Struisbaai as they have a Post Office Agent just up the street! This saved us a trip to Bredasdorp and by 8 am the lads were off to sea.

This left me with an entire morning to myself. It was a perfect day – warm and windless so I decided to go to Agulhas. Everybody was out enjoying the sunshine. The weather was perfect for jogging, cycling, walking the dogs and strolling on the beach. The Coastline is different to Struisbaai – no white beach but instead rugged rocks and a pebbled shore.
I stopped along the way to soak up some rays and take some photographs. The scene was tranquil and gave one a real feel of contentment.

In the shadow of the Lighthouse is Potpourri, a favourite haunt of mine. I seldom visit this area without popping in to browse around this gift/novelty/coffee shop. The owners have also just started a B&B opposite and I imagine it would be a great place to stay. It is called Potpourri Stay.
I spent a bit of money then sat down to have a health breakfast and their excellent coffee.

After chilling there for a while I returned to the house and then took a very long walk along the longest beach in South Africa. What I love about this place is that the beach even during peak season is never really crowded. It is an idyllic place to be. I started at the harbour and then took the board walk to the beach. It was low tide and I walked calf deep in the water which was pleasantly warm. There was quite a bit of activity – families playing, dogs being walked, surfing, swimming and some power boating and jet-skiing.

When I returned to the house I cleaned up a little then relaxed with my book until the chaps returned at around 3ish.
Their day was a great success and they all caught fish some of which they had to throw back as they were protected species. I was cross with my husband as he had set the camera to video and didn’t take a single photograph. For some reason my blog is refusing to accept this video format but if you go to my Facebook Page you can see a video of Devon catching his fish.
The boys were in good spirits on their return even though Jordan had been quite sea-sick! After all the boat cleaning and fish scaling they showered and Earl cooked his famous fried fish which went down a treat.

Struisbaai – Five Fab Friends and Two Old Toppies Day 1

2014-04-18 | puppy1952

Grandpa and Granny are spending Easter in Struisbaai with Five Teenaged Boys! Our two grandsons have invited three friends to join them at our holiday house for a weekend of sun, fun and fishing.

Grandpa who is now retired (at last!) left early on Friday morning with all the luggage which included bicycles and fishing tackle while the rest of us had to endure a day of school. There was great excitement when we finally go into the Caravel just after half past three. Maundy Thursday is not the best time to travel I know but with Grandpa getting supper ready it would be worth the long drive. I thought I’d make it all the way in daylight but the sun was gone by 6:30 so the last leg was done in the dark. The worst of the traffic was through Somerset West and then Elgin/Grabouw. After that it was free flowing

The boys tuned the seats around to face each other and there was lovely fun vibe in the car. I think they forgot that I could hear every word of the conversation and now find myself quite informed about internet gaming with Russian opponents! And here I believed that my innocent grandsons never gamed online!

Towards the end a game of I spy, teenage style, took place as they thought up the most obscure words for the others to guess, then mocked each other about the bizarre way in which their minds worked.

Grandpa was waiting patiently and indeed had a superb braai ready for us. After the boys tucked away a good amount of food they could not resist going down to the harbour to see the rays and seal. They returned a little later with lots of photographs but the seal and rays had gone to bed.

Human Rights Weekend Struisbaai Day 3

2014-03-24 | puppy1952

Because of the wind, the South League Inshore competition was postponed from Saturday to Sunday. Fortunately the weather played fair and it was a reasonably good day for the fishermen and woman to go out. And the fishing was good.
Karla has just turned 9 and although she has been fishing with her dad, Gus, on Seekat since she was very small, it was her first time fishing for yellowtail in a competition. She caught a mega 7.47kg fish on 6kg line. This is a pending Ladies South African record.

Bobbi who is 10 fished with Earl on Kiora and did really well catching a couple of good sized fish.

Sonja also fished on Kiora and managed not to get sea-sick. It was also her very first competition.

Sam is an old hand now and always does well. He was a good mentor to his sister Bobbi. We are proud of you Sam!

Another junior to do well was Robert Dahl from Overberg. He caught a pending South African junior record – a yellowtail weighing in at 8.26kg

While all this excitement was happening at sea, Jacqui and I had a late lie in and then started stripping and remaking beds for our guests who would arrive later that afternoon. Shock Horror – the new linen I’d bought the day before did not fit both beds. The duvet cover for room one was fine – but the fitted sheets were too small. The sheets for room two were fine but the duvet cover too big for the inner! Now it was Sunday in the sticks and we were stranded with no car – the men had their keys at sea. Fortunately though there was a Nissen Bakkie with keys parked outside and the driver was on Earl’s boat. We made a quick call and he told us where to find the keys and kindly allowed two women to take his prized vehicle to Bredasdorp 30km away. Sheet Street where I’d bought the linen was not open – so we had to settle for Ackerman’s who had just the stuff we needed. Phew! After all this stress, Jacqui and I thought we needed to relax with a Wimpy breakfast before making our way back to Struisbaai. Thanks Roger for saving the day!

Lines up was at 3 p.m. Jacqui and I got the bedrooms sorted and gave the rest of the house as good a clean as we could. Of course when the fisherfolk returned there was more mess to sort out. Our guests who would be staying in the house for the next two nights arrived at 5 after taking the scenic route from Cape Town, stopping at Hermanus for lunch and then continuing via Gansbaai. Wendy and Erich are from Australia and were travelling with friends who are based in Johanneburg. They are doing The Garden Route together and we will meet up with them again at Sani Valley Lodge at the foot of The Drakensberg.
Earl prepared a yellowtail for them to braai that evening and we finally left them in peace at 7 p.m. We arrived home at 10. What a great weekend it was!

Image

Human Rights Day in Struisbaai

I am trying something new today. I am dong a blog on my Ipaad for the first time. Posting media is somewhat trickier than the laptop version so I hope you can all see what I have posted!

It is Human Rights Day in South Africa today so we have a long weekend. Hubby wants to braai a fish tonight but I have persuaded him to let us use the yellowtail freshly caught today for sashimi. But I am jumping ahead. Let me tell you about our weekend so far.

We have two youngsters with us – Sam – 16 – who is a young protege of Earl’s and fishes competition with him – and his little sister, Bobbi who wants to get into fishing too. What super kids they are and such a pleasure to have.

Bobbi fished in Cape Town last weekend with Earl and Sam and was horribly seasick so this time she came prepared with some preventative medication. They set off early this morning and returned triumphant

On my return walk I spotted a couple of birds – a canary and a common fiscal.

While they were having fun at sea, I was having some much needed alone time. I needed to recover from the exhausting week of fun at school – it’s hard work having fun you know.
I slept in late, did my Back in the classroom blog and then went for a walk. I dropped in on my friend at her gift shop at the mall and then went to the harbour and had brekkie at the Pelican.

Women’s Day Weekend in Struisbaai – Conclusion

2013-08-11 | puppy1952

This morning we enjoyed another fabulous ‘Early’ breakfast and then packed up and set off for a slow and scenic drive home. After the recent rains there is water everywhere and this added to the success of our bird watching. We took the R317 dirt road to ‘Die Dam’ and stopped several times to take photographs.

Water Water Everywhere

Red-billed Teal

Female Red Bishop

Male Red Bishop

Grey Heron on top of hay stack – some birds have made nest holes it the stack

The Wild Flowers were beautiful

Black-winged Stilt

Karoo Prinia

Levaillant’s Cisticola

Pin-tailed Whydah

It is not easy to find Purple Swamphen even when bird watching in a wetland as they are quite shy birds and hide easily in the reeds. So it was very exciting to find the right at the side of the road in the flood waters. Two of them flew away when I got out of the car to take pictures but one stayed and was not at all frightened of me. I was close enough to reach out and touch him and he still did not fly away. It was great to see him at such close quarters and to see him swim too. These birds have long, widely spaced toes which are adapted to walking on lily pads and climbing up reeds.

The colours were shining in the sunlight

Back View

Such a beautiful bird

The Four of Us at Die Dam

We also went to Buffulsjag where Earl camped as a youngster. He pitched his tent in the dark and when he woke in the morning found he was at the very edge of a cliff as seen in the photograph.

Buffulsjag – cliffs in the distance

We had planned to meet up with our friends Gus and Jacqui who were travelling home from Arniston. What were the chances that as we came to the tar road they arrived at the crossroads at exactly the same time! Instead of having lunch in Hermanus as originally planned we decided that parking would be easier in Stanford. We found a fantastic little restaurant that offered home bakes too – and Sharon had to have her cake!

Evergreen. Stanford

The food was excellent

Gus and Jacqui were wise enough to avoid Sir Lowry’s by going via Kleinmond so avoided the traffic jam that we had to contend with. They laughed when they heard we were caught in traffic but we didn’t really mind. After all we weren’t in a hurry to get anywhere!

It was a fabulous weekend and we all feel as if we’ve been away for a month!

Women’s Day Weekend in Struisbaai – Part Two

2013-08-10 | puppy1952

It was a lazy start to the day this morning. The sun was up and shining again but the chill had not left the air so we lingered longer in our warm beds. I had my usual craving for croissants and the boys did their best to locate some. OK Grocer apologised but were not making them this weekend! Instead they came home with herby bread rolls, ham and cottage cheese. I was a bit miffed but when the lovely rolls were put before me all was forgiven.

Sharon tucking into brekkei

Sharon and I took a walk to the Struisbaai Mall and visited South Bound Gift Shop – always a fun place to browse around. The men caught up with us a little later and we shopped for a ‘snippermaandjie” (waste paper basket) and found a suitable one at the hardware shop. It is amazing what Struisbaai has to offer in the way of shopping these days. I wanted to show Sharon the Fish Shop and had no intention of buying anything but there were products on demo and after tasting this and that we left with a small haul – green fig preserve, mango mustard, olive chutney and whatnot.

A Smorgasbord of choice

The Fish Shop the meets all your fish requirements from bait, fresh caught fish and cooked take aways to items that you need to cook your own catch

There is some controversy as to where the Atlantic and Indian actually meet – The owner clearly believes it’s not here and I agree with him!

Later in the afternoon we took a drive to Suiderstrand and a long walk (over and hour) along the beach toward and beyond the Agulhas National Park Rest Camp where we stayed a few weeks ago. (See earlier Blog)

The scenery was to die. The pebbly beach proved challenging on the feet but the sound of the sea rumbling on them in the shallows was like nautical music to our ears.

Sweep of the coastline

Smooth white pebbles underfoot

Fishermen trying their luck

We left the shells where they belong

Enjoying the sunshine

The threatened African Black Oyster Catcher

Ignoring the breaking waves

Keep up please, Darling

We know we’re a handsome couple

White-fronted plovers

After all this strenuous exercise we’d worked up a healthy appetite. Chef Earl was keen to try out some more of his culinary skills and once again presented us with a delicious supper which was followed by fresh berries and yogurt.

Sadly tomorrow is pack up day and its back to Cape Town and normal life (and food) once more!

Women’s Day Weekend in Struisbaai – Part One

2013-08-09 | puppy1952

After a rainy and cold week we find ourselves here in Struisbaai once again. A text from our rental agent warned us that there might be road closures due to the recent heavy rains and flooding. Really? We didn’t give it too much thought and set off with Tony and Sharon at about 3:30 yesterday afternoon. “I’d better just phone and check,” I said. “It would be a pity to get to Bredasdorp only to find that road closed.” Sure enough, we were warned that only twin cabs and 4X4s were able to make it through. “Huh?” No problem for us as fortunately as we drive a Fortuner! I still didn’t believe that it could be that bad but it was! There was a virtual river running across the road halfway between Bredasdorp and Struisbaai.

Will the big truck get through – Yes indeed so we should too.

Fellow travellers forging the river

It was dark and cold when we reached our house and we put on the gas heater the minute we’d unpacked! Then after a glass of wine and chat we set off to Agulhas to seek a place to have dinner. To our horror Seagulls was closed – apparently taking advantage of the quiet season to get away for their annual holiday. So we settled for Zuidste Kaap Restaurant (Most Southern Cape Restaurant) which had a fire in a huge hearth and very good food. (The fire did very little to warm the place though) Earl had Eisbein and Sharon and I had Vegetarian Pasta and Tony Rainbow Pasta. All excellent.

We slept snugly and rose this morning to a unique “Early” breakfast. Nobody else can possibly compete with whatever it is he does to make this the most delicious breakfast in the world. (Thanks my darling)

We then packed up and took ourselves off to De Hoop Nature Reserve – a very special place about an hour or so away. The results of the recent rains were evident everywhere and had attracted a variety of waterbirds not usually seen in the area.

A tranquil scene on a temporary lake

Indulging in a morning preen

Aren’t we beautiful

From Bredasdorp we take the Swellendam Road and then 6km out of Bredasdorp we take the dirt road to Malgas travelling about 40 km before turning right to De Hoop. En route, we stop of course, to observe birds and take scenic photographs.

Now we know why it is so cold – Snow on the Caledon Mountains!

A Patchwork of colour with farmhouse in background

A Grey Heron with an identity crisis – He is impersonating a swan

Capped Wheatear posing obligingly

Flood water creating a lovely scene

Mommy sheep with twins

Spurwinged Goose, Two Cape Shovellers and A Yellow-billed Duck

The proteas in the park were in full bloom

Although it was still chilly we the sun was shiny and there was good light and after the rain everything looked bright and clear. The birds and animals in the park clearly thought today was the day to make an appearance and we found them everywhere. All were enjoying the sunshine and the abundance of water.

De Hoop Nature Reserve is 34 000 ha in size and the largest natural area managed by Cape Nature. It is a good place to go if you enjoy hiking, cycling, bird watching and of course whale watching.

It forms part of the world’s smallest and most threatened plant Kingdom – the Cape Floral Kingdom. Fynbos is the dominant vegetation group. The Bredasdorp / Agulhas and Infanta area has an estimated 1500 plant species of the approximately 9 000 species found in the Cape Floristic Region. We live in a beautiful part of the world and have such interesting flora and fauna. What a privilege to have such easy access to it. Not only can we see the rare bontebok and other mammal species here but it is adjacent to the De Hoop Marine Reserve too and at Koppie Alleen there is an opportunity to see whales and other marine life too.

Cape Bulbul catching some rays

Common Fiscal

Ostriches out and about

Cape Mountain Zebra

Male and Female Eland

Bontebok

Our close cousins

Bokmakierie

We have often dined at the restaurant in the park and can highly recommend it. Sharon and I had traditional South African fare in the form of Bobotie and Tony and Earl indulged in Mussel Chowder.

The Four of Us Indulging in Good South African Food

This cheeky chap demanded crumbs but we declined to indulge him.

Cape Francolin

The trees were full of noisy birds eating berries

Cape Bulbul

Mousebird

After lunch we drove to Koppie Alleen to see if we could spot a whale or two. We were not disappointed. There were dozens of Southern Right Whales in the bay which were seen clearly with the aid of our binoculars. It was bitterly cold on the dunes so we didn’t spend too much time before we were driven back to the warmth of our vehicle.

Koppie Alleen

Whale Watching

The Bay was full of Southern Right Whales

On our way out the baboons once again amused us.

Daddy Baboon

Mommy and Baby

After a great day out we returned to our cosy cottage and Chef Earl produced a wonderful braai – chicken wings on sticks, skilpaaidjies (not real tortoises honestly – just liver wrapped in sheep fat) lamb chops, vegetables in foil and Sharon’s Coleslaw. To finish a stunning lemon meringue from Checkers’ Bakery.

The Indoor Braai

Yum!

Weekend at Agulhas National Park

2013-07-24 | puppy1952

As if I haven’t been spoilt enough with overseas travel and being whisked away for a romantic reunion, I found myself off on another lovely weekend with my amazing husband. My school rented our house in Struisbaai for the Prefects’ Leadership training and needed someone to help with the fishing activity. We have always wanted to check out Agulhas National Park Rest camp so Earl volunteered to do the fishing with the kids and we booked into the rest camp.

We left home at 10 to 3 and had a pleasant drive arriving just before six. We booked in at the Sanparks office in Agulhas and then dropped the trailer off at our house in Struisbaai, said Hi to the teachers and boys staying there and then got Pizza from a a local plekkie in Struisbaai and headed to Suiderstrand where the Rest Camp is located.

The Pizza Place

The keys were waiting for us at the gate which is manned 24/7. It was dark when we arrived and very cold. We quickly unpacked and then enjoyed our pizzas before snuggling into our lovely big warm bed. No electric blanket but there was a heater!

Suiderstrand is about 10km from the Agulhas Light House. Accommodation comprises four two-bed and four four-bed self-catering chalets. Our two bed thatched wooden chalet was stunning. The kitchen was fully equipped with a microwave oven and two plate electric cooker. The fridge was big and there was little need to bring anything from home. It had a lovely fireplace and a weber for braaing.

The living area

Cosy Bedroom

Front Deck

The view was amazing. The weather was very cold and windy on Saturday but on Sunday it was still and sunny and we took a long walk along the pristine beach and then back through the fynbos.

On Saturday afternoon we went to Struisbaai and Earl did the fishing activity with the prefects on the beach. It was windy but the kids did not seem to mind. They had a wonderful time and one team caught a smooth hound shark which caused great excitement.

Earl Mentoring the next generation

The smooth hound shark

On Saturday evening Earl cooked a chicken in the Weber with sweet potatoes and lots of lovely vegetables. Dessert was nougat and rooibos tea in bed! In spite of having a fire it was freezing!

As I mentioned before Sunday was a stunning day – isn’t that typical – the day you need to leave is the day the weather improves! But it did give us a taste of what it can be like at this resort in good weather.

Shells on the beach

Unspoilt Pristine Beach

Perfect Day

Enjoying the sunshine

white-fronted plover

Karoo Prinia

Double Collared Sunbird singing

Showing his yellow epaulettes beautifully

View towards the chalets

At 11 o’clock we drove to Struisbaai to collect the trailer. On the way we net up with this black shouldered kite.

Black-shouldered kite

We stopped at Peregrine Farm Stall for coffee and croissants along with many others out on this beautiful Sunday afternoon

To end a perfect weekend we took ourselves off to Just Sushi for supper – Excellent as always!

Easter in Struisbaai – It’s just too wet

2013-03-31 | puppy1952

I was surprised to wake up after my husband this morning. But then it was almost 8 o’clock! He was up, sitting in the Laz-y-boy reading – most unlike him. It was still raining!

“Right now,” I said, “I have this craving for croissants – and I need to get out – I have cabin fever!” So we woke our sleepy daughter and made our way to l’Agulhas where I was sure I would find said delicacy at a little coffee/gift shop called Potpourri. “It is such a miserable day that nobody will be there and we can indulge in a good cup of coffee too.”” How wrong I was. Everybody at the southern tip of Africa was sick of the rain and felt the need to get out for air so we could barely get a parking spot let alone a table for three. I bought a few things I wanted from the gift part of the shop and we headed out to The Southern Most Restaurant and pub to see if they could be more accommodating. After checking their menu and finding only egg and bacon we decided to return to Potpourri and wait for a table. Luck was with us – in the five minutes we were gone a parking spot right outside was available and a tiny table for three was free. Service was instant but no croissants on the menu! I settled for Lemon Meringue while E had an English breakfast and Lolz French toast and bacon. She was annoyed when there was no green tea – I had told her that I was quite sure it was the sort of place that would have it – so she had to settle for Rooibos. I was well satisfied with the hot, strong and black filter coffee and Earl said the Cappuccino was excellent.

I am not usually the sort to have cake for breakfast but I just did not feel like eggs today! The weather called for indulgence and boy did I enjoy it.

We decided that there was little point in spending another night just so we could fight the traffic home on Monday. So we packed up and left a midday and enjoyed a pleasant, unstressed trip home. The weather in Cape Town is somewhat less stormy but I think that might change tomorrow.

Lolz and Earl enjoying brekkie – my enormous slice of lemon meringue in the foreground

Easter in Struisbaai – Nature on my doorstep

2013-03-29 | puppy1952

Travelling on the day before the Easter Weekend is madness and as I was unable to leave school early we decided to Ïtthis morning instead. We have our youngest daughter, Laurie with us. The rest of the family have other plans. The Struisbaai weather does not look promising but all I really want is a relaxed and chilled break to recharge my batteries for next term.

The trip up was a pleasure – not a scrap of traffic. We spotted the usual roadside birds – mainly jackal buzzards and blue crane and arrived at about 11:30 a.m.

I was relaxing with a slice of banana bread and cup of coffee when Earl who had been out somewhere came charging in. Bring the camera quickly – I lept up, grabbed it and raced to the car no knowing what the heck I was about to see. “It’s walking down the road impersonating a dog!” he said. “What?” I asked and got no anser. – and then I saw it – in our neighbour’s garden under a tree – a Sharpe’s Grysbok! They’re hard enough to find in the wild – but here in a fishing village? There are a few vacant plots in the vicinity and people often tell us they see bokkies – but usually at dusk. This one acted like he owned the place and didn’t even ‘skrik’ when I got out of the car to take photographs.

What are you staring at – this is my territory!

I’ve had enough now – the grub was good though

My vacant lot has tasty food too

Goodbye – I’ll visit again soon

We are trying to get our new lawn to grow so lots of watering is required. Of course this also attracts the birds. We enjoyed watching a couple of red-eyed doves and a fiscal fly-catcher at their ablutions.