Struisbaai Holiday Day 4 Breakfast, Bredasdorp and Boogy Boarding

2012-12-18 | puppy1952

This morning we woke up to just the two of us – a rare thing in our marriage having got together after we’d both had children and then blended our two families. Of course that in itself was a wonderful thing – but when we have alone time we really appreciate it. Our first thought of what to do – was get to the beach before the crowds and have a swim so 7:30 found us wallowing in the waves and giggling like little kids. Earl seldom swims – he fishes – so it was specially nice to enjoy the sea with him in this way. I did not run as the tide was too high and my legs were still aching from yesterday’s soft sand jog! The air was a tad chilly because the wind was blowing but the sea was deliciously warm and we did not want to get out! The waves were pumping and we regretted not having boogy boards to surf. When we were too exhausted from jumping the waves – it was quite rough today – we reluctantly dragged ourselves out and went home to shower. Today was the day we’d earmarked for Bredasdorp shopping and we wanted to make an early start – who wants to be in town when you could be chilling in Struisbaai!

We decided to have breakfast there and were quite happy with what the Flame Grill had to offer. Then it was the serious business of shopping. We needed the following and eventually managed to get it all.

Christmas Tree
Christmas Decorations
Roast for Christmas Day
Christmas Pudding
Various items from a hardware store
Make-up for me
Skipping rope for me (I promised Steve I would train)
Boogy Boards – we’re stupid enough to think we’re still young enough for this – read on!

I found tree that I thought would suit at Checkers – just the right size and it included a transformer and lights. I was holding the box in my hand and contemplating the price when a woman came up to me and said, “I bought one of those last year and the tree started smoking and melting!” I decided that Providence had sent her and decided not to take that particular tree! Instead I got a cheaper one without fancy gadgets and bought some pretty baubles to decorate it. I didn’t want a tree (not much space) but thought the kids would never forgive me if I didn’t at least have a little one!

On our way to and from Bredasdorp we were fascinated to see a number of yellow-billed flying around. There were also a number of steppe and jackal buzzards perched on telephone poles. (Have to mention birds at least once in a holiday report)

Here is a regular visitor to our garden – specially when the sprinkler is on.

Female Cape Sugarbird on our lawn

Female Cape Sugarbird on the telephone wire

Struisbaai in the holidays has a market on a public open space next to the main road. On our return from Bredasdorp we stopped to see what we could find and bought mielies (corn on the cob) and spanspek (cantaloupe). We had the mielies for lunch – delicious. Still to try the spanspek .

After lunch Earl did all the chores he needed to do – light on the Milkwood tree, putting up more hooks and sorting fishing tackle. Clive dropped in and they organised fishing for tomorrow.

I cleaned house and set up the Christmas tree.

My promise to Steve had to be kept – I did not run this morning so conscious was pricking. I opened up my kettle bell boxes – and oh no – one of them was the wrong weight! I emailed and complained (politely) and had an immediate cell phone reply – huge apologies and yes my daughter could collect the correct one on her way up to Struis on Sunday and I could return the wrong one in January. Still I had one that was usable so I did a little circuit routine that Steve, I think would approve of. My usual warm up and then Skipping with my new fancy and very expensive rope, clean and press with the 6kg kettle bell, step ups on my stoep steps, swings with the 6kg kettle bell, and finishing with burpies. Then stretches to cool down. Tomorrow I intend including a run – on the beach or the road depending on whether I can catch the low tide or not!

Earl, while I was struggling through my routine on my own had gone to down to the harbour with Clive. When he got back we went to the beach – and took the new boogy boards! We were like kids at Christmas. The tide was high, the wind was blowing and the waves were hectic! But boy did we have fun — we caught the waves, were dunked several times and were totally exhausted when we finally decided enough was enough! Its so hard to remember that we are in our sixties – we can’t do these kid things at the same rate any more – but we’d rather die than not at least try!

Me after a successful surf to the beach

Oh boy that was fun

Me pretending to be a cool surfer girl!

Struisbaai Holiday Day 3 Beach, Bonding and Shopping

2012-12-17 | puppy1952

Last night I received the sad news that my last surviving uncle, Stanley, passed away suddenly and peacefully sitting in his chair at home. He was 77. It struck my cousins, siblings and me that my father and his three amazing brothers have ended a chapter in our lives. Their strong influence will always be with us and we will remember them all with great fondness and love. Farewell Uncle Stanley – I will always remember being your little flower girl, your charm and your amazing stories. Rest in Peace.

The Original Greeks – Gerry (Dad) Johhny, Neoklis, Stanley – 1967

Another indecently early wake-up for the fishermen this morning while Lollz and I dozed on. But it was too good a day to laze too long. I thought my legs would be feeling a bit stiff after running yesterday – but they were fine. However, my smugness did not last long. Yesterday I was able to run on hard sand but the tide was not yet far out enough this morning, forcing me to run through water or on the softer sand higher up the beach! My calves are going to catch it I thought but in fact the backs of my thighs are killing me! Still it was a glorious morning and I loved every step of the way. I was wondering where I should hide my keys and when I heard a little voice call, “Hi Mr Fenwick” and there was Caitlyn who was in my class last year. She was with her cousin and they were staying at the Caravan Park. I chatted to the little girls for a while and then asked them to look after my things while I went in for a quick dip.

It is Lollz’s last day today and she was going to cook breakfast but I decided it would be nice to have a final mother and daughter bonding at one of the local eateries instead. We had just ordered when my cell rang. The guys were back and wanted the keys to the house. I dashed back and they decided to join us for brekkie.

My Fishing Hero with a lovely Rock Cod – caught and released

Mother and Daughter bonding

The fishermen arrived just as I was having my last cup of coffee. We left them to enjoy themselves and went to do some shopping. A lovely gift shop here, South Bound, owned by our friends Glyn and Lynn is a must to visit. I found some lovely hooks for each bedroom – so that towels etc. can be hung neatly!

Bunk Room Hooks

I was lucky too as I didn’t have to nag to get my darling husband to put them up!

Because it was such a lovely day today Lollz and I could not resist the call of the beach. I am not a sun worshipper – fair-skinned and need to prevent the wrinkled face from burning – but we decided to go for an hour or so. I exposed my legs and kept my face covered. Lollz has the Greek complexion and can stand it better than I!

The inviting beach

Feisty, fun, fearless, female – Catching those rays

Lollz after a swim in the azure waves

And now we are back at the house. Earl is sorting his tackle, Greg is napping, Lollz is doing a Sudoku and I am blogging/facebooking/reading – but not all at the same time!

Struisbaai – Couples Weekend

2012-06-10 | puppy1952

Last weekend I spent a most enjoyable girls’ weekend at our holiday house in Struisbaai so when my hubby suggested going up again to do some necessary chores at the house again on Friday – I thought, why not. We invited our friends Tony and Sharon to join us and although it was short notice they persuaded a friendly neighbour to look after their cat and as soon as I’d finished school at 3 o’clock we were off. The weather was awful. It was cold and wet but we were in high spirits – after all it’s better to be miserable in Struisbaai than miserable in Cape Town. We cheerfully handled the traffic in Somerset West, had a clear run over Sir Lowry’s Pass and dashed through intermittent showers before arriving in Struis at 6 o’ clock. Once we were unpacked and settled we decided to treat ourselves to a meal out at Angelo’s in Agulhas. It was raining when we arrived and really cold but inside there was an inviting fire which warmed us inside and out.

The menu had a variety of delicious items and it was difficult to make up our minds – but in the end Earl, Tony and Sharon had the prawn and calamari basket. The only reason I went for a pasta dish was that I eat seafood so often at home that I felt I should have change. Our meals were superb and Tony and Sharon were amazed that such good cuisine could be obtained in a backwater like Cape Agulhas!

We beat the chill by adding an extra duvet to our beds and we all reported a good night’s rest the following morning. Earl cooked up one of his famous “Early Breakfasts” in the form of delicious omelettes filled with bacon, cheddar, blue cheese and tomato. Then once we’d had a hot cup of coffee, fed the garden birds and donned our warmest jackets Sharon and I went for a stroll around Struisbaai while the boys went to fetch some provisions from the shop. We ended up at Struisbaai ‘mall’ and browsed around my friend, Lynn’s shop – South Bound -Lifestyle Gifts. She’d just returned from the Far East and her stock was wonderful. She has everything and anything – “I look for stuff that is interesting and that I think will sell,” she told us. And she certainly does have an eye! We didn’t have our wallets with us but as we left we found the boys and told them to come and look at what we’d found. It turned out to be a good day for Lynn – Earl and I bought a bedside cupboard and Tony and Sharon left with two beautiful silver statuettes.

We then took a drive to Arniston and of course did some bird watching on the way. Sharon and Tony are not birders but enjoy the feathered friends that visit their fynbos garden on the mountainside of Fish Hoek. We promised not to bore them by stopping for every sparrow and dove. “And Sharon – I promise there is one shop in Arniston.” I said. “She has her black belt in shopping,” Tony quipped. I turned out to be a most productive drive in spite of the intermittent showers and chilly weather. We saw yellow mongoose frolicking and chasing each other, there was a dead sheep in a field that must have been taken by a jackal or a lynx and a bird of prey was being chased from it by the crows. A beautiful jackal buzzard flew from its perch in front of us and there were dozens of weavers, sparrows and canaries about. We also saw lots of blue crane amongst the grazing sheep and the elusive Denham’s bustard made an appearance when we took a detour to Die Mond for a quick walk onto the suspended bridge. On the way back to the Arniston Road we found a single Southern Black Korhaan.

Blue Crane

Mating Dance

Tony and Sharon on the Bridge – Die Mond

Denham’s Bustard

Southern Black Korhaan

The sea at Arniston was wild and fun to watch, the waves breaking as high as the cliffs. We drove around and looked at the dunes and the houses and then went for a light lunch of roast vegetable soup and whole-wheat bread at the hotel. Delicious. Of course, we had to check out the gift shop too but all Sharon bought were some pretty elastics for her hair.

It is compulsory when visiting this part of the world to do the Southern Tip of Africa – so we dutifully took our guest to Cape Agulhas before going home. Bravely they stood with smiling faces and chattering teeth as we took their photographs at the tip of the continent! We also showed them the surrounding Agulhas National Park, Suiderstrand and of course the wreck.

Sharon bravely posing at the Southern Tip of Africa

Potpourri Gift and Coffee Shop was our next port of call. The gatherer instinct was once again satisfied and a cup of coffee consumed. At five o’clock we were the last patrons to leave.

Thank Goodness for our indoor braai! Earl lit the fire and we warmed up beside it until it was ready to cook our supper – starter of spiced bacon on a skewer followed by lamb chops, rolls and salad. Then an early night in our snug little beds.

Sunday Morning dawned without precipitation. We had buns and tea/coffee for breakfast and then the guys did some maintenance chores. While they were busy Sharon and I took a long walk around Struisbaai – the harbour, the board walk and the neighbourhood. Then we went back to Southbound to chat to the other half of Lynn – her husband, Glyn as he wanted to see Earl. Sharon and I spent a few more cents then it was time to pack up and leave.

Struisbaai Harbour

We took the scenic route home, stopping at The Black Oystercatcher for lunch. It was a lovely wine estate and a pretty venue indeed. We sat outdoors in the warm sunshine and enjoyed the lovely views. We all ordered fish cakes, potato wedges and salad. Big mistake! The wedges and salad were fine – but the fish cakes were dry. However, we were hungry and we did not complain and they were edible.

The Black Oyster Catcher

We drove home through the picturesque mission station of Elim where the young men are famous for their thatching skills. Soon after this Earl asked me to drive – he had a pain in his chest – indigestion from the fish cakes we realised. We stopped at Kleinbaai to look at the harbour and the fishing and shark diving boats.

Shark Diving Boats

Kleinbaai Harbour

Kleinbaai

It was then that Earl realised he needed the loo. Then again we stopped at a One Stop outside Hermarnus and he was man down till we got home. Definitely a case of food poisoning. Sharon, Tony and I were okay – although I also had an upset tummy – but didn’t feel as ill as he did. He is sleeping peacefully as I write and I’m sure he’ll be fine in the morning.

In spite of Earl’s mishap, it was a great weekend and we all felt as though we’d been away for a week.

Struisbaai Weekend with Just the Girls – Sunday

2012-06-03 | puppy1952

This morning we woke up and had coffee, hot cross buns and strawberries for breakfast, sat around and chatted, solved the world’s problems and then went for a walk along the boardwalk from the harbour to the beach.

Struisbaai Beach

By this time it was 12 noon and we decided to do lunch at The Pelican Harbour Cafe where they are famous for their fish and chips. We hall settled for pan-seared hake except for Chrissie who had the cob. For starters we shared a small plate of calamari. It was a good choice – the food was excellent.

We enjoyed the outdoor ambience of Pelican Harbour Cafe

Then it was back to Potpourri as the girls wanted to get a few more things – gifts for friends – but Cheryl needed us to leave by 2 – so there was a 15 minute limit set for shopping time! Well – it took a tad longer but then it was back the the house to pack.

We all felt that our batteries we were recharged, we’d found our lost souls and were ready to face the real world again.

It might be Marmite toast for some for a while but the art purchased was definitely worth it!

And to end I could not resist posting a picture of this beautiful boubou that visited our garden this morning.

Southern Boubou

Struisbaai Revamped Continued

2011-12-11 | puppy1952

Sunday 11 December 2011

Last night we used the indoor braai for the first time. What a pleasure not to have to stand in the wind to cook the food. We enjoyed a chicken wing starter followed by spare ribs, sweet potatoes and salad. The latter is now Jay’s speciality!

This morning we finished off some chores that needed to be done – varnishing the woodwork, fixing this and that – or rather my guys did all that while I worked on the inventory.

We found this chap in the garden this morning too. I’ve never seen a carnivorous snail in Struisbaai before. We have other wild visitors to our garden too – francolins regularly bring their babies to see us, various birds enjoy our Milk-wood tree and tortoises seem to think they’ll get a snack of lettuce leaves and vegetable peelings if they find us in a good mood.

By 10:30 we were all done and reluctantly took our leave for home.

Here are some more pictures.

Room to Dance

Josh enjoying a cuppa on the newly enclosed stoep

This was the stoep - now part of the lounge

Indoor braai

Struisbaai Revamped

2011-12-10 | puppy1952

Josh at the new entrance

Yesterday my darling husband, our two precious grandsons and I went to our holiday house in Struisbaai. I have been dying to get there since our renovations had been completed but because of one thing and another there just hasn’t been a weekend available for me. Hubby and oldest grandson went last weekend with the new furniture and came back ecstatic about it. We’re off to Kokstad next week and I haven’t even thought about Christmas shopping – but I could not wait till next year to see my new house!

And it is just WOW! I have always love our little ‘shack’ at the Southern Point of Africa – and it is not exactly huge now – but with a few simple alterations it has given us loads more space. Next time we come for a fishing excursion with a tribe of boys it will be lux-u-ry!

When I saw it I felt as if though I was on Extreme Make-over – “OH MY GOSH” I kept saying over and over. I just did not expect it to be so super. I mean its nothing like EMO – but after our little shopping excursion to Bredasdorp this morning I feel as if I’m a in a palace.

Hubby and I left the boys with chores to complete while we went shopping – and boy – Am I impressed with Bredasdorp – We got everything on our list and more – and the people are so friendly and don’t hesitate to refer you to their competition if they don’t have what you need. We got new bedside tables, enough dinner plates, side plates and bowls for 12 place settings, a new set of pots and pans, duvet covers and pillows and various tools and equipment that E needed. I also managed to get my four grandchildren’s Christmas presents but I won’t mention what here in case they read this blog:-) We came home well pleased and then set to work to make sure everything was ship shape as we are letting it for a month over Christmas. Josh helped me wash and dry all the crockery – very dusty after the building, clean out the cupboards and make up beds while Jay helped Gramps put up a shelf for the new T.V. hang pictures and do other practical things around the house.

It was fun having our meals in the new braai room and my three guys did most of the work – sorry if you’re thinking of renting it they’re not included in the deal.