The Boys and Me at False Bay Ecology Park

2014-06-08 | puppy1952

Temperatures have been hovering between 8 and 16 here in chilly Cape Town this week. Today though we had sunshine and it was a tad warmer. Earl had a fishing date with a friend and after doing a number of chores in town I really felt the need to get my teenage grandsons out of the house and into Nature.

Isn’t it amazing that you can go to the same place many times but each time it’s different. The light was good for photography and I gave Jay (16) my ex-camera, a Canon Powershot SX30IS and Josh and I used my Powershot SX50HS.

Black-winged stilt by Jay

Purple Swamphen by Jay

Flamingos

Black-headed Heron with an snack by Jay

Black-head heron – Jay

Egyptian Goose – Josh

Egyptian Geese

Hadeda Ibis – Josh

Cape Teal

Little Grebe

Levaillant’s Cisticola

Jay

Josh in front

We always look out for the Spotted Eagle-owls in their usual spot and today Jay and Josh found them easily. They were in the open, woke up and stared at us, preened a bit and then went back to sleep. We managed to get a few reasonable photographs.

Sleepy Head

Ho Hum

What are you looking at

Wink Wink

The African Fish Eagle is occasionally seen at The False Bay Ecology Park and today we were lucky enough to catch sight of two. I alerted the boys to one was flying ahead of the car when they yelled – Gran – look – there’s one next to us with prey! It was not easy to focus the camera but I got a very poor shot of it with a mongoose in its talons! It scattered the birds on the mudflats including a number of Spur-winged geese then settled on a mound some distance away.

Poor Mongoose

Fish Eagle

Fish Eagle – Jay

He flew off over the next pond, settled in a tree and then flew off again. We went in hot pursuit of a better photograph.

The Boys hoping to spot the Fish Eagle

Finally it was time to leave. Last shot of a male Cape Shoveller.

The boys agreed the excursion had been most worthwhile!

Two Visits to False Bay Ecology Park

2014-06-01 | puppy1952

One of my favourite spots to visit in Cape Town is the False Bay Ecology Park. I have been there twice in the past seven days and have included photos from both visits in this blog.

This afternoon Earl and I were accompanied by two friends, Cheryl and Dot. The latter is a beginner and after we’d met up with some others girls at our monthly breakfast club, she asked if I would take her bird watching. Cheryl was also able to come along so I persuaded Hubby to drive us, picked them up at Cheryl’s home and we headed to our favourite spot.

The weather at this time year is chilly but also changeable so we were not too sure what we might see. Last Sunday there was very little but today was more productive although it was cold and windy.

Ever present are the beautiful Greater Flamingos

The pelicans were chilling on a distant bank.

My favourite ducks – they’re so photogenic

Cape shovellers taking to the water – all male except the one with the brown eye

A patient black-headed heron in the water

and out

A pretty little Black-winged Stilt

A Little Egret skulking in the reeds

A small flotilla of Littel Grebe (Dabchicks)

A small flotilla of Little Grebe (Dabchicks)

Here is a picture from last Sunday’s visit – a malachite kingfisher

An active, tiny bird – finally settled for a reasonable shot

A s silly moorhen impersonating a songbird!

A silly moorhen impersonating a songbird!

An African Pipit looking handsome

The purple swamphen (gallinule) is common at FBEP but tends to be elusive in the reeds. I am usually lucky and almost every time I visit I see at least one. Dot was very keen to get to see this lovely bird and I promised her we would. She missed the first one which was a bit far off and then decided to disappear before we could focus her attention to it. The second one was also hiding but Earl moved the car and we all got an excellent view of him showing off his very long and wide spread toes.

First glimpse of the colourful bird

Climbing up the reeds

Higher – Look at those toes!

Because of the very windy conditions many species of bird were congregated on Pond P2 which was slightly more sheltered. There were hundreds of yellow-billed duck, Cape shovellers, sacred ibis, stilts, avocets, Egytian Geese and Spur-winged geese amongst others.

Spur-winged goose with Sacred Ibis

While we were watching the frantic activity of the birds Dot called our attention to a small bird of prey flying at great speed and scattering a flock of common starling. It was a flash of rufous dashing just above the reeds – too fast for us to track. But then we saw it perched in a tree. Waving reeds make it difficult to focus unless you have a really fancy camera so Earl’s resulting pics were not particularly clear. Here is the best one from a bad bunch of a rufous-chested sparrowhawk.

An uncommon sighting at the best of times and the first time we’ve seen one here. A wonderful way to end our visit!

Weekend Breakaway – Good Hope Farm Robertson

2014-05-19 | puppy1952

We decided on the spur of the moment to take off for the weekend. We love Robertson for the bass fishing and bird watching opportunities. Over the years we have stayed at a few places but Retreat Cottage is one of our favourites. This time we decided to go to a place we haven’t been to for a number of years – Good Hope Olive and Wine Farm. We first stayed at their Mountain Cottages which had a ‘loo with a view’. We got to know the owner, Shirlee but she has since sold and we wanted to stay at the Fishing Cottages which are somewhat more rustic but attractive as they are right on the Bass Dam.

I phoned to book at lunch time and by 3 o’clock we were packed on the road with very little packed in the way of self-catering! So after checking in we headed to the town of Robertson for dinner. The Bourbon Restaurant came highly recommended and we were not disappointed. It had a varied menu. Earl settled for Lamb Shank and I had a sort of Pitta filled with delicious middle eastern vegetables served with tzatziki.

After dinner coffee

Our accommodation was rustic but comfortable. The stone floors meant did nothing for warmth but we had a heater and wonderful electric blankets. Between the two semi-detatched huts there was indoor/outdoor kitchen – wonderfully equipped and perfect for our needs. The Dam Cottages would be perfect for a group of friends who wanted to share some time together.

A beautiful mountain setting

The view of the dam was fabulous. We were the only guests on the farm this being very low season. In summer and on long weekends it is hard to get accommodation in the Robertson area.

Situated next to the bass dam

The Dam

A hammock could be fun

Enjoying morning coffee on the bench with a view

Master Chef Earl cooking breakfast

Good Hope Farm is a working farm and one wakes to sound turkeys gobbling and cocks crowing. There are pigs and sheep and horses too.

Cheeky Pig

horses

Christmas Dinner?

Good Looking Sheep

Earl threw in a line or two but the aim was to do a bit of bird watching. There were a few birds like coots, herons, Egyptian Geese and darters on the dam. On Sunday morning we were amused to see a heron give way to the superior claim to the float to a darter.

Heron on a float in the middle of the dam

The darter approaches

The heron flies off and the darter takes the perch

Darter

The area is good for all the Karoo specials. I was hoping to find the Karoo Robin and I was in luck. The pale chanting goshawk is also common in the area. Here are some birds that we had fun finding.

Cape Sparrow

Bokmakierie

African Pipit

Familiar chat

Familiar Chat

Black Headed Heron

Black-shouldered Kite

Karoo Robin

Pale Chanting Goshawk

Rock Kestrel

Stone Chat

Hereunder some photographs of the beautiful scenery – the mountains stood out clearly and we were stunned by the stunning autumn colours of the vines and trees. The Elgin area displayed some beautiful trees in their rustic apparel.

Struisbaai-Five Fab Friends and Two Old Toppies Easter Sunday

2014-04-20 | puppy1952

Were the boys too old for an Easter Egg Hunt?! Never! The ancient Bunny got up to hide the eggs and then set about making breakfast. I roused the boys (it was after 8) and they were soon having fun finding their treats – just a token – there are more to be had when they get home. There was great hilarity and teasing when Jay was the last to find his bunny!
I was lucky that the Bunny did not forget me either!

After another wonderful ‘Early’ breakfast we packed a picnic lunch and set off for a Brandfontein. The weather was slightly overcast but still windless. We handed out binoculars to the lads and tried to engage them in a bit of bird watching. Unfortunately the birds were away for the long weekend and those who remained were not that photogenic. The proteas were beautiful and we saw flamingos on the salt pans.

There were a few fishermen at the beach and it is an area known for perlemoen poaching. The latter is done quite blatantly and few arrests are ever made. I did not feel happy leaving the car full of binoculars, phones and iPads so I volunteered to stay behind while Grandpa and the boys went adventuring. Anyway that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it. I had a wonderful couple of hours alone with my book:-) I did wander down the beach to get a bit of fresh air and was a tad worried when they were away so long but just as I was about to call a search party they reappeared full of the fun they’d had on the dunes and very hungry. The left over fish, rolls, chips and Easter eggs were gone in minutes!

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.

Autumn Break – Wattle Crane Cottage

2014-04-05 | puppy1952

On Thursday morning my darling granddaughter was on cue with steaming cups of coffee for grandpa and me She is an ace coffee maker and I am threatening to take her home with me as her counterpart cousins don’t score highly on the coffee making front. This was the day we were to depart for the mountains – not far away but a four by four vehicle is highly recommended to get there. Our destination – Wattle Crane Cottage owned by the Raw Family who are cattle farmers and let out their rustic cottage next to the highest farm dam in South Africa. The scenery on the way is spectacular.

Allan would join us later as he had first to attend a business meeting in Kokstad. We set off for town to replenish our provisions and then it was an hour’s drive to Wattle Crane Cottage. The weather was sunny but in the mountains it is always chilly.
After checking in at Sailor’s Gift we negotiated rough roads to a nearby neighbour whou had offered to lend Earl a boat with a motor. The old man is finding oars a bit strenuous these days!

Shannon was an excellent gate opener and before long we arrived, unpacked and Gramps was out on the dam. He returned with a lovely rainbow which had Simon all excited and demanding to be taken out. Although Grampy was cold and tired he could not resist the pleas of his youngest grandchild and off they went. Si is just learning to cast a fly rod but is getting the hang of it. He was well rewarded with a catch which he released.

Allan arrived before dark but was upset as he’d damaged his sump on the rough road – really they are not the best for ordinary sedan cars. We were lucky enough to get Nicoline’s bakkie for the trip.
It was too cold to stand in the chill to braai so we grilled our chicken wings, pork rashers and chops in the oven and did our sweet potatoes in the micro. All accompanied by a lovely salad – scrumptious.
On Friday morning, Grandpa for the first time in history did not get up early to take the boy fishing. Instead, Allan obliged but not as early as his dad-in-law expected! No problem they were still successful – Alan with 3 and Simon with 4.

They returned for breakfast cooked by the Master Chef and then Lauren took Allan back to Kokstad for a meeting.
Earl and I and the grandchildren took a long walk, saw cows and birds but no Oribi which had been our mission. Gramps was feeling a bit tired so we stopped to rest and admire the view.

This is where Lauren found us as she led the flat bed truck which was coming to collect Allan’s ailing car. We all piled in and the watched the process of getting car onto truck – very exciting for one particular small boy!
While this procedure was underway the cows decided to take advantage of the open gate and trespassed into greener pastures. My rural grandchildren rose to the occasion and chased them back to where they belonged.
After bidding the car goodbye we went in for a much needed cup of hot coffee and biscuit. The kids persuaded us to have a game of 30 seconds which had us in fits of laughter then Gramps decided it was time for a nap.

Simon went onto the jetty to practise his casting. After 20 minutes we heard yells – I’ve caught a fish Shan ran out with the net and I woke Grandpa and grabbed the camera. He had a beautiful rainbow caught all by himself – and right in front of the cottage to boot.

After lunch we played another game of 30 seconds then Grandpa went out on the boat and I went for a long walk. I saw some interesting birds.

African Pipit

Egyptian Goose

Dabchick

Reed Cormorant

Male Amur Falcon

Non-breeding Yellow Bishop

Female stonechat

Black-winged Lapwing

Before supper we were prevailed upon to play another game of 30 seconds which had us once again in fits of laughter as we tried to get our partners to guess the right word.

Earl braaied before it got dark and the chill set in. He captured a lovely sunset.

This morning it was very misty and cold. The guys did not go fishing although the sun did come out later. Look at the mist hovering above the surface of the water.

After a leisurely Early breakfast we packed up and hit the road back down to civilization. Shannon spotted a pair of reed buck on the hill.

The Cosmos is still in full bloom and makes the roadsides look so pretty. I could not end this post without showing it to you with Mount Fifty in the background.

Autumn Break – Last days at Sani Valley Lodge

2014-04-02 | puppy1952

When Earl went Reception, he chatted to the manager outside, told him he wanted to book a massage for the two of us and before Gareth could go in to organize it Sindile came out to say it was all sorted for 3 pm. She’d overheard the request and got right onto it. How’s that for service. We had a thunderstorm at 3 o’clock but it had passed by the time Earl’s massage was over so he was able to get his afternoon fishing in. The masseuse came to us and set up in our bedroom. It was bliss!
This is what the lake looks like in a thunderstorm.

While the chaps were fishing I saw Wendy on a walk and went to meet her. We walked back to our lodge together, sat on the deck and drank in the amazing view while sipping an excellent Sauvignon Blanc.
Below: It was easy to recognize Wendy by her beautiful white hair.

The light kept changing making photography interesting.

Spot the zebra on the hillside.

Two crowned crane flew in and settled down for a drink.

It was dark when Simon and Earl returned. E drove Wendy back to her friends who by now had wondered what had become of her.
Simon was a happy lad as he had caught the only fish of the day – a 2kg Rainbow Trout!
Hereunder – Simon on the boat

Eric in his element

Simon with his catch

Lauren, Allan and Shan were out visiting their friends Mitzi and Peter while the supper was roasting in the over. We sat down to eat and after a brilliant day it was early to bed! Thanks for a delicious dinner, Lauren!

This morning, Eric was already at the door when Earl was about to fetch him at his lodge. They spent another lovely couple of hours on the water and then returned so that we could pack, have breakfast and leave by check out time at 10. Mitzi and Jordan popped in to say goodbye and later Eric and Wendy before they took a trip up Sani Pass. They will be leaving for Clarens tomorrow.
Below are some last minute pictures we took of this beautiful and highly recommended venue. Remember the name – Sani Valley Lodge near Underberg in KwaZulu Natal

Image

Sani Valley Lodge Day 1 and 2

We were woken at some unearthly hour with steaming cups of coffee and instructions that there was lots to do so we’d better get up. Really – we’re on holiday! But wait today was the day we were to go to the most beautiful trout lodge in the country – Sani Valley at the foot of the Drakensberg.
So with the kids in the back, a shopping list for supplies and instructions to meet the parents at The Lemon Tree at 12:30 sharp we set off for Underberg at quarter to 10. The drive from Kokstad to said destination is utterly stunning and we were blessed with the most glorious weather. Let the photos do the talking!

Cape Town has a beauty of its own but when we don’t feel that we are truly in African until we cross the border of the Western Cape and the further north we go the more African it becomes.
Underberg has the true African feel about it. We stopped her to make our obligatory visit to NUD’s Sports Shop to stock up with fishing tackle. Simon also scored a new fishing rod and a soccer ball. Shan we’ll make it up to you soon!

Next we did the grocery shopping at the local Spar before meeting the parents at the appointed time. The Lemon Tree has a patio section under a tree where we sat to enjoy our lunch – Spinach and Feta pancake for me, Eggs Benedict for Allan, Smoked Trout for Earl, Mega Hamburger for Lauren and toasted sandwiches for the kids.

The last stretch to the lodge is quick but we took it slowly so as to get a coupe of bird photies. The parents went ahead and checked us in.

As soon as we arrived Earl had to get down to see his boat and throw in a line.

As fete would have it our friends from Australia landed up being booked at Sani on the same dates as ours! They arrived at 4 after a long drive from Hogsback. We arranged for them to have a braai with us and a fabulous time was had by all as the weather was perfect.

This morning I was in a deep doze when the sound of voices woke me. It was before 7 a.m. but Nicoline and Sean had made an early start from Kokstad and were ready to rouse Allan and Earl to go fishing!
While they were out on the lake with the Simon and Scott (in stages) Nicoline, Lauren and I took a walk. We found Eric and Wendy at the Boathouse having a luxuriously catered breakfast. The day was brilliant again. In fact my early rising enabled me to get a good sunrise shot.

What a view for breakfast

Looking toward the Boathouse

We continued our walk and I took photos of Sunset where they are staying. It has a view over a smaller dam that joins onto the larger one.

Here are some photos of the guys on the water.

Our lodge – Rainbow

Lauren and Nicoline greeted a friendly cow.

When the guys were back from fishing we enjoyed an Early Breakfast and then more fishing, chilling and chatting. The Bakers then took their leave at lunchtime and it now looks like we may get a thunderstorm. On the other hand it could clear and the sun might shine again soon. That’s all for now as I have managed to get online at reception – no wifi or MTN coms in the lodges!

Post script
Have to post these last to piccies

Kokstad Day 2

2014-03-30 | puppy1952

We had a lovely late lie in before the kids came in with steaming cups of coffee. Then Grandpa made one of his legendary breakfasts. We had a chilled morning. Nicoline, Robyn and Scott came for tea and then our kids rode their bikes the 8km back to their farm. Robyn came on her horse but the others were on bikes.

Later Earl and I took a drive to Nicoline to fetch the kids. We were excited to spot a male Amur Falcon and a few females. One hovered and then dropped down to catch a juicy grasshopper. I managed to get some awesome photographs.

We also stopped to photograph a male stonechat, a banded martin and a white stork.

As we crossed the stream we came across a road block. Quite a common occurrence in rural areas. Cows have the right of way but don’t seem to mind is you slowly make your way through them.

As we approached Nicoline’s we saw a huge flock of crowned crane on her property. They took off and circled and then settled in the field behind the dam. As soon as we could we made our way quietly towards them. The land was boggy and I squelched through a particularly muddy section to get some good shots. I was dressed in a skirt and sandals. The latter had to be removed. What was I thinking. When on the farm dress as the farm girls dress!

I was so intent on getting the photographs that I did not realise that we had wandered into the camp where a bull was watching us with a wary eye. I wanted to go back to the house the long way round but Earl made me walk past the moody bull and climb over the fence near the dam. O my word – he mock charged me and then went to have a gentle drink with is mate!

Image

Autumn Break Cape Town to Durban to Kokstad

Finally the first term is over. It has had its fair share of delights and dramas but I am satisfied that my girls have now settled into the routine of Grade One. Experience tells me that from here on things only get better.
The holidays have now begun and the short week we have will be just enough to charge the batteries sufficiently to get back into the swing of things for a long second term which will be punctuated by a number of public holidays.

We sent the children home at 11 on Friday and after doing a few chores at school I dashed off home at about quarter to one, did my final packing and then Earl and I set off for to his office where one of his men was waiting to take us to the airport. Our Mango flight was delayed but it was perfect weather for flying and once we were up it was a pleasant trip midway through which we heard an urgent call for a doctor. Somebody had suffered a heart attack a few seats behind us. It was all very dramatic. Our travelling companion was an actuarial honors student from Stellenbosch university. Ooohh she said – how cool to be a doctor – nobody asks for an actuary in an emergency! The flight attendants rushed around finding medical equipment in the baggage compartment above our heads. A fibrillater appeared and soon the patient was stabilized.
The ambulance was waiting on the runway and we had to wait for the paramedics board before we could deplane. Hopefully all went well for the hapless passenger
After collecting our luggage we got our hire car and drove through the Durban traffic to Eddie’s house. Shirl was away looking after her granddaughter while Mom was having a baby. Andrew had been staying with Eddie all week while Barb was in hospital where she landed up after complications after her appendectomy. One of their kids had brought them up and it was a great convenience that we were now there to take them back.
Eddie had a lovely supper waiting for us. We caught up with everyone and then dropped into bed.
We had to travel slowly as Barbs had doctors instructions to stop every hour for a break. Our first stop was Gorge’s View where their son in law’s mom works. We had excellent service and fabulous cofffee and crunchies while we enjoyed the view.

Our second stop was at Ingeni Forest Lodge where we had lunch. Also a lovely spot. Travelling at this pace is to be recommended. We enjoyed the company and the took in the views that we would normally just rush past.

It was then just another hour to Glynis’s house where Andrew had his car. We spent a few minutes chatting, settled Barb into the car and then went our separate ways. Lauren, the kids and dogs were there to greet us at Karg’s Post and later in the afternoon we went for a lovely long walk – well the dogs, Lauren and I walked while the kids rode their bikes. What a stunning day it was and how lovely to be able to walk is such beautiful surroundings.

Simon said, Get your camera ready, Granny – and lifted a stone under which lay this snake!

A female stone chat posed obligingly.

The kids rode on ahead an got home before us and we were nearly there when Allan drove up behind us on his way home from golf so we drove the rest of the way with him. Lazy I know but we’re on holiday!
Lauren cooked us a delicious corned beef with mustard sauce for supper. The meat was from their own cattle and prepared by the butcher. Quite delicious!

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!