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 Holiday Day 2 Back on the Run, Agulhas and Delicious Fish

2012-12-16 | puppy1952

Before I left for Struisbaai my Personal Torturer and I parted company with a final workout for the holidays. “I won’t be seeing you for some weeks so I’ll leave you something to remember me by,” he said and proceeded to work my ass off with a an excessive work out! I promised to keep up the training as much as possible on my own – but how to do that. In the not so distant past, before I hurt my back, my exercise of choice was doing a brisk 5 to 8 km run – no travelling to a gym, no-one telling you what to do and very little brain power involved. In fact a productive way to chill out and gather your thoughts away from the dependants nagging for your attention. How many years ago now since I actually did a run? At least 4.

Waking to a perfect day today I just had that urge to get out on the beach and what better place than to resume the running ritual again. I had doubts that I would be able to do 5km but – so what – I would see how far I could get. I donned my bathing costume and short, drove to the beach so that I didn’t have to wear takkies and set off barefoot down the longest beach in Africa! The tide was going out and the beach mud was cool and firm beneath my feet, a gentle sea-breeze blew from across my face and the sea wooshed loudly in my ears. After five minutes I was right back in that old rhythm – slowly at first and then I lengthened my stride and I am sure was almost up to my former pace – and I just kept going – the muscles certainly have a memory. My intention was to try and make it to the signboard with the Big B on it – (a marker for the fishing boats to line up to, I think) which is about 2.5km down the beach and then to walk back. But I was feeling good so turned around and continued running. This kind of endurance exercise is not what I have been doing for the past several years – its been more interval and strength training – far more challenging than running I can assure you – and all the stationery cycling, skipping and jumping burpies most have kept my aerobic fitness up because I managed the run with ease. The best part was stripping off my shorts and throwing myself into the cooling waves when I got back. The water was deliciously refreshing – not at all cold! Frolicking in the southern most waves is a great reward after a beautiful run in the morning sunshine.

Yes – I am back – I will be beach running for the rest of the holidays and perhaps get back on the road when I get home.

I am supposed to be doing my kettle bell training too – but didn’t get round to that today – definitely tomorryow!

Lolz was still in bed when I got back. I did the household chores then roused her to come with me to Agulhas. We had coffee and muffins at Potpourri – browsed round the gift shop then drove back home again. Lolz lay and tanned – but I just can’t do that any more so I sat in the shade and did a Sudoku – a brutal one which I finally vanquished.

Me at Potpourri

Agulhas Lighthouse

Lolz at the entrance of Potpourri

Lolz waiting for muffins

Earl and Greg had been out at sea since some immorally early hour and had returned just before we left. They brought back a lovely catch of red fish – lunch!

He catches, cleans and cooks it.

From the sea into the frying pan

Greg and Lolz enjoying fresh fried fish

Struisbaai Holiday Day 1 Getting There

2012-12-15 | puppy1952

Oh what joy when the weather is good and it is holiday time! For the first time ever we are spending Christmas at our holiday home in Struisbaai. By 6:30 pm yesterday I had all my present shopping completed and my newly painted classroom set up and ready for next year. Earl had a midday staff function which I managed to fit in too!
Both cars were packed and ready for an early departure this morning. Earl in his fully loaded car and boat left at 6:30 am. Lolz and I in an equally loaded Caravelle left at 7. We had Jay and two other boys with us and we dropped them in Somerset West where they met up with a Girl Scout friend and her family. They are now enjoying a camping/fishing/skiing weekend at Theewatersvlei until Monday afternoon. Lifts back to Sun Valley are organised with the mom of one of the other boys.
Once the boys were safely on their way Lolz and I dropped in at Kettle Bells for Africa where I purchased two – my intentions to exercise during the holidays are good!

I love driving to a destination when there is no pressure on time. Lolz and I did it at our leisure, stopping at Orchard for breakfast and then Bredasdorp where she did her Christmas shopping. And yes – she did manage to get exactly what she wanted well within her budget! She also managed to replenish her wardrobe with items that were most satisfactory. Mr Price, Bredasdorp is not bad at all!

We travelled through all weather – chilly and cloudy in Cape Town, hot and sunny in Somerset West then intermittent rain all the way to Bredasdorp. Struisbaai was overcast but hot and no rain here yet.

The old thorny grass in our front garden has gone and is now replaced with fresh roll lawn. There is an automatic sprinkler system in place but one or two failed to pop up and so we are now watering the dry patches. The birds are very pleased and have been bathing all day long.
There is a new fridge in the kitchen – twice the size of the precious one – very necessary when 9 more guests are expected!

My beautiful daughter

Earl has been busy all day doing odd chores. Lolz and I went for a lovely walk to the harbour, along the board walk and a little way down the beach. I was horrified to see the storm damage to Notra restaurant. How many times haven’t I enjoyed a coffee and snack on that deck.

The Late Nostra

Boats in Struisbaai Harbour

Lolz walking on the long beach

On our way back we popped into ‘Nanna’s Boutique’ which we were surprised to find is packed with some quite nice clothes and jewellery. We might pop back again before the weekend is over.

Greg had arrived when we got back and was helping Earl with some of the chores. He will take Lolz back on Monday afternoon.

Right now we are just chilling, listening to music and watching the garden birds. How nice not to have anything pressing to do!

Spring Break – Sani and home

2012-10-07 | puppy1952

4 October

Earl went out on the boat early this morning. I lay in and read my book till just before he got back then hopped into the Jacuzzi for a bit before getting dressed. We enjoyed another ‘Early” breakfast and then spent the day chilling out. Earl fished, I walked to the boat house to try and get an Internet connection. The signal was very faint and kept hanging up so I could not post any blog entries. So I watched Earl fish and enjoyed the birds and peace and quiet while I read in the sun.

Back at the lodge I enjoyed another soak in the Jacuzzi while Earl tried his luck from the bank of the dam.

In the afternoon I continued to read and Earl went out on the lake again. It was windier in the afternoon but this did not stop him. He caught and released some good sized trout.

Because the wind was quite strong we decided not to braai and instead Earl put the meat in a pot and made a delicious stew.

Before supper we each had a relaxing, hot stone massage in the comfort of our own lodge.

Early morning view from our bedroom window

Watching Earl fish from the Jacuzzi

5 October 2012

The weather turned cold this morning, our departure day. We packed up and were ready to meet Lauren and the kids in Underberg at 8 o’clock. Lauren was taking Simon and Shannon to visit their paternal grandmother in Pietermaritzburg. We had a box of left over supplies and handed it over to her. The kids decided to ride with us as far a Howick.

We played our usual game of Dodge the Potholes but we had the latest version with a new feature called “Mist”. Luckily the kids were quite expert at it and alerted Grandpa as to where to swerve. We also played car cricket. In spite of Grandpa trying to cheat, I ended up the winner with Shannon a close second. Grandpa proved not to be as good at car cricket as he was at Dodge the Pothole and came stone last.

We made it to the airport in good time, handed over our hire car and then enjoyed a less bumpy ride than the one last Friday! We flew Mango and the plane was comfortable and we had good service from the cabin crew.

Earl took some photographs from the window.

One of Earl’s electricians, Nick, brought the Fortuner to collect us and warned us that strikers had set fire to a truck on Borchard’s Quarry road, blocking our route home. We had to take a long detour and after dropping Nick off in Tokai only got home after 6 o’clock.

Sad that the people in our beautiful country cannot find better ways of sorting out their disputes. Violence breeds violence and certainly does not improve the issues out there.

No place is perfect. Each country has its problems – and although I’m sad when I see the idiot things that sometimes happen here I know I just have to deal with it and carry on trying to make a difference where I can. There is no other place I’d rather be than in South Africa!

Spring Break – Visit to Howick

2012-10-07 | puppy1952

3 October

How wonderful to wake up at Sani Valley Lodge – enjoy a dip in the Jacuzzi, eat a wonderful “Early” breakfast and enjoy the birds around us. Our plan today was to visit my friend Janet – newly relocated with her mom to a retirement village, Amber Glen in Howick.

This dabchick was bobbing on the dam outside our window

A yellow-billed egret was trying to hide in the reeds

The view from the other side of the lake towards the lodges

When you travel the rural highways of KZN you have to play an exciting game called “Dodge the Pothole”. The game is compulsory – You can’t say – I don’t like the rules – I’m not playing. The other player is the Provincial Government – Road-works Department. They make the rules and set the level of the game. The level changes constantly – from Easy – where there is the odd pothole to dodge – but then just when you think you’ve got the hang of it, it jumps to Difficult – where traffic races toward you just as you’ve swerved to the right to avoid a cluster of very deep holes! Other obstacles are also included just to challenge you – like placing goats and cows on the road causing you to slam on brakes in the nick of time. It may be fun for them but its not for the driver especially when he’s used to the somewhat safer roads of the Western Province!

Obstacles along the way

But the beauty along the way makes the compulsory game worthwhile.

Midmar Dam

Before long we came in sight of Midmar Dam and knew we were nearing our destination.

Janet was waiting for us in front of their unit and we were delighted to see how absolutely super it was.

Janet greeting us from the patio

The other side – front entrance

View from the lounge and patio

Janet and Cynthia’s new home is stunning. They have every facility they need, and everything is within easy walking distance. There are lovely nature walks and a even a bird hide they could visit, various clubs they can join and a shuttle service to and from the shops. They sold their cars in Cape Town but will buy one here soon. They do their own catering but can whenever they want to eat lunch at teh community centre. They decided to treat us to lunch their today. We were treated to a delicious chicken casserole with rice, corn and broccoli in cheese sauce. There was a carrot and tomato soup starter and a lovely dessert of Melba pudding and custard.

Janet and Cynthia each have their own bedroom and bathroom and there is a spare room too. It was great to see them settled in and happy. Janet has two brothers who live nearby – one 20 minutes away and the other about an hour.

View from the Community Center

After lunch Cynthia decided to go back to the house while we took Janet to see the Howick Falls.

Showing direction in which other falls are situated

The Howick Falls

Janet and me

Of course there had to be pavement stalls to attract the tourists and we browsed around and I bought some BIg Five place mats for just over R100 for six.

There were delightful tourist stalls near the Falls

Janet, before she was struck with Parkinson’s in her early forties causing her to have to retire early, was a beauty therapist. So before lunch I was privileged to have her wax my legs for me! Thanks Janet, it’s been a while!

What a delightful day we had and it ended with a beautiful sighting of this chat as we drove back to our lodge.

Buff-streaked Chat

To be continued …….

Spring Break – Off to Sani Valley Lodge

2012-10-06 | puppy1952

2 October 2012

The kids once again kindly woke us with cups of strong coffee before we got up for a delicious “Early Breakfast” We were due to check in at our next destination at 2 o’clock so there was time to do some chores for Lauren first. Now that summer is on its way she needs the fan in the lounge to work so she and Dad got stuck in to repair it.

Father and Daughter working out the Fan Puzzle

And I did some last minute bonding with my grandchildren

Simon, Granny and Fat Cat

Shannon, Granny and Fat Cat

Simon had a play date at his friend Hayden’s farm. Now he couldn’t just jump on his bike and ride over and nor was walking an option as the distance was quite a few kilometres – but we were able to save Lauren a drive as we were passing the farm on our way to Underberg:-)

Going anywhere in the district is always a pleasant drive and we spotted this buzzard soon after dropping Simon.

Steppe Buzzard

The drive to Underberg is spectacular with the Drankensberg looming up before you, the green, green vegetation and the splashes of dams and lakes everywhere

A typical view in KZN

Giant’s Castle

We did some shopping at the Underberg Mall and then drove on to Sani Valley Lodge which is at the bottom of The Sani Pass which takes one into Lesotho.

Approaching the Entrance

We we welcomed warmly by the gate guard and a beautiful Blesbok.

Greetings from a Blesbok

To us this is the most peaceful and wonderful place to be if you want to relax, enjoy Nature and fish. There are three stunning dams stocked with trout and if you, like us, enjoy birds – you won’t be disappointed.

The Stonechat is seen regularly

The main Dam

The Bottom Dam

Pin Oaks line the drive to reception

Our accommodation, Early Mist 1, is self-catering and like all the other lodges incredibly well equipped. We even had a coffee plunger jug.

Our Lodge Early Mist 1

Dining area and kitchen

Lounge

Bedroom

: View from Bedroom

The highlight was the Jacuzzi

We were surrounded by wildlife, both birds and animals. The zebra could be seen but did not come up to close. Buck came to graze nearby in the evening and there were plenty of water birds to keep us amused while we lay in the Jacuzzi.

Black-headed Heron

Crowned Crane

Earl of course could not wait to get out on the Lake but could only get a boat for an hour. After that he went to try his luck from the bank of the little dam right in front of our lodge, before cooking up a wonderful dinner of chops and chicken wings on the braai.

To be continued ……

Spring Break – Visiting Brooklyn Farm

2012-10-05 | puppy1952

1 October 2012

It was a really beautiful day today. The temperature rose to 27 before 10 a.m. We were up early as we had a lunch date with Barbara and Andrew at Brooklyn Farm. But before that we needed to go into to town to buy tackies and crocks. The kids were thrilled because Grandpa promised to take them to Spur for breakfast

A Spur Treat

Shopping in Kokstad is a hectic affair. It is not exactly a metropolis but it is a very busy place. One has to fight for parking and walking along the pavements means dodging both potholes and seething crowds of people. But everyone is very friendly and although the area has a reputation for violent crime I never once felt threatened.

We were the only white customers in Daks Shoe shop. The range of footwear was impressive and the service from a well-dressed, polite young black assistant was excellent. Within 10 minutes I had a comfortable pair of black tackies with pink trim and Earl a pair of rubber slip-ons for fishing. Before we left we were asked if there was anything they could show the children!

Earl and I took the kids to the farm while Lauren finished some chores before joining us. Barbara treated us to tea and homemade scones and tea served in her beautiful garden. We were amused by the ducks that found the bird bath a lovely place to cool off. We enjoyed watching many birds come to the feeding table before the heat drove us indoors.

Tea and scones at The MacKenzie’s cottage

The only duck pond she could find

Once again we were treated to a more than adequate meal! Roast beef complete with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and vegetables, followed by apple crumble and custard.

The MacKenzie grandchildren popped round and played with Shannon and Simon and then we went across to greet their mom, Birgitta who had her mom visiting too. The kids played in the pool.

Earl , Barbara and I decided to walk off our lunch with a walk round the farm which brought back fond memories of the wonderful holidays we spent here in years now just in our memories. Then the farm dogs now long gone joined us on these rambles and now Jet did the same.

Jet waiting for us to catch up

Earl and Barbara

At the labourers’ huts we saw Andrew’s reliable old herder, Mandla. He’s now in his 70s and still as fit as a fiddle (as is Andrew) He was starting on building a new hut and was so excited to see me. “Where is the fisherman?” he called as I was slightly ahead of Earl. Then when he saw him, “Now the fish are going to die!” He’d always enjoyed finding Earl at the dam trying desperately to get a bass on his hook and usually succeeding!

Barbara and Me

Back at the cottage we found Ann with Caitlyn and James and it was lovely to see her too. She and Dean are building a house on the farm and we all went off to see its progress – it should be done by November.

Ann and James

Caitlyn and her grandfather, Andrew

Just before we left Joan arrived home so we had a quick hullo and goodbye to her too. She is getting married in February so we’ll be back for yet another Mackenzie wedding!

The Cows

Young Herd Boys

In the evening Lauren and Allan’s friends, The Bakers and Nicoline’s parents Paul and Lily came to dinner. So it was another big meal – Pork done in the Weber with crackling to die for and a potato dish and salad provided by Nicoline followed by Rhubarb and custard. Yum. What fun catching up with good friends. The Bakers are such amazing friends to our kids Their two children Scott and Robyn being exactly the same age as Shannon and Simon get on extremely well together. It was also great that Paul and Lily were visiting from Durban at the same time as us as we have got to know them well over the many Christmases we’ve spent together.

So ended another wonderful day catching up with family and friends.

Spring Break – Fun with Family and Friends

2012-10-01 | puppy1952

30 September 2012

Glorious weather and coffee brought in by the whole family woke us this morning. Simon and Shannon played with the new toys we gave them and we chatted to the parents till it was time to get up for breakfast. Lauren and Grandpa were industrious in the kitchen and the kids set the table in the Lapa

Father and Daughter preparing breakfast

Breakfast in The Lapa

Simon and Shannon were in high spirits – as only young children can be. They played in the wheelbarrow, on their j-boards and on their bikes.

Racing down the grassy bank

Lauren’s garden attracts many birds but of course they try hard to avoid the camera

Bokmakierie

Unfortunately, Cheddar the cute ginger cat is rather fond of birds too. But his interests are not of the conservation sort – but rather of the instinctive how to catch my prey sort. I spotted him chasing an innocent sunbird flitting in the leaves of the tree outside the front door. Luckily, this time, he did not succeed in capturing the wily bird.

The bird hunting cat

It was a perfect day for gardening and Lauren got stuck into the veggie garden.

Lauren – Wife, Mother, Teacher, Farmer:-)

At lunchtime the neighbours invited us to a braai -which they had in their lapa. Rose, Neal and their daughter Margi had another guest Crawford too. The people of Kokstad a so friendly and they treated us like family. It was lovely to just chill and enjoy their hospitality.

They set up cricket for the kids and of course Grandpa and Dad joined in for a bit too.

Grandpa give instructions

And then demonstrates

Dad and Simon doing well

The adults enjoying each others company

To be continued …………

Spring Break – KwaZulu-Natal – Truly in Africa

2012-09-30 | puppy1952

29 September 2012

I love Cape Town. It is a beautiful, colourful, cosmopolitan city with a mountain to die for. Its the place where I was born and bred so of course nowhere else can possibly compare to it. But – that does not mean that I cannot appreciate other parts of our outstanding beautiful country. In Cape Town I forget that I am actually in Africa – although more of it is rapidly creeping down south – and I love that too! So every time I visit KZN I am freshly struck by how ‘African’ it is. It is closer to the Tropic of Capricorn so of course the weather is warmer and the vegetation greener – overwhelmingly greener! This morning our destination is Kokstad where our daughter Lauren lives with her husband and two children. There is also a collection of other relatives that we live a rural lifestyle there.

Heading in the right direction

Yesterday’s stormy weather is forgotten and we head off in the glorious African sunshine.

Its a beautiful drive along the south coast then into the Transkei. En route we see many colourful African scenes

Fields of sugar cane

Waiting for the bus

Newly built housing

: A mixture of modern and traditional

Traditional Housing

Traditional Blanket

There were 5 Spar trucks to pass

Imagine carrying water in you hand and shopping on your head!

Finally we came to our turn off

The Pink Church – a well-known land mark

After turning toward Kaag’s Post at the pink church we felt the flood of anticipation of seeing our kids. We hooted as we passed their friends’ farm and the first bird we spotted was a long-crested eagle and then surprisingly a little flock of blue crane – more common in the Western Cape than KZN where you are more likely to see crowned crane.

A rock hyrax greets us at the bridge

The bridge we had to cross

Plenty of water in the river after good rains and snow

Approach to the house

: Cody is pleased to see us

Simon is hiding so Shan goes to find him

I see you Simon

Lauren takes Dad on a tour of inspection

The garden is looking stunning

The Cottage

The horses Ben and Splash

We arrived to warm welcomes from the dogs, horses, Shannon and Lauren. But Simon decided to hide! The promise of a present finally coaxed him from his hiding place and then we got warm hugs and declarations of “I missed you Granny and Grandpa!”

After the tour of the garden was over we went in for tea and gave the kids their presents. Earl was pretty tired after all the driving and had a nap but I decided to sit in the sun and watch the grandchildren play while I read my book and chatted to Lauren. When Grandpa woke up they all went out for a walk but I decided to stay in the sun and read my book – such luxury to do so after a long and hectic term.

Simon intent of studying the instructions and constructing the Hero.

To be continued…….

Spring Break – Frightening Flight, Fabulous Friends and Fantastic Food

2012-09-29 | puppy1952

28 September 2012

The end of another successful term arrived and now that I’m back in the classroom leaving for holidays tends to be a rushed affair. Earl fetched me from school at 12, we picked up our driver and drove straight to the airport. The weather was somewhat inclement and I, at the best of times, am not a happy flyer! As the engines whined and screamed to their full throttle and the plane shook and rattled into its usual wobbly take off, I braced and psyched myself into thinking that it was just a roller coaster ride and was thus persuaded not to go straight into panic mode. The pilot warned us that it was going to be bumpy ride but once above the storm clouds things settled down and I unclenched my teeth and loosened my grip from the armrests. I even dozed but then something woke me an hour into the ride – why did the flight attendant almost lose his balance there – and why were the children screaming – “Mom, why’s the plane going so fast” Yes indeed – why – We could actually feel the plane racing through the stratosphere – well it felt that high anyway. Not only was it racing but it was bouncing too! My ears didn’t know whether to pop or pain and by the sounds of infant crying neither did the ears of the babies either. Visibility outside was nil until flashes of lightning scared the living daylights out of me. Well – not really – I was actually in a kind of stupor – thinking – I should be scared but this is kinda fun – like a Disneyland ride – and what’s the worst that can happen – if we crash I’ll just be dead and oblivious to the consequences. So lets just enjoy the ride. “Do you think the pilot’s scared?” I asked Earl. “You bet he is! He can’t see a thing – totally relying on his instruments” Oh so comforting my love. “Are you scared, Darling.” “No – I’m not flying – it’s his problem!” mmmm? What’s that supposed to mean.

There was a strange atmosphere in the plane – the children were shrieking and giggling and the adults were pretending to be okay with it all – saying to the kids – Isn’t this fun? Yes it was in a way.

This went on for half an hour or so and we could not see the ground until there was a slight break in the storm clouds and we realised we were close to landing. The pilot put the plane down in driving rain and almost nil visibility as smoothly as if he were flying on a clear, windless day. We all broke into applause and over the system came the flight attendant’s voice – “Give that man a Bell’s”

Never before have I arrived in KZN in such poor weather conditions. Luckily we had those tunnel thingies to walk through to the terminal. We loaded our luggage on a trolley and went to get our hire car. We use a small company and they don’t have an office at the airport so we meet a man with a board with our name on it. Small things like this do a lot to amuse me. Soon we were off in a Nissan Lagoona to fight the traffic in the worst Durban weather I’ve ever experienced!

It was all worth it when at 7 o’clock we arrived at The Rahj’s Amamzimtoti home. In my opinion Niru is the best Indian Cook in South African and Come Dine with Me is the poorer without her. She treated us to a scrumptious 4 course meal starting with Sweet Potato soup with a touch of chilli. Then Prawn curry with rooties and the best ever lamb curry and rice. There was no need for dessert but we managed to force down a delicious cup cake and a cup of coffee.

The best part of course was catching up with these wonderful friends and their delightful children. Our relationship with them began through our grandson Jay who was good friends with their son Kaylash – both now 15 years old. So when the the Rahj family relocated to KZN we knew we would keep up as we often visit this province to see our Kokstad Kids.

29 September 2012

Sanam kindly gave up her bedroom for us last night and we were thrilled to have her East meets West bedroom with its fairy lights, butterflies, Hindu touch mixed with pop star posters and a little hamster on the night stand. Thank you Sanam – we slept so well in your comfortable bed and the ambience was lovely.

Niru greeted us with another scrumptious meal – a proper B&B breakfast with choice of cereals, fruits, yoghurt, muffins, croissants and smoked meats followed by eggs and bacon and curried baked beans. We needn’t eat for the rest of the week!

Our amazing hostess Niru in her kithchen

Earl contemplating the delicious spread

Suvi Diya and Niru

More to follow – Watch this space:-)

West Coast Spring Flowers and Birds

2012-09-15 | puppy1952

2 September 2012

It has been a busy term and the past week saw me under pressure to get assessments done and reports written. I was tempted to leave the latter to the weekend but my darling husband pushed me to work in the evenings as he wanted to head to West Coast National Park to see the spring flowers come Sunday. So I did as much as I could and then spent Saturday catching up with marking and other admin work.

The weather had not been very spring like during the week but Sunday dawned crisp and clear. The air felt like winter but the sky looked like Spring.

We stopped at a Woollies Garage Store and got take away coffees, muffins and pies for breakfast and then had a comfortable drive to WCNP arriving at 9:30 – no queue at the gate we were relieved to find.

Before getting Postberg where the flowers are in bloom we stopped at the Hide at Abrahamskraal and spent a cold half hour watching coots, weavers, shelduck, dabchicks and shovellers. A few white-throated swallows skimmed the surface of the water and canaries fussed in the bushes but there was not too much activity.

Red-knobbed coot

What a profusion of colour we found in Postberg. Fields and fields of brightness – sometimes all yellow, sometimes pink, splashes of white, clumps of blue and fields of orange and then all mixed up together. It was visual overload.

Gousblom and sporries

Visual Overload

Splash of colour

A Cape Francolin full of the joys of spring

Cattle Egret blending in

The Guineafowl would not be left out

It was great to see the creatures welcoming Spring too.

Our focus is of course on the birds and we were delighted to spot and photograph these birds too.

Wheatear

Double Collared Sunbird Heralding Spring

Mousebird

Karoo Prinia

Fortune and Misfortune – A Fortuner Adventure – Day 9 and 10

2012-07-18 | puppy1952

5 July 2012

I was nervous about going outside before daylight this morning. It was freezing and I got dressed under the blankets! Earl said he was feeling better but I made him lie in bed until the last minute.

Heather, Peter and I packed up and loaded the car and by 9 o’clock it had warmed up a bit. Earl wanted to drive but I refused to allow that. The return track was a bit more hectic but with his careful instruction and my sound effects I managed. The Italians were just ahead of us and at one point we spotted them stopped up ahead. They had found meerkats close to the road!

This chap used a tree for a higher view point

He made sure to look both ways

There were certainly enough little rodents for the birds of prey

An exciting find were these Namaqua sandgrouse parents with their chicks

Trying to get up the dune – he managed

We stopped at a waterhole to observe wildebeest

: And gemsbok

The weather was once again hot and we started to strip off our outer clothes. We arrived at Nossob just after 2 o’clock and checked in. Earl was feeling very much better and after lunch went to spend some time at the hide.

I was pretty tired and spent the afternoon resting and downloading photographs onto the computer. Peter and Heather walked around camp for a bit and then also had a rest. Our huts were quite far apart but we kept in otouch with the walkie talkies. I did a chicken stir fry for supper and for the first time in days, Earl ate well.

6 July 2012

This morning we were up early and made our way to Twee Rivieren. We were supposed to spend a night there but decided to push on to Upington so we could get some medication for Earl who was now battling with his sinuses.

We saw lots of bateleurs flying and were thrilled when we finally found one perched in a tree.

Bateleur

There were plenty of juvenile pale chanting goshawks

These two were chasing each other in the air and then landed in a dead tree

It was great to find a herd of eland

Nearing Twee Rivieren we found another troop of meerkat

They were vigilant in keeping an our out for raptors

Ground Squirrels were in close proximity

: This sup-adult Pale Chanting has almost completed growing his adult plumage

We had hoped to have lunch at the restaurant at Twee Rivieren but found that it only opens for breakfast and dinner. So we settled for some very good pies from the shop, refuelled and checked out. We got to Upington just before 5 o’clock, got medication from a local chemist and then checked in at Evergreen B&B. We were given two well appointed en suite bedrooms and the owner recommended we go to a Bilou Bistro for dinner. So after a good meal we returned to warm beds and a good night’s sleep.

And so ended our safari – a mixture of fortune and misfortune – but happily Earl recovered quickly and fully and drove us home the following day.