It Happened in Italy – Exploring Salerno

2016-11-05 | puppy1952

Lady Helen is one of those irritating people who rises early in the morning in a chirpy mood and expects everybody else to be equally keen to start the day. Much to her dismay her travelling companions did not jump up with any measure of enthusiasm but continued to snore and catch up on their sleep so they only set off to explore at 10:30 am.

Her ideas of a Banting Breakfast were soon squashed flat when they entered the corner shop and got croissants di cioccolato instead. And horror of horrors these were eaten in the street and on the hoof!

The Admiral fell instantly in love with the fruiterer and gave him kisses every day thereafter – didn’t he love that!

The lovely Italian Assistant handing over the irresistible croissant

As they devoured their decadent pastries they walked the narrow, cobbled streets of the ancient city. There were so many interesting nooks and crannies to explore. Even the doors were interesting. The Admiral and Lady Helen were intrigued by a building that looked like a hospital but they discovered that it was a convent and a primary school. They entered the courtyard and a nun appeared. She invited them in to take a look. Lady Helen had, before leaving her homeland, learned a few Italian words and was able to tell the nun that she had been a First Grade teacher. “Io una insegnante – classe 1.” She couldn’t speak a word of English but they managed to get her to understand that they were from South Africa and she was more than willing to show them around the school. The men, feeling intimidated by the cloth, did not join them on this excursion.

A statue of The Virgin Mary in the garden

Statues of Saints were everywhere and it was all rather beautiful and peaceful

It was, of course, school vacation so no children were about. But Lady Helen was keen to see the classrooms and wondered where the playground was – there didn’t seem to be any sports fields at all.

A Third Grade Classroom – Note the poster on the back wall reminding the children that they have a great Friend.

The Play Area – no sports field!

The good sister could not wait to take them to the chapel and she prattled away in Italian telling them about Saint Theresa, The Virgin and other saints. Of course they only caught a word or two but they nodded and commented in English as if they all understood each other perfectly. She then indicated that they should kneel in a pew and she blessed them uttering words that Lady Helen was sure meant “God is the Father of us all” “You are beautiful women and display the fruits of the spirit.”
The words Bella Signori, tutti and frutti dello spirito came into it somewhere so whether Her Ladyship interpreted it all correctly is debatable.

The Chapel was absolutely beautiful

They left feeling they had experienced something very special in Italy and Lady Helen in particular was overjoyed to have seen an Italian Primary School.

They continued exploring till midday, marveling at the little holes in the wall they called shops and chatting to the locals who were extremely friendly but couldn’t understand a word of Inglese.

A narrow Salerno street

An alley stairway to some apartments

Shrines are everywhere

This enormous door opens into a courtyard – In the olden days the carriages would enter through these doors.

After eating a light lunch the four nobles went home for a siesta – while in Italy they did as the Italians did for doing otherwise would be crazy as everything shuts down for a few hours and then the fun begins again after five. Each evening they either catered at home or found a different restaurant on the Lungomare and enjoyed the fabulous Italian cuisine. Lady Helen was particularly partial to anything with squid, aubergine, artichoke, spinach or feta. If one of those ingredients were in it she’d eat it! And all the Italian wines were wonderful.

The Lungomare

It Happened in Italy – Getting There

2016-11-04 | puppy1952

I have had a long break from blogging due to travel and other things that have claimed my undivided attention. To get back into it, I am pledging to try to write one post a day for the rest of November. In most of these posts I will write about what happened during the holiday my husband and I took in Italy. To make it more fun, I am fictionalising it slightly and changing names to protect both the innocent and the guilty.

How it all began

Back in May 2016, at Milkwood Manor, the First Earl and his wife were chatting to their friend, affectionately known as ‘The Admiral.

“The Captain,”she said, “has in his wisdom booked flights to Italy – leaving 1 August and returning 29 September! We love Italy but 2 months is rather long and yes, he’s used his air-miles for the tickets but we still have to find a place to stay!”

“Sounds fab,”said the Earl. “Why don’t we join you – and share expense.”

“We can’t,” declared her ladyship. “We’re going to The Kruger National Park. And anyway – you don’t like travelling in Europe!”

“Of course I do,” came the indignant reply. “It’s England I dislike! And we’ll be back in time for Kruger!”

Yes they would be; with barely a week to spare. Lady Helen looked at her husband in disbelief but not wanting to miss an opportunity for an adventure she agreed and The Admiral insisted that The Captain, who was completing his time skippering a boat in the Middle East, would be delighted to have them as travelling companions. And so the rush to get the bookings co-ordinated, sort out visas and find accommodation began.

The Earl although an active man and fit for activities like fishing, was not too keen on walking. And walking long distances would be a requirement on this type of holiday. Her ladyship tried to encourage him to get walking fit and he accompanied her on a few excursions but complained that it hurt to walk and his chest didn’t like it. Feeling concerned, they decided to visit the cardiologist in Cape Town a few weeks before departure. After an hour’s consultation he was pronounced fit enough to travel. “Take your blood pressure medication and you will be fine,”said the good doctor.

And so full of confidence and excitement the foursome set off on their adventure on 1 August 2016. Air Emirates were the privileged airline to be transporting the gentry on their journey. A lovely airline indeed but even though of noble birth, first class seats were not within the limits of the budget!

The plane that took them to Dubai

In the middle of the night at Dubai Airport

Her Ladyship was recovering from Diverticulitis and not feeling quite her usual chirpy self. She was worried about the food on the flight but all turned out well with the bland meal she’d ordered. Well done to Emirates. Two flights and 20 hours later they arrived in Rome and made their way to the city of Salerno.

The noble millions had dwindled over the centuries so although the Earl and the Captain fancied themselves as Lords they did not have the funds to carry it off in style. So instead of being transported to their lodgings in a carriage or a taxi they decided to save money, hoist packs on their backs, drag their trolley luggage and walk. The season was summer; it was hot, they were tired and they didn’t know the language or the way! And to add to their dillema the cell phone batteries failed one after the other making Google Maps no help at all. Getting directions to the apartment became a tad nightmarish. After stopping many well-meaning and kind Italians and who helpfully gesticulated and prattled incomprehensibly and drew maps that were impossible to interpret they finally made it to their apartment. “Getting lost is all part of the adventure!” declared her ladyship cheerfully as everybody collapsed in a sweaty heap. Nobody else was in the least bit amused.

However, after unpacking and cooling off they cheered up and set off to explore and get something to eat.

The only place open during Siesta Time

They shared two Margaritas and drank some refreshing beers.

And yes it was HOT

Later in the cool of the evening they set off to the Lungomare for a delicious Italian Meal.

The Lord and Lady enjoying pre-dinner snacks and sundowners

Love in Italy – The Captain with his Admiral

Delicious Italian Pasta

More of the Italian Adventure tomorrow.

Spending Quality Time With Friends

2016-06-27 | puppy1952

We recently had our very good friends, Heather and Peter, spend time with us. It was an enormously happy time and the Weather Man obliged us with some stunning sunny days.

It was great to show them the improvements we’ve made to our home although they’re not quite finished yet. We enjoyed meals together, immersed ourselves in catching up on each other’s lives and it was a treat to take them to our favourite birding spots. We have so many shared interests so it was great to have an extended time together to enjoy each other.

The sunny days made it all the more exciting and although winter birding is not as productive as spring and summer we managed to do pretty well each day. Tuesday found us on the Arniston Road.

Jackal Buzzard

Rock Kestrel

Denham’s bustard

Denham’s in the foreground – steenbok in the background

There were hundreds of our national bird, the blue crane in the farmlands

A malachite sunbird enjoying the aloes

A bee, his only competition

Cloud Cisticola? Not sure about this LBJ’s identity

The Arniston Hotel where we enjoyed a great lunch

Arniston

Arniston fishermen coming in from a day at sea

On Wednesday we chilled at home till later in the afternoon when we set off to Agulhas Light house. On the way we enjoyed some birds and then went to see the light house museum.

There were literally dozens of African Black Oystercatchers on the rocks

A little egret soaking up the sun

Enjoying the lighthouse museum

After the museum we took a drive to Suiderstrand picking up a couple of birds and enjoying the views.

The famous “Pietie se huis” which is now part of the Agulhas National Park Rest Camp.

A Black Shouldered Kite with a hapless mouse for dinner

Bokmakierie

In the evening we introduced our old best friends to our new best friends over a stunning braai of ribs, chops and sausage

The next day we took off down the Elim Road and were thrilled with all the birds we found before having lunch at The Black Oystercatcher Wine Estate

A gaggle of Spur-winged geese

Cape Robin singing happily

A delight to find a fish eagle

Scores of Denham’s Bustards about

Flamingos on the Salt Pans

The Black Oystercatcher

Lunch was excellent – we all had the sticky chicken salad

The sun was setting when we returned and so we popped in at the harbour to see how the boats had done. A few fish were caught but not as much as the fishermen had hoped!

Sunset

One of the ski-boats returning from a day at sea

Friday’s weather matched our mood as we bade farewell to our friends as they made their way back to Cape Town on a cold and wet day.

What a delight to have been able to share those few days with our dearest friends!

Winter Weather in Struisbaai

2016-05-07 | puppy1952

There is bitterly cold south-easterly wind blowing here at the tip of Africa. I don’t want to say that Winter has arrived with a vengeance because it could change again just as suddenly. But if this is an indication of what is to come then I’d better start taking out the thicker jerseys! We have had a few cold snaps but this morning was the first time that I snuggled down deeper under the duvet and resisted leaving the warmth of my bed. When I did emerge, I put on jeans and polo neck and settled down for some couch potato pursuits before finally taking a drive to see what the sea looked like.

I saw some impressive photographs of stormy seas on the Cape Peninsular on Face Book and although we have rough seas here, it did not seem as dramatic as there.

The harbour boats bobbing on the choppy sea

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The cormorant and oyster catchers didn’t seem to mind the weather

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What a treat to see a common whimbrel on a stony beach near Agulhas

Agulhas Lighthouse

I ventured out of the car to walk a little way and it was a fight against the strong wind but it sure blew the cobwebs away. It also worked up a huge craving for a cup of good strong coffee! Our favourite coffee shop, Potpourri, is closed for renovations so we tried a little place in Struisbaai that we’d been meaning to go to for some time. It’s called The Shipwreck Cafe. Wow – what a find! We threw caution to the howling wind and ordered chocolate cake. It was the best I’ve ever had in my life – rich, moist and chocolatey.

The Best Chocolate Cake ever and wonderful cappuccino and black coffees

Earl gobbled his down in two minutes but it was a really large slice and so rich that I could only manage a quarter of mine. I took the rest home in a doggy bag!

I am extremely fussy about coffee – it has to be hot, strong and black but not too bitter- If it’s not just right there’s no milk and sugar to disguise the taste! Hats off to The Shipwreck Cafe – the coffee was beyond my expectations and absolutely perfect. If ever you’re in our neck of the woods – don’t miss this secret treasure – find the Shipwreck – it will be well worth it. We will certainly being going there again – I have to try their breakfast.

It doesn’t have a sea view but the decor is interesting

Tomorrow, Sunday 8 May, is Mother’s Day in South Africa – So Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. May your little ones thrill you with their home-made cards and thoughtful deeds. Those are the things we treasure more than expensive gifts.

Beach

2016-05-05 | puppy1952

I don’t usually participate in WordPress’s daily prompt challenge but today’s word BEACH made me want to try it.

Is there anybody who doesn’t love a beach. Have you ever heard anybody say – I don’t like the sea? I once met a young man in Zambia who’d never seen the ocean. He asked me to describe it to him. I told him about the tides, the beach and the waves and the sport of surfing.
“What is surfing ?” he asked. He was my bird guide and we were in a canoe on the Zambezi River. I was not sure how I could explain it. “You’d love it,” I said. “You know the thrill you get from riding the rapids? It’s that kind of feeling, I think but different as you stand on the board and ride the waves.” He laughed because he just couldn’t picture it.

I grew up on a beach and the sun, the sand and the sea is part of who I am. In my very early years I lived right opposite Fish Hoek Beach. As children we could just walk across a road and a level crossing and the beach was our playground. In those days children had so much more freedom than the kids of today. No adults accompanied us and once we were there we were sure to meet up with other unsupervised youngsters. We lived a car-ride away from the beach when I was raising my own kids but it was close enough to go after school and we did so regularly – the beach had everything a child desired – a play park, sand and water and dozens of other kids to play with. And for Mom – wow – you’d always meet other moms down there and we’d all chat and watch the kids enjoy themselves. I wonder how moms without beaches cope – a beach is a calming place – a grouchy kids becomes all smile the minute her toes touch the sand.

Fish Hoek Beach

The beach was also part of my teenage days. It was the place to play beach games and meet your friends and what courtship would be the same without a romantic walk along a moonlit beach.

And now I still love the beach – I’m near to another one now – Struisbaai at the tip of Africa – and it’s the longest one in South Africa. It would take a day to walk the entire length of it. And the sea is warm and there’s the prettiest fishing harbour that buzzes with activity. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t take a walk along the beach winter or summer. Summer of course is the best when the sea is warm and swimming is pleasant.

Struisbaai Beach

Struisbaai Harbour

I love the wild, the mountains, the bush and the desert but I need the beach – it is part of my being.

Wild Adventure Chapter 14 Last Day

2016-05-02 | puppy1952

16 March

It rained in the night and it was still dripping when the Grum-Peighs woke up at 5:30 am. Fortunately it stopped enough for them to pack up in relative comfort.

They bade farewell to the Leighs and were ready to exit Mata Mata by 6:30. They took a slow drive to Twee Rivieren not expecting too much in the way of sightings as after rain the game don’t need to come to the water holes.

However, they were in luck. They found their Port Shepstone neighbors stopped and staring into the bush. “There’s a lioness on a kill,” they told the G-Ps. And sure enough there she was under a tree chewing away. To her right Lady G-P spotted another one – obviously she’d had her fill. A few jackal were waiting on the sideline too.

After watching for a while they pushed on and saw all the usuals including giraffes

and then her Ladyship noticed something small running across the veld.

A dassie!

Another unusual sighting for KTP

A lone warthog!

All too soon they arrived at Twee Rivieren, pumped the types back to their normal pressure and then went to Kgalagadi Lodge for breakfast.

Feeling fortified with fresh energy they sadly let the Kgalagadi behind and made their way to Oranjerus, a lovely, shady, grassy campsite next to the Orange River where they spent the night.

A red bishop seen from the restaurant at Oranjerus

They dined at the restaurant with a fellow camper and so ended their wonderful Wild Adventure.

Wild Adventure Chapter 13

2016-05-01 | puppy1952

333

15 March

Lady Grum-Peigh was first in the queue with the Frend-Leighs close behind. She raced out of the office, permit in hand and jumped into the Land Rover. “We’ve beaten our friends!” said the Earl excitedly. “We’ll be the first to see the lions!”

“Slow down,”said her Ladyship. “You’ll miss the good stuff on the way!” He ignored her and gleefully overtook the campers from Kalahari Tented Camp who’d got out first.

Then suddenly a wild cat appeared and crossed the road in front of them. The Earl screeched the breaks and yelled instructions to his poor wife but she still missed the photo! The kitty toddled off into the veld. The Earl turned the vehicle and said, “Keep the camera on him.” Tufts of grass kept hiding him preventing good shots. The Earl was furious. “Why didn’t you get him – he was right there!”

“Did you get any?” asked Lady G-P calmly.

“No!”
“Well, he was on your side of the car!”
“But I was driving!”
“I’m tired of you yelling at me I’m getting out right here!”

“Well don’t let the hyena get you,” said the Earl and there right next to her door she spotted him and they both burst out laughing.

Come out and play, Lady G-P – I won’t eat you.

Look at my innocent eyes

Oh well – I guess I’ll have to find somebody else

Other cars including the Frend-Leighs were now ahead of them so the Earl slowed down and enjoyed the birdlife.

A secretary bird marching determinedly through the veldt

There were no lions or cheetahs at the waterholes but they saw tawnies on the kill.

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They made breakfast at Kamqua picnic site and then made their way back. There was a sleeping lion near Dalkeith but otherwise no big cats.

But the other creatures seen were fun.

Rock Kestrel

Pin-tailed Whydah

Brown Snake Eagle

Common Buzzard

A Journey of Giraffe

Wildebeest competing with Butterflies for a drinking rights

Back at camp they had a salad for lunch, the Earl had a nap, Lady G-P did some chores and Mrs Leigh prepped lamb stew for dinner. She and Mr Leigh went out again later in the afternoon but the G-Ps stayed to pack up as, sadly, it was our last night in the park.

Wild Adventure Chapter 12 Mata Mata Day 2

2016-04-30 | puppy1952

14 March 2016

Mata Mata Camp offered way more luxury than the unfenced rustic Rooiputs. Showering in the morning was now possible and Lady Peigh and Mrs Leigh were first up and finished at the ablution block before the other campers awoke. Now they had to check out of camp and the gate attendant did not open the office till 6:30 on the dot!

Mr and Mrs Frend-Leigh was first out the gate and indicated to the Grum-Peighs that they were following lion tracks. They followed them to 14th Waterhole but the cats were not there. A return to Dalkeith produced no luck either.

Clearly the lions had killed the previous night as they found a tawny eagle eating their leftovers. It then flew up into a tree to join its friend and they got some photos.

It was also good to see giraffe about. The leopard was nowhere to be found.

Back at camp the Earl cooked breakfast.

In the afternoon they all went out again. Nothing much was seen but a common buzzard was nice to see.

Other birds gave them pleasure too.

Red-headed finch

White-faced scops owl

Wattled Starling

Lilac-breasted Roller

So after a rather slow day they returned to camp and enjoyed a meal together before retiring for the night.

Wild Adventure Chapter 11 Off to Mata Mata

2016-04-29 | puppy1952

13 March 2016

By 6:30 the Frend-Leighs and Grum-Peighs are packed up and ready to leave Rooiputs. Although it had stormed in the night it kindly let up for them to pack up without getting wet.

The Frend-Leighs left first as they wanted to get a good site at Mata Mata. Their large-lensed cameras were packed so they wouldn’t be stopping for anything but the most exciting sightings.

The Grum-Peighs were thus able to follow at a more leisurely pace. There was a lot of water lying around and they found bokkies drinking at the puddles. They took the dune road and found a total of 16 korhaans.

Then there was a lovely sighing Mom and Dad Jackal with their pup.

It was great to see giraffe on the Mata Mata road and there was plenty of game around.

“Why are there cars parked up ahead,” called Lady G-P. They looked into the bush but couldn’t see anything. The Lord G-P said – “Look – there in the tree – leopard!

Wow – what a great sighting. They were about to move on when suddenly he stood up on the branch.

I don’t think I like this spot anymore

Let me find a more comfortable perch

There’s a cosy hollow here – this is where I’m staying for the rest of the day

At 10:30 they arrived at Mata Mata and set up camp. The Frend-Leighs had found a lovely shady site.

At 4:30 the Grum-Peighs were ready for another drive but the Leighs decided not to go out. It was a long way to the waterholes but the drive was rewarding.

They enjoyed the little steenbok that were about and one chose to pose beautifully.

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The highlight of the afternoon was seeing a lanner at Dalkeith – he had caught a sparrow and was devouring it on the ground.

At 14^th waterhole they were delighted to find an African harrier-hawk.

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They found the leopard in the tree again but he had moved and was difficult to see. However, they managed to point him out to two other cars who were most grateful as they had not yet seen leopard.

In the evening the Earl found some good steaks at the new improved Mata Mata shop and that is what they had on the braai for supper.

Wild Adventure Chapter 9 – Where is that Leopard?

2016-04-27 | puppy1952

This morning’s game drive found Lord and Lady Grum-Peigh back at Kij Kij in search of the lioness and her cubs. They found them in the company of two adult lions. One of them was a young male. They must have been drinking at Kij Kij but by the time they arrived there they were on the Rooiputs side of the WH. They played for a bit and then made their way over the ridge – the opposite way to the previous day.

There was nothing much to see other than kori bustards and other birds further on toward Melkvlei. Then the Earl and Her Ladyship turned around and went to Twee Rivieren to refuel. On the way they had lovely sightings of the smaller things. They saw two yellow mongooses hunting and one caught a mouse! There were also two slender mongoose and the two species didn’t seem to want to share territory.

“What’s that jackal up to,” said Lady G-P He was howling and looking quite agitated. “There must be a cheetah or a lion about – that’s how they behave when they want to get at the left overs from a kill” The jackal was staring into a tree but in spite of a thorough search Lord and Lady G-P couldn’t see anything so they continued on their way.

At Twee Rivieren they filled up then went to the restaurant where they took advantage of the internet access and caught up with emails and messages. The shop had no fresh produce they nipped off to Kgalagadi lodge and bought some cauliflower and broccoli, pattipans, cucumber, tomatoes and sweet potatoes.

The Frend-Leighs decided to pop there too and they met up with them on their way back to TR. The Leighs reported that there was a leopard in a tree between Leeudril and Rooiputs. That’s what the jackal must have been agitating about.

On their return trip to Rooipust they found the site of the leopard but were told by Jan (a young man from the Cheque Republic who was camping on their site) that they’d just missed her in the tree. She’s jumped down and was definitely in the undergrowth under the tree but she was impossible to see. They waited half an hour but it was very hot so they left her in peace with a promise of coming back later.

At Rooiputs waterhole there were 4 Secretary birds.

The late afternoon found them back searching for the leopard. En route they were amused by the meerkats.

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There were a number of cars looking into the tree but nobody could see anything. The Earl wanted to move on but Her Ladyship persuaded him to be patient. Finally they were rewarded when all of a sudden the leopard emerged from his hiding place and began moving.

His nap was over and he was off on a mission

What a beauty

I wonder if I’ll find a snack anywhere here?

Nothing much happening – think I’ll sit here for a while

After walking off along the dunes the leopard flopped down for a rest then got up again and disappeared over the dunes.

“Another wonderful ending to a great day,” said Lady G-P

Share Your World Week 17

2016-04-25 | puppy1952

Here is my contribution to Cees Share Your World questions this week.

When writing by hand do you prefer to use a pencil or pen?

Good question! I much prefer typing on a device than actually using pen and paper as I find writing a struggle. When personal computers became hit the world I immediately started using them for all my school work and was the first in my school to hand in computer generated mark schedules and attendance registers – it certainly eliminated the pain of re-doing them when I made frequent mistakes. But when I do have to write my first choice would be a pencil – so I can erase errors! Of course certain things have to be written in pen and then I use one with a fine nib.

What’s your choice: jigsaw, word, maze or numeric puzzles?

Oh word puzzles without doubt although I also enjoy Sudoku. And of course I do them in pencil with an eraser close at hand! I am useless and jigsaw but I have a daughter who loves them!

Do you prefer long hair or short hair for yourself?

I love long hair as tying it up in a ponytail or bun is really easy but it is doesn’t suit me, so I go to the opposite extreme and keep my hair pretty short.

List five of your favorite blogs.

This is difficult. I love reading blogs. I am going to name five in no particular order. Others I read are also very much enjoyed.

Crazy Train to Tinky Town A young woman’s writings about her experiences with parents, lovers, travel and people she meets. Truly delightful.

Just left awkward suddenly approaching old – A woman my age writing about the past and the present. We have such a similar take on life.

Shail’s Nest – Completely different – writing from India about many different topics including Indian culture and values, family, pets and we have a common interest in birds.

So here’s us A moving blog by a brave and wonderful mother. Her family includes biological and adopted children, special needs children and now cancer has struck one of her little ones. It’s an honest account of how she copes.

Something over Tea Delightfully written by a like-minded nature loving, tea-drinking South African.

Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

Last week I wrote that I was looking forward to whatever surprises the following week had in store – and wow – what surprises there were. We’re making changes to our home and one of the things on the list was to get a fake cane suite for the lounge. After much researching on the internet we did a 24-hour round trip to Cape Town to visit the showrooms and Bingo we found just the thing for a fraction of what we thought we might have to pay!

So of course I am looking forward to its delivery and rearranging my living room. But I might have to wait more than a week for that.

Another surprise was a spur-of-the-moment trip to Warmwaterberg for two nights – and one of the highlights was an excellent ‘Boerekos’ meal at the restaurant – Lamb Pie for Hubby and Bobotie for me. Because we said, “Hold the rice and potatoes,” they gave us extra vegetables – gem squash filled with peas, cauliflower and broccoli with cheese sauce and sweet pumpkin – all delicious!

Wild Adventure Chapter 7 The Earl Helps a Distressed Car at a Lion Sighting

2016-04-25 | puppy1952

9 MARCH

The day started with a lanner. This is a common bird in the KTP and the Grum-Peighs often see them chasing and catching doves. But this one decided to show off to them on the road. He was eating insects or getting minerals from the gravel or whatever attracts all the creatures of the park to this habit. Anyway he posed beautifully.

After enjoying the lanner they pushed on to Kij Kij and found a beautiful male lion drinking at the waterhole. They then followed him as he walked off toward the Nossob road. Several cars were parked facing the waterhole and he flopped down in their shadows. Eventually they decided that enough was enough and set off in search of other game

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A kori bustard entertained them by showing them how to take a dust bath.

When there is little game to be seen the G-Ps keep a sharp eye out for birds. Even the little familiar chat is good to see.

At Melkvlei waterhole there were lots of gemsbok.

On their return they found the male lion sleeping in the shade of a tree. Lady G-P aimed her camera but suddenly the car started moving forward. “Hey – I’m trying to get a shot,”she complained.

“But this guy in front is calling me to chat to him,” replied the Earl.

He pulled up next to the hired four by four. “I’m so sorry,”said a British voice “But I stopped here to see this lion and now my car is dead!” There were two men and two women in the vehicle and they all looked terrified.

“Don’t worry,” said Lady G-P, “My husband will fix it.” She has great confidence in her her husband’s MacGyver type skills.

The Earl turned the car around with a view to jump starting his dead car. “Just keep an eye on Leo.”said His Lordship as he climbed up and opened a rooftop box to retrieve his tools. “He’s sitting up!” yelled Lady Peigh. But her hero was not fazed. He took out all the tools he needed and passed them to her.

“He’s standing up now!” Lady Peigh was getting nervous. Leo sniffed the air and decided the smell of his Lordship was not to his liking and dropped down again and went back to sleep!

Leo licked his lips as he contemplated an earl for dinner

Nope – not worth the effort – think I’ll have another nap instead

The Earl decided that caution was the better part of valour and quickly hitched the tow rope to the distressed vehicle and towed him to a safer spot. The car did not start while being towed but when they stopped the Earl found that it was a loose connection and fixed it pronto.

The First Earl of Struisbaai using his MacGyver skills

The British tourist were most grateful. They had no tools in the hired vehicle and were quite unprepared for any mishap. Lady G-P would never travel without her personal handyman.

They went back to look at the lion and wait for the Frend-Leighs and then took a slow drive home finding a pale chanting goshawk and a few ground squirrels on the way.