Cee’s Share your World 17 April 2017

2017-04-22 | puppy1952

Here are my answers to this week’s Cee’s Share Your World

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

Ah writing! The only time I pick up a writing implement is to jot down a shopping list or to do a crossword puzzle or Sudoku. And then it’s usually a pencil.
The best thing I learned at school besides Reading – was typing. I have always found handwriting a struggle. My fine-motor co-ordination is not good!

In my early days of teaching filling in the attendance register – and balancing it at the end of each term, writing reports and keeping records accurately was a nightmare – I always had to rewrite things – no tippex was allowed. I was the first person at my school to start doing it all on the computer. Yay for technology – I embrace it passionately. It certainly made my life a lot easier.

Having said all this – I did learn Italic – and loved it. But writing by hand is a struggle for me and I very much prefer my devices.

Would you rather be an amazing dancer or an amazing singer?

I would love to be both but am not talented in either in the least. Much to my children’s dismay I break into song at the drop of a hat and Hubby and I are always the first on the dance floor.

If you were on a debate team, what subject would you relish debating?

I would love to debate anything about Education – like – to give homework or not to give homework.

What are you a “natural” at doing?

I guess I will have to answer that I’m natural at working very hard at anything I tackle because I have no talent for anything! When I tell people I have no talents they respond with – nonsense – everybody has a talent but they can’t come up with a good one for me. I will tell you, however, what I love doing. Teaching, writing (creatively and factually), doing stuff on a computer or electronic device – and showing others how to do it.

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

Easter brought home to me how lucky I am to have such an amazing extended family and even though I don’t see all of them all that often I’m grateful that they’re in my life.

No plans for the next week but I’m sure something interesting will happen.

Family Easter in Struisbaai

2017-04-20 | puppy1952

“Grandchildren are God’s reward to us for not killing our own” Not that we ever wanted to kill our perfect little girls. They were such angels.

Due to circumstances that could not be avoided our eldest and her two babies came to live with us when they were 4 months and 18 months old. Hence we had the privilege of being totally involved in their upbringing. Right up until we came to live in Struisbaai almost two years ago, we were a bustling household of 5 or 6 depending on whether our youngest was with us or away on her own. Do we miss the hustle and bustle? Well actually we love our new, quiet lifestyle but yes we do miss everything that a big family adds to your life. So it was great when they all came to stay over the Easter Weekend.

On Wednesday our youngest daughter, Laurie, took a day off work and came up early with Josh (18) Lisa, came up on Saturday with our other grandson, Jay (19)

Grandpa has been trying to get some chores done around the house and on the boat so welcomed the extra muscle and labour.

Josh and Laurie at Shipwreck for breakfast

We were hoping that summer would last a little longer but it was decidedly cooler. However, we did get some lovely days and managed some scenic walks on the beach.

My handsome young lads on the beach

Checking out the harbour activity

Unfortunately the weather wasn’t good enough for fishing – but next time ….

Before Lisa came up with Jay on Saturday we decided to visit my sister at her holiday house at Riverine on The Breede. My brother’s kids Kyle and Mick were also spending the weekend at their family holiday house and joined us for lunch. It was a very happy reunion as we got to catch up with my nieces and nephews who I haven’t seen in a while. Lolz enjoyed her cousins’ company too.

I gave my great nephew a puzzle which he completed in no time at all!

Mom Katja holding Oliver (1 year) who is showing off his clapping skills

View of The Breede River

Matthew wanted to hunt for dinosaurs

Ha – Look I’ve found Stegosaurus!

Two gorgeous girls – Niece, Belinda and daughter, Lolz

Guilia, Mick (he is recovering from a motorbike accident) and Robert

Kyle -(my nephew and husband of Guilia) Katja (Robert’s wife) and Lolz

The lovely lass on the left is nephew Mick’s Kiwi girlfriend – that’s him lying down and nephew Robert (dad to Ollie and Mattie) is on the other recliner.

The Handsome Grandfathers – My darling hubbie Earl and Brother in law – Brian

Auntie Belinda with her youngest nephew – Ollie

My sister who is an amazing cook and entertainer whipped up a wonderful lunch in no time at all and fed over a dozen of us with the greatest of ease. I don’t know how she does it!

We were so busy enjoying the meal that I forgot to take photographs and I don’t even have one of my sister! So I’m posting an old one of the two of us.

My sister (right) and me

It’s compulsory to have a boat ride on the river but I declined having done it too many times before. Earl could not pass up an opportunity of going on a boat and he and Josh went along with nephew James, Lolz and Brother in law Brian. Of course Mattie couldn’t miss out.

Mattie and Josh having fun

It took a bit of time and Mattie found a comfy old man to fall asleep against

It was such an enjoyable day but we had to get back to welcome Lisa and Jay and so we headed back to Struisbaai before the day was done.

As time passes and kids grow up you would think that the magic of Easter would fade – not so for my lovely boys. They still wanted to have an Easter Egg Hunt.

I’m so grateful that my boys are not too cool to miss out on the fun and will still snuggle up with their old granny and not worry about what others will think.

Still Granny’s baby

They are the most amazing reward from God.

Share Your World 10 April 2017

2017-04-10 | puppy1952

Here are my answers to Share Your World 10 April 2017

Have you ever participated in a distance walking, swimming, running, or biking event? Tell your story.

My first fun run was 5 km which I ran with my friend Chantal (She features later in this post too) – I was in my forties and she was in her thirties. Then in my fifties I ran an 8km fun run with my grandsons who were about 8 and 9 at the time. They were both fun events but like Cee I was not ever a competitive runner but enjoyed jogging for exercise. The last time I ran more than 1 km was when I was 60. I’ve decided it’s time to slow down to a walk.

Name one thing not many people know about you.

My life is an open book. Most of my friends have known me for a very long time and I can’t think of anything they might not know about me. I lived in my home town most of my life before retiring to Struisbaai but some people may not know that from the age of 2 to 5 I lived in Johannesburg and started my formal schooling there.

What is your favorite flower?

My favourite flower is the South African National Flower – The Protea

Things I want to have in my home (paintings, hot tubs, book cases, big screen tv etc)

I am very happy with everything I have in my house (all of the above except the hot tub) l’d only change one thing – the floors. I’d like either wood laminate flooring throughout or tiles that look like wood laminate.

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

As much as I love living here at the southern tip of Africa, I do miss my Cape Town friends and family. So I’m always grateful when they come to visit for a few days. After much re-scheduling Chantal and Jeremy made it here this past weekend. How wonderful it was to have a good catch up and not have to try and get all the news in during a quick dinner date fitted in when we go to Cape Town.

The placemats at Potpourri in Cape Agulhas suited each of us appropriately

Chanty certaily loves her songs

Translation for overseas readers – That what we have is enough! Definitely The Earl’s Motto

And everyone knows how much I love my coffee

Jeremy wants all those gorgeous girls out there to know that he is taken!

The sky was amazing at the Southern Tip on Sunday

A yellow mongoose or six greeted us on the way to Arniston

This morning we had breakfast at the harbour

The gang waiting for service

Next week I am looking forward to Easter. The kids will be coming in large numbers!

Share Your World 3 April 2017

2017-04-04 | puppy1952

Here are my answers to this week’s Share Your World 3 April 2017

What’s something you like to do the old-fashioned way?

I am a total techno freak and believe in moving with the times. I no longer write letters by hand – why would I when email and texting is so quick. I rely on a calculator to work out sums, go online to do banking and do a variety of things on the computer.

So there are very few things I do the old fashioned way. But here are a few things left over from the dark ages

knitting and crochet
walking whenever possible – hardly ever drive my car
wash dishes in the sink – don’t have a dishwasher
grow vegetables in the garden

What’s your favorite genre of book or movie?

Generally I avoid watching or reading books and movies with graphic violence. However, I did enjoy all The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo books. They were intriguing and well written.

Crime is also not my first choice but I will read David Balducchi and Deon Meyer. I didn’t enjoy the first few Deon Meyers. The stories were good but I didn’t enjoy the style in which they were written. Somebody suggested I read them in Afrikaans. And that made a huge difference – They’re brilliant in the vernacular.

Jewish stories – Favourite author Chaim Potok

Other favourite authors – Anne Tyler, Kate Atkins, Joanna Trollop, Maeve Binchy, Bryce Courtney, Mavis Cheek, Penelope Lively,

Anything with South African content attracts me. I have read some excellent books by South African authors. Michiel Heyns, Pamela Jooste, Rayda Jacobs, Andre Brink to name but a few.

My favourite movies are – Yentl (Barbara Streisand). 84 Charring Cross Road ( I read the book first and the movie was just as good.) Miss Potter ( I saw it five times)

At the moment I am watching Grace and Frankie on Netflix and loving it.

How often do you people watch?

I enjoy watching people and try to guess what their relationship is to the people they’re with. Mostly I enjoy actually talking to people I meet. I am not too shy to strike up a conversation with complete strangers.

What have you only recently formed an opinion about?

I can’t think of anything that I’ve formed an opinion about recently. But my opinions have changed in my old age. I am more tolerant than I was before.

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

I am always grateful for the great time I had at Rosendal Spa last week and I am looking forward to friends coming to stay this weekend. Life is Good.

Midweek Spa Break

2017-04-02 | puppy1952

We had our bathroom basin replaced on Wednesday last week and couldn’t use it for two days. So we used this as an excuse to go away for a midweek break.

In the heart of the Cape Winelands, on Route 62, lies Robertson also known as the Valley of Wine and Roses. This is where Trip Advisor found us Rosendal Spa which had an attractive package that included Dinner, Bed and Breakfast and 2 spa treatments each. Just what we needed!

Roses and grapevines have the same type of soil and sun requirements. Farmers plant rose hedges near the vines not only to make their farmlands look attractive but also to attract bees and to provide a habitat for beneficial insects which will prey on harmful insects that cause damage to the grapes. Robertson is a particularly fertile valley where everything grows well making it a very pretty place to visit.

After driving the hour and half picturesque route we arrived at our stunning accommodation.

Reception and Restaurant

View of Rosendal from the other side of the dam

Our room opened onto the pool area and as the weather was hot the pool offered welcome relief.

Looking toward our room from the pool area

A bit chilly at first

But so refreshing

The dam had a variety of birds to entertain us and on a walk around the estate I found some others too.

A confiding Cape Robin showed up quite frequently

Black Crowned Night Heron hiding in the reeds

Red-knobbed Coot

Cape Canaries in the vines

Cape Canary

Red-knobbed coot

Common Moorhen

Little Grebe – but I prefer it’s former name – Dabchick

Female Bishop

Farm Dam passed on my walk

Yellow-billed ducks seen on farm dam

Speckled Mousebird

On Thursday after breakfast I had a facial and Earl a pedicure. Our therapists were excellent and we enjoyed an hour of pampering. We then went into Robertson to do a bit of shopping as it offers a slightly larger variety of stores than Bredasdorp. Even so we struggled to find any that still had men’s shorts in stock! But we did not return empty handed after finding the required item at Jeep.

In the afternoon we went for an African Wood Massage – an hour and a half of pure bliss.

Our meals could be taken in the restaurant or on the deck overlooking the dam. Even in the evenings it was warm enough to sit outdoors.

Sunset over the dam

Earl’s shot of the crescent moon

The Lamb Shank was delicious

We always feel proudly South African when we meet tourists who tell us how much they have enjoyed visiting our country and usually they tell us about the excellent service they receive from establishments they stay at and restaurants they visit. We met two German girls who were having a very adventurous time. We gave the some tips on what to do when in Cape Town.

Another couple who were our age and from England told us that they’d had a great time up until that day! I’m sharing their story here as a warning to others who visit our beautiful land. Crime is a problem here! Be aware and watch out for scammers! This couple were driving in their hire car from Paarl to Robertson when they a BMW hooted and flashed lights at them, indicating that they wanted them to pull over and stop. Not wanting to break the law they obliged. “Where are you going?” an official looking man asked. They told him. “Well you need a pass to go there. Follow us and we will show you where to get one.” They were taken to an ATM. “Put your card in there and your pass will be issued.” Unfortunately the gentleman obliged and his card was cloned. He realised this when the machine did not spit it out again. The scammers, of course, were gone and nowhere to be seen. He went into the bank and his card was cancelled. Then it was a two hour session at the police station before he could continue his journey. Please people, demand badges and names before agreeing to this kind of thing not only in this country but in any one. Be on your guard and vigilant at all times. And in this country avoid driving long distances at night.

Naturally this incident upset our new friends but they said that other than that their experiences here had been positive. They’d enjoyed an amazing trip to The Kruger National Park and were now about to do the Garden Route. Hopefully, the bad incident will soon be forgotten.

On our way back to Struisbaai I couldn’t resist taking this photograph.

A refreshing change from your usual scare crow!

Delightful Weekend with Good Friends

2017-03-31 | puppy1952

We love having our Cape Town friends to visit us in Struisbaai from time to time and last weekend Tony and Sharon came up to spend Saturday and Sunday night with us. The weather couldn’t have been nicer.

During our many years of friendship, Sharon and I have waked many miles together so it was great to have her company on my daily strolls. Of course we did the mall, the harbour and the beach but on Sunday we headed toward Cape Agulhas where we planned to meet the guys for coffee at Potpourri.

It’s compulsory to visit the harbour

We didn’t make it to Potpourri as we bumped into our mutual friend Sheryl who was working in the garden in front of her B&B. She was delighted to see Sharon and invited us in for coffee. So we rang the guys to join us and spent a few hours with Sheryl and Alan instead

Sheryl showed us round her beautiful B&B, Agulhas Ocean House

Each room has stunning sea views

The en suites are so luxurious

On Monday we drove to Arniston and looked for birds and wildlife on the way.

We saw a few birds including blue crane, bokmakierie, pied starlings, sparrows and canaries but I’m always delighted to find the Denham’s Bustard

Also a little bokkie resting in the veld.

This rock kestrel at the car park overlooking Otter Beach

View of Otter Beach

Tony and Sharon enjoying the view

It was an amazing day

View from the deck of The Arniston Hotel

The cake and coffee was to die for

Not the Banting Diet!

Sadly our friends had to leave when we got back to Struisbaai but it was so good to spend those two days with them.

Share Your World 27 March 2017

2017-03-31 | puppy1952

Here are my answers to this week’s Share Your World

Does your first or middle name have any significance (or were you named after another family member)?

I was the firstborn granddaughter and according to Greek tradition I should have been named after my paternal grandmother. My mother who was not Greek compromised by allowing me to given an Anglicised version of Maria, so my second name is Mary. Mother also did not want to hurt the feelings of my maternal grandmother so I have a third name – Edwina. As a child I was hugely embarrassed by my extremely long and difficult to pronounce surname made worse by a string of Christian names! But now it no longer bothers me.

Music or silence while working?

It depends what I am doing. I like the radio on if I’m doing something mindless like housework. Music is okay if I’m working on the computer. I don’t like being alone in the house without something playing on the radio.

If you had a special place for your three most special possessions (not including photos, electronics, people or animals), what would they be?

My special possessions are my electronic devices I’m afraid. I also love my books and I have a bookshelf for them. My favourite paintings hang on the walls and my jewellery has a secure hiding place.

The Never List: What are things you know you never will do?

I will never bungee jump, sky dive or chip the ice to go for a swim.

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

I am grateful for the wonderful mid-week break we had at Rosendal Spa in Robertson. The weather was perfect, our room opened onto the pool area and we enjoyed the most relaxing treatments at the salon. I will probably write a blog about it soon.

I don’t know what the next week holds do us but I’m sure I will enjoy its surprises.

The All Coastal Bottom Fish Interprovincial Competition

2017-03-27 | puppy1952

The All Coastal Bottom Fish Interprovincial Competition was hosted by Suidpunt Deep Sea Angling Club at Struisbaai from Tuesday 21 March to Saturday 25 March 2017. Thanks to Leander Wiit (Chairman of Western Provence Deep Sea Angling Association), DP Burger (Convener) and Louis Becker (Tournaments Officer) for their organisation of the event.

The three days fished were Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Conditions were superb although the sea was quite rough on Thursday.

There were nine teams, namely

Western Province White – DP Burger (Captain) Iaan Viljoen and Gus Rautmann
Western Province Blue – Morne Marais (Captain) Ron Pennninkhof and Philip van der Walt
Western Province Juniors – Christof Dahl (Captain) Divan Burger and Karla Rautmann
Natal DSSA – Abed Khan (Captain) Heino Meyer and Timothy Munnick
Southern Cape White – Terry Terblanche (Captain) Koos Scholtz and Johan Crouse
Southern Cape Blue – Rod Kieser (Captain) Chris Schorn and Thys Uys
Eastern Province Black – Wayne Gerber (Captain) Christopher Gerber and Sheena Gerber
Eastern Province Red – Kevin Clark (Captain) Peter Dawson and Alie Matthysen
Border Deep Sea – Rory Leonard (Captain) Allan Ford and Everitt van Loggerenberg

Thanks to the skippers who put in their boats for this competition

Kitty Cat – Pietro Cutino
Haven – Colin Joubert
Sea Dodger – Roger Marais
Cavalier – Mark Truter
Men @ Work – Piet Wessels
GT – Patrick Christodoulou
Relentless – Daniel Hughes
S-Catman – Louis Bekker
King Fisher – Erik Dahl

The boats used in the competition. Thanks to the awesome skippers.

All the catering was done by Marinda de Kock and her team. All can attest to the superbness of the breakfasts, lunch boxes and dinners.

A Delicious Spread at the Opening Function

The radio communications were ably controlled by Andrew Perris and assisted by Earl Fenwick who also took most of the photographs.

Thanks too, to the following people, Grant van der Westhuizen, Elize Beukes and Dick le Roux for doing an awesome job as weigh masters at the scales, Mark Westhook for organising the bait and Louis Becker and Patrick Christodoulou for doing the scoring.

At the opening function it was great to see the teams dressed in their colours, newbies were capped and there was an auction to predict and ‘buy’ the winning teams. He/she who predicted the first, second and third winners would win a handsome cash prize.

Leander Wiit and Patrick Christodoulou with the newly capped WP Juniors – Divan Burger, Karla Rautmann and Christof Dahl

Launching time was 7:00 am which meant a chilly and early rising if you wanted to enjoy a good breakfast before setting off to nab your catch. The aim was to get as many bottom species as possible. They had to be measured, photographed and released. However, if it was a pending record fish it had to be brought to the scales to be weighed. Yellowtail could be caught, kept and brought to the scales for points.

Busy at the scales

An awesome catch of yellowtail by Southern Cape White -Terry, Johan and Koos

The Gerber family – Eastern Province Black – did exceptionally well and were a tough team to beat!

Sheena Gerber achieved a SADSA Lady’s 6kg line class record with her beautiful yellowtail

The only juniors fishing and didn’t they have an awesome time – not to mention a three day break from boring old school!

A special word of thanks is due to the skippers of GT, Cavalier and Haven for hosting the Juniors. Thank you guys for your patience with and your guidance and support of these delightful youngsters. Long may they continue with their passion for the sport.

Christof Dahl holding his Red Stompneus which is a pending 6kg line class junior record.

It was a close competition and on Saturday all held a collective breath waiting to hear the final results at the prize-giving function. Roger and Sonja Marais were particularly delighted to hear that Western Province Blue, the team they ‘bought’ were the winners!

Winning Team Western Province Blue 2017-03-25 08-06-06 PM 800x600

Sonja and Roger with the winning team!

Eastern Province Black - Second 2017-03-25 08-00-54 PM 800x600

What an exceptional Eastern Province family in second place

Border - Third 2017-03-25 07-57-43 PM 800x628.JPG

And Border came an awesome third

Pietro Cutiono Third Skipper Kitty Kat2017-03-25 07-41-38 PM 800x600 2017-03-25 07-41-38 PM 800x600 2017-03-25 07-41-38 PM 800x600

Pietro Cutino (Kitty Cat) was the skipper in third place

Second Skipper Piet Wessels Men @ Work 2017-03-25 07-42-13 PM 800x600

Colin Joubert (Haven) was placed second

Top Skipper Louis Bekker S-Catman 2017-03-25 07-42-40 PM 800x600

And the top skipper was Louis Bekker (S-Catman)

And so ended another awesome Suidpunt Deep Sea angling event!

Share Your World 13 March 2017

2017-03-14 | puppy1952

Here are my answers t0 this weeks Cee’s Share Your World Challenge

Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?

Where I live there are no elevators but when I’m in a place where there is one I only press once. If it takes too long I use the stairs. It’s usually quicker to use the stairs and as I use a step counting watch it helps my totals. But there are times when going up and down stairs with packages or luggage is not very practical so the lift I will use. I have a friend who avoids lifts at all costs as she is terrified of them. This is phobia that started when we were kids after watching a movie with a scary lift scene in it.

Do you plan out things usually or do you do them more spontaneous (for example if you are visiting a big city you don’t know?)

I do the initial planning for our major holidays – where we will stay, for how long and more or less what we would like to do while there. But we are both spontaneous and would change plans at the drop of a hat. Some of our local trips are decided today, leaving tomorrow. Trips abroad can never be last minute as it takes time to get Visas and most countries require South Africans to have visitors’ visas before entering their borders. This takes time and is fairly expensive – so yes – planning is required well in advance.

Describe yourself in at least four uplifting words.

Loyal, Entertaining, Adventurous, Fun.

If you had a choice which would be your preference salt water beaches, fresh water lakes, ocean cruise, hot tub, ski resort or desert?

All of the above. I have lived near the sea most of my life and can’t imagine my permanent residence being anywhere else. I go to the beach almost daily, my hubby has a fishing boat, we like fresh fish – no – we could not live inland.

Kiora is his pride and joy

Our holiday destinations often include a stay next to fresh water lakes or dams – you’ve guessed it – for freshwater fishing. There is something about being next to a calm body of water that is calming – and I love it.

Sani Valley Lodge at the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains

Pictured above is our favourite Freshwater venue – and there you might also find a hot tub!

This one was meant for Granny and Grandpa but the kids decided it was theirs!

I went on a skiing holiday more than 20 years ago and loved it but it’s not top of my list anymore.

The Earl and me about to embark on our first ski lesson – ski instructor on left

I’ve been on two short ocean cruises and thoroughly enjoyed them – but haven’t been tempted to make a habit of it – but now that I’m older I think it might be the best way to see Europe and so a big one is on our bucket list.

On board the Achille Lauro – a four day cruise from Durban to Bazaruto Island and back.

The desert certainly has its own appeal – done it got the photos but not rushing to do it again. However, I would encourage everyone to visit a desert at least once in their lives. Our desert of choice is The Namib and it is awesome.

Climbing a red dune is compulsory

The one thing not on this list is actually at the top of mine – The Bush! I will never grow tired of visiting the wildest parts of Africa. We had to cancel our Kruger National Park trip because the Earl was still recovering from surgery but it won’t be long before we’re back!

Nothing beats coming across a scene like this

or spending a few hours watching birds at Lake Panic

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

I am always grateful that I live where I do. The weather is changing – it’s cooler in the mornings but I know we will never get the freezing temperatures I have read other bloggers write about. Most are welcoming the Spring and looking forward to being able to go into their gardens! How lucky am I that this is possible for me throughofut the year. I love Winter because the wind seldom blows and that when it’s not raining the days are sunny. I can still walk on the beach and only need to put on a fleece or a jacket.

I am looking forward to having friends to stay this weekend. Next week there is another fishing competition in Struisbaai – The Bottom Fish Nationals – and The Earl and I will be taking photographs for that.

Have a good week everyone.

Sunday visit to Arniston

2017-03-07 | puppy1952

Cara and Shaun cooked us a wonderful breakfast on Sunday morning and we discussed what everyone would like to do on their last day. Swimming and/or body surfing was on the list so we suggested packing cossies and heading off to Arniston where we could also include a visit to The Waenhuiskrans Cave. The Earl and I secretly hoped to stop to see a bird or two but time was of the essence so we didn’t stop for too many.

You can only get into the cave at low tide which Earl said would be at 14h00. We were a bit earlier than that so we explored the area a bit and then went for a swim.

Shaun and Cara with Casper

Be careful Cansu

Lolz and Cansu watching the surfers at Otter Beach

Casper also wanted to swim

Cold – but lovely once you’re in

Fun jumping the waves

Recovering from a dump!

The boys did some body surfing and the girls some tanning and then we dried off and set off to see if the cave was doable.

The last time I did it with friends it was spring low tide and looked like this.

Easy to make your way along these dry rocks

Not so easy when you have to wade through the tide that is not quite out yet

I decided not to risk slipping on the route to the cave just in case I fell and had to deal with weeks of recovery – not a good idea at my ripe old age. But the young ones being more sure-footed bravely went ahead.

Shaun the gallant gentleman giving Cansu a hand

The Earl watched from the top of the cliff and yelled out directions

To get to the cave you have to go through a smaller one and then crawl through a tunnel. The kids missed the way at first but Earl was watching from the cliff and gesticulated frantically until they caught on that they’d gone to far. Cara found the tunnel and in they went. As I wasn’t there I couldn’t take photos but these are some from a past trip.

Inside the cave

The opening to the sea

The crawl through tunnel

Was this Hayley? I called her name but she could not hear me above the crashing waves

She was a braver woman than I – It was indeed Hayley and we had a lovely catch- up when she returned.

Our adventurers returning

The young ones needed to get back to Cape Town so we decided not to have lunch at the motel which was busy and we would have had a long wait to be served.

On the return I had to yell for The Earl to stop as I spotted a Denham’s bustard – a bird I have to see when doing this drive!

IMG_4343-001

We saw very little else in the way of birds but it was still and most enjoyable excursion.

Fishing and Fun in Struisbaai

2017-03-06 | puppy1952

Our daughter, Laurie, brought a group of friends to stay this past weekend. What a great time we had with Cara and Shaun, Dylan and a young girl visiting from Turkey named Cansu – pronounced Yunsue.

They all drove up together after work on Friday evening and we met them at The Michael Collins for dinner. The fun began from there and it was midnight before we got to bed.

In spite of this Dylan, Shaun and Earl were up bright and early and went out on Kiora to try their luck on the five and twelve mile banks. And it all went well – more of that later.

We girls chilled a little longer in bed but when we arose Cansu cooked us a Turkish breakfast. She heated olive oil in the pan, threw in chopped green peppers, tomato and garlic and fried them till soft then mixed in some eggs and then topped it with grated cheese and cooked it slowly. We sat out at the picnic table and enjoyed this delicious feast.

Breakfast was a Turkish Delight – Cansu and Cara

Our mission for the day was to show Cansu what the area had to offer so off we set to climb to the top of the Agulhas lighthouse.

Cara and Laurie stayed down below but I went up too. The last ladder that takes you to the top is the scariest of all. You may only go up one at a time. When I reached the top I found a mom and a very scared little girl refusing to go down. I stopped to encourage her telling her the story of two other little ones I’d recently had in the tower who were just as terrified but very brave. Just hold on tight and don’t let go and you will be fine, I said. I think just hearing a voice other than her mom’s did the trick as the tears dried up and she went straight down.

Dad and Little Sister were waiting to welcome her – what a brave girl!

Cara and Laurie walking Caper the Daschund

Magnificent View from up there

Down the scary ladder she goes

But she was not afraid

It is compulsory for every visitor who comes this far south to stand at the very tip of Africa. As it was the weekend there were a number of visitors but the wait was not too long.

In 982 a Japanese fishing boat, The Meisho Maru 38 wrecked at Cape Agulhas and can still be seen on the rocks today. We took Cansu to see it.

The rocks are rugged – you wouldn’t want to run aground here

Cansu poses with the ill fated Meishu Maru

The threatened Black Oystercatcher

Casper loves the beach

Some fynbos

By this time we were all hanging out for a cup of coffee so the delightful gift shop, Potpourri, was our next port of call. We sat outside as we had Casper and shared a scone – a first for Cansu.

Potpourri

The boys, in the meantime, were having a great time at sea. Soon after we got home, Earl called to say they were on their way in and they had fish for supper.

There was a lot of activity at the harbour and some fishermen were cleaning their catch and throwing the guts into the sea. This attracted about ten stingrays into the shallows.

A stingray swims in the clear water

These creatures have become very tame, will eat from a friendly hand and allow people to stroke them. Cansu was fascinated. She kicked off her shoes and waded in. One of the locals had bits of fish and was feeding them. He told her the stingray was pregnant.

Getting close and personal with a ray

“It feels like a jellyfish with fur,” she said

I yelled to Canu to watch the tail but I was on the jetty and she didn’t hear me.

Ouch – the tail brushed against her leg

Cansu got a fright and there was a small graze on her leg which bled but there was no harm done – the spikes did not penetrate her skin and there was no swelling or pain afterwards. We just treated her with Allergex ointment and she was fine.

The Fishermen returning after a successful day at sea

Shaun has a Santa and a Red Stompneus Dylan has two Red Roman

Laurie made us a lovely spinach salad, Cara made garlic bread and new baby potatoes and Earl fried the fish – we had an amazing feast.

More of this lovely weekend to follow.

Share your world 27 February 2017

2017-03-03 | puppy1952

Here are my answers to this weeks Cee’s Share your world

Ever ran out of gas in your vehicle?

I can’t remember ever having run out of fuel in my vehicle. But it’s been close. Sometimes we travel long distances on roads that seem to go on forever but we make sure that we fuel when we can. We have been in wild places where we’ve had to take in our own fuel. That was fun!

Which are better: black or green olives?

I am of Mediterranean ancestry so olives are very important to me. I always have black olives of various types in the fridge but I also like green olives.

If you were a great explorer, what would you explore?

I love exploring and have been to some pretty awesome places. There is nothing I enjoy more than getting close and personal with African wildlife.

001-giraffe-in-the-sunrise-namutoni-etosha

Sunrise in Africa

This Etosha Elephant tried to charge us

I imagine, though, that a great explorer is someone who goes where no man has gone before. Well – I can’t identify with that – I have no desire to go to Mars or the arse end of the world where conditions are inhospitably hot or cold. I don’t mind roughing it but there’s a limit. So I think for this one I’d say anywhere exotic that I’ve never been before so long as I do not have to risk life or limb. And when I’m there I’d like to meet the local people, learn about their lifestyles and explore their fauna and flora.

Quotes List: At least three of your favorite quotes?

I often go on about attitude being the most important thing to get you through life.

This one is probably my favourite because I have had so many moments like that have taken my breath away.

Then there are the more flippant ones that make me laugh

The last one comes from my brother – “I’d rather be rich and miserable than poor and miserable!”

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

On Monday The Earl had to go to the dentist as he’d lost a tooth while biting into his spare ribs. (He never did find said tooth!) She referred him to a periodontist in Somerset West – two hours drive from home. He was lucky enough to get an appointment the following day. Fortunately I went along with him as during the hour and a half procedure he was given a sedative and wasn’t allowed to drive back! We were grateful that he was able to get everything done in one session so we don’t have to return. However, the price has been a lot of post procedure pain! We went back to the dentist in Bredasdorp today and she has given him more antibiotic and pain medication. Thankfully he is feeling much better now.

I am looking forward to this weekend as my daughter will be visiting. She is bringing friends too which will be fun.