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.

Struisbaai Holiday Day 10 – Fishing and Helicopter

2012-12-24 | puppy1952

The early morning is the best part of the day – everybody says so yet not many make the effort to get themselves up and out there to enjoy it. Most of my family, I am proud to say, can be persuaded. Grandpa had Alan, Lauren, Jay and Simon up at the crack of dawn to get the boat out to sea and the fish on board. Low tide today was at 7ish so Shannon, Josh and I went to the beach for a run and a swim. We were horrified to find our usual parking area next to the caravan park almost full. Something’s happening I said when we saw a number of people in running gear heading onto the beach. And yes – a fun-run was about to begin. ‘Come on, kids,’ I said ‘Lets run before this lot start.’

Josh, my 14 year-old grandson, danced around me like a puppy dog on a leash. Obviously I was jogging too slowly for him. Run ahead boy – I’m going at Granny-pace – but he and 10 year- old Shannon stuck by me all the way to the Big B. Then Josh decided enough was enough – after all he is a pretty good cross-country runner – In primary school there was only one boy in his grade that could beat him – so he dashed ahead. I told Shan it would be fine if she went faster but she loyally stuck to my side.

We met the fun-runners coming toward us – hundreds of them. It’s a pity we didn’t have cash with us – we could have joined in just for the fun of it. Back at our starting point we went in for the most deliciously refreshing swim and none of wanted to get out. The breakers were tame so no boogy boarding but the swell lifted us gently over the waves and we wallowed and played. After 20 minutes we decided to get out and we found that the faster runners were already returning. Margaret, a friend of Lisa’s, we found out later did the 5km in 30 minutes. She told us she had seen us but we didn’t pick her out in the crowd.

Reluctantly we left the beach and returned to wake up Lisa for a scrambled egg, bacon and mushroom breakfast – yes, cooked by me. Then Josh, Shannon and I went to do a last minute Christmas shop for a gift for Lisa from her boys. Josh wanted to buy a necklace but couldn’t find one he thought she’d like. Instead, at a little gift shop, we spotted something quite novel and within their budget. Thrilled with this purchase we dashed home – who wants to be shopping Christmas Eve with all those last minute shoppers – yes even in Struisbaai! But when we checked the gift at home we found something wrong and had to return to have it sorted. Luckily for us because if we had not returned we would not have seen ……..The Helicopter! It hovered low and was obviously about to land. We dashed home for the camera and then raced to where it had landed on a public open field behind the long beach. Josh was in his element as his dream is to be a helicopter pilot. Go and talk to him, I urged. But he was too shy so I broke the ice by telling the pilot that Josh was very interested to see what they were up to. The pilot told him he would need at least R1m to train unless he was accepted into the air force which required 7 or 8 As for Matric…..Anything is possible Josh! The chopper was there to do sea rescue training and Josh was allowed to sit in the cockpit before they began.

The Helicopter

Josh chatting to the pilot while Shan looks on

Josh in the cockpit

In the air

Simulated Sea Rescue

Rescue Simulation

Safely on the beach

Thanks Pilot

Last Look

That was awesome

In the mean time the fishers were having a great time. Simon fed the fish but the seasick medication helped his parents. He still managed to get the most fish of everyone and Jay caught the biggest one. (Boat pictures taken by Lauren)

Another grandson following in Grandpa’s footsteps

Grandpa preparing the bait

Red Steenbras caught and released by Alan (Rural Son-in-law)

I’m the Man

Lauren and Simon with their catch

After lunch it was snooze time for some but Grandpa and I took Josh, Shan and Simon to the beach. Although a strong North Wester was blowing it was warm and the sea wonderfully warm. The kids stayed in the sea for over an hour.

Shan and Josh

Simon frolicking in the waves

Earl, Simon and Jay went octopus hunting before supper but were unsuccessful. We put on the Christmas lights and listened to Now That’s What I Call Christmas while we ate a supper of left over fish, seed loaf and salad.

We are still listening to the music and hoping that tonight Santa will find our house at the southern tip of Africa.

Struisbaai Holiday Day 9 – The Kids Arrive

2012-12-23 | puppy1952

I decided that the best thing for my aching back was a good walk down the beach. It was low tide at 6:00 am. and so we took advantage of not having towalk on soft sand. It worked. By the time we reached the Big B I had loosened up considerably. Earl decided not to swim but I took a quick dip and we were back home by 7:30. We’d picked up some freshly baked seed loaf – still hot from the over and Earl made a delicious breakfast.

Earl had a few chores to do and I gave the house a thorough clean before the influx of family. After lunch we listened to music, chilled with the newspaper and magazines until the kids arrived at 2:30. Lauren had not seen the changes we’d made to the house and her memories were only of how it looked when she was a child. Needless to say, she was hugely impressed at what we have done.

The kids couldn’t get enough of Grandpa and there was a tussle to see who could get closest to him.

We are so glad to see you Grandpa. Josh (14) Shannon (10) Jay (15) Simon (8)

Once everyone was unpacked and had eaten a snack we headed to the beach. It was once again a glorious day today.

The pictures tell it all.

Shannon the surfer girl

That was fun

Josh riding the wave

That was a good one

Josh floating on the board

Let’s do that again

Here comes a big one

Jay

Simon catches a good one

It was a problem dragging them out of the sea but at last we made it home for fresh water showers and a braai – fresh geelbek, butternut, sweet potatoes and salad.

Josh and Simon helping Grandpa at the braai

Everyone was weary from travelling and swimming and so it was early to bed tonight.

Struisbaai Day 7 – Agulhas and Arniston

2012-12-21 | puppy1952

I got to bed after midnight last night – due to having consumed too many cups of strong coffee, all the excitement of the day and blogging till late! However, I finally fell asleep but was wide awake by 5:30 and 6:30 found Earl and me on the beach. I wanted to run while the tide was still low enough not to have too much soft sand. Earl does not do running but enjoyed a brisk walk.

When we returned the Vet Viets Vriende started emerging in stages until all were up and eating and ‘Early’ breakfast by 8 o’clock. They were super appreciative and a pleasure to feed.

We then headed to Cape Agulhas to do the touristy things – like stand at the Southern Most Tip of Africa and climbing to the top of the light house. We created a special seat for our extra passenger.

Princess Kate in her exclusive part of the vehicle

Please note there is controversy as to where the Atlantic and Indian Ocean meet – We Cape Townians sincerely believe it’s at Cape Point. But the purists believe it’s here at Agulhas. The sea is the sea – Man gives the ocean names – so I stick proudly to it being Cape Point – and proudly to the fact that Cape Agulhas is the most southerly point – no argument there!

The Vroeg, Vriendelik, Vet, Viets Vriende at the southern tip of Africa

Die Mees Suidelik Egpaar

We then took a drive to Suiderstrand, had a quick look and history lesson about the wreck and spotted a bird or two.

Rock Kestrel

Then it was back to the lighthouse. I decided not to do the climb for the umpteenth time and Earl quickly went to collect the laundry. The kids, however, enjoyed the experience.

The southern most Lighthouse

VVV at the top of Agulhas Lighthouse

Next we made our way along the dirt road route to Arniston. We handed out binoculars and bored our guests silly by stopping for every little birds. They were too polite to complain though.

Capped Wheatear

Red Bishop

We also detoured to Die Mond but were not allowed to go onto the suspension bridge without paying the entrance fee – silly really we would only have been in the reserve for 10 minutes.

At Arniston we visited the original Fishermen’s village and popped into Kassiesbaai Crafts. Here local crafts are sold from the front room of a private home.

The original Fisherfolk village

It was now lunch time and we tried to get a table at the hotel – no chance but they took our cell number and said they would call us when a table became available. The VVV bought us ice creams and soaked up some sun until the call came through.

It was very busy and they did not bring all the food at the same time – but it was good and reasonably priced. The meals were ordered were calamari, burgers, Gypsy Ham club sandwiches, toasted sandwiches and everyone seemed to enjoy what was presented.

Me Katy Tim (hidden) Nico, Francois, Marianda, Riaan

Katie, Tim, Nico

Our next adventure was to Die Grot – The Cave! It required a short walk from the dunes and then a descent to the beach – a sign warned that the embankment was dangerous and that we should take the steps – so of course the boys went down the embankment. Earl the girls and I were more cautious. The tide was not quite out so we had to negotiate incoming waves and slippery rocks until we entered the first cave and crawled through a low hole into the bigger cave that looked out to the sea. It was awesome. I would love to bring the grandchildren again next week – hopefully when the tide decides to be low at a more reasonable time.

The adventurous boys take the tricky route

The sensible ones take the safe steps

Gingerly negotiating the rocks and surf

Looking at the VVV from the tunnel into the cave toward the sea

Enjoying the cave

The whole gang

An oyster catcher we spotted outside the cave

Nico

Katie

Marianda

Francois

We were pretty whacked and ready to take the trip back to Struisbaai but when we got to the car Tim, Francois and Riaan found some sand surfing boards and dashed up the sand dune like they were doing a 100m flat sprint. Their aim was to ski down but the boards did not work that well!

We stopped at Bredasdorp to pick up supplies and while we prepared dinner the kids went off to the beach for a swim. The girls tried to make a peppermint crisp tart but as I lacked the correct utensils the cream did failed to do what it had to so had to be discarded. Instead they got creative and made us a chocolate mousse/peppermint crisp/tennis biscuit dessert. We named it VVV Pudding.

We enjoyed a dinner of Weber roasted chicken, stuffed butternut, sweet potato and salad followed of course by the VVV pudding.

What a stunning two days we have spent with these 6 fantastic young people. Francois you are an amazing young husband – its great to see how much you love and appreciate your wife – good luck with your future in civil engineering and with your Masters next year. Marianda – Francois is right – you are a wonderful wife – a go for it kind of girl – not many non-cycling wives would have agreed to a holiday of this nature – without fluffy white towels and comfortable beds – you are going to be a stunning teacher – good luck with the rest of your studies and your future career and may all your problems be gorgeous tiny ones like you and your husband. . Nico – the quiet, mysterious, creative one. You have born that aching knee with such fortitude. I’m glad you had a chance to rest it today. Good luck enjoy Greyton and your career in architecture – I would love you to design a home for me! Riaan – My name is Cloete – Riaan Cloete – You are an amazing James Bond – You are the number cruncher with a difference – All the best for your future too! Tim – Marketing Engelsman – what an adventure on a borrowed bike – to undertake all those kilometres – wow – you are super impressive. Good luck to you too with your future studies. Katie – the princess who just take everything in her stride – that smile tells it all – you just love life. What a gem you are! Well done for taking on this amazing challenge and giving it everything you’ve got. The memories will last you a life time! I know you are going to be fabulous in your career – you will be fabulous in whatever you do!

To all of you – Earl and I have so enjoyed the privilege of meeting you and sharing two days of this adventure with you. Sterkte – Go well our new friends.

Struisbaai Holiday Day 4 Breakfast, Bredasdorp and Boogy Boarding

2012-12-18 | puppy1952

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

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

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

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

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

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

Female Cape Sugarbird on our lawn

Female Cape Sugarbird on the telephone wire

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

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

I cleaned house and set up the Christmas tree.

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

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