Here is my contribution go this week’s Fun Photo Challenge from Cee
Free and Easy Lifestyle – Fishing on the lake at Sani Valley Lodge
Magpie Geese swimming free and easy – Australia 2014
Free and Easy Fun on the Rocks – Cape Agulhas 2010
Free and Easy on the beach – Struisbaai 2010
Free and Easy Toasted Marshmallows – Struisbaai 2010
Taking to the sky – fee and easy – Greater Flamingos – False Bay Ecology Park
Free and Easy in the Sea – Fish Hoek Beach – 2006
Today it was our privilege to meet up with our grandson Simon when his school tour stopped to visit the Southern Tip of Africa. The teacher in charge alerted our daughter to the time they would be coming through Bredasdorp, she alerted us and then we timed it just right to meet them coming through Struisbaai.
Here they come – a very excited granny takes the photo!
A close up and then they all pulled over so we could say hi to Simon
After an initial big hello to Simon our grandson, Aiden our great nephew and Robyn, daughter of our kids’ best friends, we followed them to Cape Agulhas
The Kokstad Junior Grade Six classes were two weeks into a three week tour takes them from Kokstad to Cape Town and back. En route they stop at interesting places and it forms part of their Life Skills programme. It’s epic and hats off to the teachers and helpers who take these sixty-eight lively pre-teens on such an amazing, educational tour.
The kids are exceptionally well-behaved. On this trip they’re divided into groups and have chores and responsibilities that are character building. Many have never been away from their protective parents before and so this is a huge learning curve for them.
There are developments afoot at the Southern Tip and road works meant a little wait before entering the car park.
The controlled but excited group getting ready to do the touristy thing at the southern tip
Our gorgeous Robyn Baker
Si-Si pretending not to be embarrassed by his grandparents attention
There were some other tourists at the view point but being a Monday the kids had the place virtually to themselves.
Aiden
Robyn with her group
The kids were given relative freedom to explore after the compulsory photographs had been taken.
Robin and her group at the Southern Tip of Africa
Simon waiting his turn
Simon and Aiden’s Group
Michele’s group
Simon playing a stone kicking game with his friend – BOYS!
A lot of fun was had throwing pebbles into the rock pools
Collecting rocks and exporing the rock pools was also fun
Where’s your rod Simon?
Not today, Gran – I want to see how far I can skim this stone!
That’s a good bowling arm he has there!
Robyn rock hopping with her friends
Smiling for Mom and Dad
Hand away from face please Rob – Nice one of your friend though!
Thank you, that’s better
Aiden and his gang of rock exploring friends
The kids have been to Robben Island, The Science Museum, Cape Point and other wonderful places. I asked Simon what his favourite part has been so far – first he said that he liked the movies at Somerset Mall! Then his friend, Liam, said The Science Museum and his eyes lit up and he said – Yes definitely that! One lad said he liked Robben Island but – Too much history! I think it was all too confusing for him.
The whistle blew – time to go
Liam (I think) and Simon
What a great morning – the weather cooperated, the kids were delightful and we enjoyed our interaction with them all. Bon Voyage for the next week, Kokstad Junior – Grade 6 and Teachers! Thank you for letting us join you for the morning.
The Famous Agulhas Lighthouse
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.
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
The cormorant and oyster catchers didn’t seem to mind the weather
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.
The morning dawned bright and sunny and Maureen and I set off at 7 for a walk towards Cape Agulhas – half an hour out and half an hour back. We arrived back to a delicious breakfast cooked by Earl. The wind was coming up so it was decided that a fishing trip was not an option. Instead we set off on another birding adventure. This time we followed the gravel road to Elim then made our way to Gansbaai returning via Buffelsjacht and Die Dam.
Our Route – We left at 10 and returned at 6
We set our goal to 60 birds but hoped to better that.
The first bird of the day was a flying yellow-billed kite and we continued to see plenty of them all day. In the winter our most common bird of prey was a jackal buzzard with just the odd YBK so lovely to see them so active in the area now.
There is a lot of temporary water lying around from the winter rains and this attracts birds but means the permanent water is less productive than usual.
We find a lovely reed cormorant sunning himself near a puddle next to the Elim road.
We pass through the Agulhas National Park and so often see ostriches. Today we found them right on the road.
Mom hurried the chicks along and warned them of the dangers of canned people
Lots of legs and only one head?
Come and help me with this lot, please Dad!
We took a short detour towards the salt pans to find the flamingos and were successful but they were too far for good photographs. On our way back to the Elim road, Maureen yelled – Secretary Bird and we managed to spot two but they ran off very quickly. Mega tick for the day!
We saw a secretary bird just like this but didn’t get the photo! This is from a previous occasion
The birding was good and we soon had quite a long list but mostly we enjoyed just watching the antics of the birds.
yellow-billed ducks trying to hide from us
We also enjoyed spotting the odd mammal
Rheebok are common in Agulhas National Park and on some of the farms in the area
Levaillant’s Cisticola
White-faced ducks are not that common in the area
By the time we arrived in Gansbaai the wind had got up and was blowing strongly. We went to the Great White House for coffee and muffins/croissants. The patio area was sheltered and we enjoyed the sun on our backs and watched the sunbirds, weavers and witogies drinking at the feeder.
Gansbaai is famous for its shark cage diving and whale watching tours. We watched a boat come in and I spoke to one or two of the passengers when they disembarked from the wale watching trip. It had not been pleasant in the very choppy waters and many were sea-sick – but don’t be put off – choose a calm day and the experience can be amazing!
A whale watching boat coming in from a very rough sea
In the harbour
A tractor pulls them out
I find a white-fronted plover scampering about on the harbour wall
We continue exploring the coastline and find some more interesting birds
A little egret find sea fishing productive
Two gorgeous oyster catchers
A hartlaub’s gull in breeding plumage
At Buffelsjacht we spot whales in the bay.
A gull with a mussel
A swift tern takes a bath
The beach at Die Dam
the dune above the beach
It was an exciting day and by the time we got to Die Dam we had over 60 bird species on our list. We were pretty tired but the challenge now was to beat 70 which we had got with Tommy and Megan a few weeks ago. Just when we thought we’d seen all the possibles for one day we had some really fun sightings.
A distant but obliging Denham’s Bustard
Two Caspian Terns
Our national bird posed beautifully in the dam
A green shank
We finally ended up with 72 species which pleased us enormously.
We cooked a Banting Cottage Pie for supper and all opted for an early night!
There is nothing like having visitors to prompt you into visiting places that are all too familiar but still exciting to explore.
Now that we are residing in the picturesque, fishing village of Struisbaai at the tip of Africa and a three hour drive from our former home, Cape Town, we welcome having friends to stay. Last week Tony and Sharon were our guests for a midweek break and what fun we had.
The weather was not perfect but at least the rain held off and it was not too cold. On Wednesday set off to visit Elim 36 km away. Of course we birded on the way there and back!
Blue Crane
Red-billed teal
Elim was established in 1824 by German missionaries as a Moravian mission station. The grew vines in the viticulture suitable terrain so as to produce their own wine for communion. The he missionaries taught the villagers a variety of trades and skills. Thatching was a skill they mastered and to this day Elim thatchers are recruited to from all over the world.
The village is picturesque and has changed little over the years. The thatched whitewashed cottages are typical fo their homes. All the roads in the village lead to the thatch roofed church. The community, still mainly Moravian, consists of farmers, artisans and farmers.
Elim is becoming known for the export of fynbos, and as an emerging area in the production of wine.
We visited the museum which has some fascinating exhibits.
Implements from a bygone age
The waterwheel
We loved this cart with a licence plate!
Typical kitchen from long ago
Sharon showing how lowly she can be
On Thursday, after a delicious “Early” breakfast we set off for the historic town of Swellendam wich was declared a magisterial district in 1743. It was the fourth oldest in South Africa, and was named after Governor Hendrik Swellengrebel who was the first South African born Governor, and his wife, Helena Ten Damme. This outlying settlement was the gateway to the interior, and was visited by many famous explorers and travellers including Francois Le Vaillant a noted ornithologist (1781).
A village was established beyond the Drostdy, where artisans including numerous wainwrights, blacksmiths, coopers and traders settled. Swellendam was the last outpost of Dutch civilisation on the eastern frontier and thus the services of the residents of the town were of utmost importance.
Our first stop after a scenic drive from Struisbaai was The Old Mill Restaurant. We wanted to sit in the garden but it had rained and the seats were wet so we settled for an indoor table and ordered coffee and milk tart. Inside the menu we found a touching trip report written by one of the staff. They had all been taken to The Kruger National Park and surrounds to do a training course. What an amazing experience they had flying for the first time, seeing fascinating wildlife and exploring a part of our land that they’d only dreamed of. And what a lot they learned about their trade too. The piece was written with such warmth and appreciation of every aspect of the experience. It’s worth going to this restaurant just to read it!
Earl and Sharon next to the lovely fireplace
Feeling refreshed we went to the Drosdy Museum and really enjoyed all the exhibits and re-informed ourselves of our South African history.
Sharon emerging from the Cooper’s cottage
Sharon thinks I should crochet a spread like this!
Tony and Sharon in the court room of the original landrost
Earl wants this for his hearse
He says I can have this one
A very old Singer Sewing Machine
At ‘The Whipping Post’ restaurant (It was the old gaol) we found this stunning patio furniture which I fancy having here in Struisbaai!
We spent a good few hours exploring Swellendam and I can recommend it as a destination especially if you have an interest in things historical. There is also a pottey you could visit and we popped into an art gallery too. The exhibits were interesting and if I could choose I would have take this.
The weather was cooling down quite rapidly by the time we left and made our way to The Bontebok National Park. There was not too much to see but we were thrilled that we saw its star performers plus a few other creatures.
Star of the show
And some of his friends
The flora is stunning
Southern Black Korhaan
Back in Struisbaai we popped into the harbour and took a photograph of the stingrays cruising beneath the surface.
Such a beautiful harbour
On Friday Sharon and I made the most of the most glorious morning and walked to Agulhas.
View on our walk
The men met just over an hour later and we did the compulsory standing on the southern tip thing, took a scenic drive to Suiderstrand and then had breakfast at Potpourri.
Our Southernmost Friends
Me with the Agulhas rocks in the background
It was a lovely end to to a brilliant visit with our friends.
We treated ourselves to dinner at Barracuda’s in Fish Hoek last night – highly recommended if ever you are in our neck of the woods. We had not wished our good friend Jeff for his birthday on the 26th so we popped in and spent an hour or so visiting with him and Annaline. Lovely to catch up with old friends.
This morning we were up early. We did some chores at home then went to have breakfast at Wimpy – cheap and the coffee is good.
This Mega Coffee will keep him going all day
We had some time before our myosteopractic treatments so we picked up some provisions at Pick ‘n Pay, met friends and chatted in the aisles – amazing how many people were avoiding the crowds due later in the day! And then – bliss – we both felt amazing after our treatments and so the disaster with the Caravelle was sort of a blessing in disguise!
There was no way that the Caravelle would be ready today so we left Sun Valley at 1 p.m. the worst of the traffic being between Fish Hoek and Muizenberg and got back to Struisbaai at quarter to four. We will try not to think of how much our repairs will cost and collect the vehicle early next week.
Meanwhile the family were coping quite well without us. I wondered whether they would do the early morning beach thing – and yes they did! Lauren took the pictures to prove it. Note the long shadows!
Josh and Shan ready for a swim.
They also decided to do the touristy thing – stand at the Southern Tip of Africa and climb to the top of the southern most lighthouse.
Southernmost Grandchildren
Simon was not in the mood for photographs – For a week now he’s put up with his granny snapping away and now when Mom tried it, he decided enough already! All she managed was a back view with the lighthouse in the background.
Si playing with the pebbles at the Southern Tip of Africa
Simon was a little nervous of climbing up the steep lighthouse ladder. But he wanted to do it and with his mom’s gentle encouragement he was proud to make it to the top! But it did mean she couldn’t take the photos while assisting him.
In front of the lighthouse
Wherever one finds oneself in the world one must not assume – Nobody knows me here. Jay had this experience today. He is presently spending a few days with his girlfriend and her parents at their holiday spot near De Hoop Nature Reserve. They decided to explore the Breede River area. This afternoon I received a text from my sister who has a house at Riverine on The River. ‘What are the chances’ read the caption. She and her family landed up at The Boathouse at exactly the same time as Jay was there!
Jay and Monet at Breede River
Tomorrow we will meet up with him and Monet’s family at Arniston. The kids are looking forward to exploring the cave!
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.
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
Last weekend I spent a most enjoyable girls’ weekend at our holiday house in Struisbaai so when my hubby suggested going up again to do some necessary chores at the house again on Friday – I thought, why not. We invited our friends Tony and Sharon to join us and although it was short notice they persuaded a friendly neighbour to look after their cat and as soon as I’d finished school at 3 o’clock we were off. The weather was awful. It was cold and wet but we were in high spirits – after all it’s better to be miserable in Struisbaai than miserable in Cape Town. We cheerfully handled the traffic in Somerset West, had a clear run over Sir Lowry’s Pass and dashed through intermittent showers before arriving in Struis at 6 o’ clock. Once we were unpacked and settled we decided to treat ourselves to a meal out at Angelo’s in Agulhas. It was raining when we arrived and really cold but inside there was an inviting fire which warmed us inside and out.
The menu had a variety of delicious items and it was difficult to make up our minds – but in the end Earl, Tony and Sharon had the prawn and calamari basket. The only reason I went for a pasta dish was that I eat seafood so often at home that I felt I should have change. Our meals were superb and Tony and Sharon were amazed that such good cuisine could be obtained in a backwater like Cape Agulhas!
We beat the chill by adding an extra duvet to our beds and we all reported a good night’s rest the following morning. Earl cooked up one of his famous “Early Breakfasts” in the form of delicious omelettes filled with bacon, cheddar, blue cheese and tomato. Then once we’d had a hot cup of coffee, fed the garden birds and donned our warmest jackets Sharon and I went for a stroll around Struisbaai while the boys went to fetch some provisions from the shop. We ended up at Struisbaai ‘mall’ and browsed around my friend, Lynn’s shop – South Bound -Lifestyle Gifts. She’d just returned from the Far East and her stock was wonderful. She has everything and anything – “I look for stuff that is interesting and that I think will sell,” she told us. And she certainly does have an eye! We didn’t have our wallets with us but as we left we found the boys and told them to come and look at what we’d found. It turned out to be a good day for Lynn – Earl and I bought a bedside cupboard and Tony and Sharon left with two beautiful silver statuettes.
We then took a drive to Arniston and of course did some bird watching on the way. Sharon and Tony are not birders but enjoy the feathered friends that visit their fynbos garden on the mountainside of Fish Hoek. We promised not to bore them by stopping for every sparrow and dove. “And Sharon – I promise there is one shop in Arniston.” I said. “She has her black belt in shopping,” Tony quipped. I turned out to be a most productive drive in spite of the intermittent showers and chilly weather. We saw yellow mongoose frolicking and chasing each other, there was a dead sheep in a field that must have been taken by a jackal or a lynx and a bird of prey was being chased from it by the crows. A beautiful jackal buzzard flew from its perch in front of us and there were dozens of weavers, sparrows and canaries about. We also saw lots of blue crane amongst the grazing sheep and the elusive Denham’s bustard made an appearance when we took a detour to Die Mond for a quick walk onto the suspended bridge. On the way back to the Arniston Road we found a single Southern Black Korhaan.
Blue Crane
Mating Dance
Tony and Sharon on the Bridge – Die Mond
Denham’s Bustard
Southern Black Korhaan
The sea at Arniston was wild and fun to watch, the waves breaking as high as the cliffs. We drove around and looked at the dunes and the houses and then went for a light lunch of roast vegetable soup and whole-wheat bread at the hotel. Delicious. Of course, we had to check out the gift shop too but all Sharon bought were some pretty elastics for her hair.
It is compulsory when visiting this part of the world to do the Southern Tip of Africa – so we dutifully took our guest to Cape Agulhas before going home. Bravely they stood with smiling faces and chattering teeth as we took their photographs at the tip of the continent! We also showed them the surrounding Agulhas National Park, Suiderstrand and of course the wreck.
Sharon bravely posing at the Southern Tip of Africa
Potpourri Gift and Coffee Shop was our next port of call. The gatherer instinct was once again satisfied and a cup of coffee consumed. At five o’clock we were the last patrons to leave.
Thank Goodness for our indoor braai! Earl lit the fire and we warmed up beside it until it was ready to cook our supper – starter of spiced bacon on a skewer followed by lamb chops, rolls and salad. Then an early night in our snug little beds.
Sunday Morning dawned without precipitation. We had buns and tea/coffee for breakfast and then the guys did some maintenance chores. While they were busy Sharon and I took a long walk around Struisbaai – the harbour, the board walk and the neighbourhood. Then we went back to Southbound to chat to the other half of Lynn – her husband, Glyn as he wanted to see Earl. Sharon and I spent a few more cents then it was time to pack up and leave.
Struisbaai Harbour
We took the scenic route home, stopping at The Black Oystercatcher for lunch. It was a lovely wine estate and a pretty venue indeed. We sat outdoors in the warm sunshine and enjoyed the lovely views. We all ordered fish cakes, potato wedges and salad. Big mistake! The wedges and salad were fine – but the fish cakes were dry. However, we were hungry and we did not complain and they were edible.
The Black Oyster Catcher
We drove home through the picturesque mission station of Elim where the young men are famous for their thatching skills. Soon after this Earl asked me to drive – he had a pain in his chest – indigestion from the fish cakes we realised. We stopped at Kleinbaai to look at the harbour and the fishing and shark diving boats.
Shark Diving Boats
Kleinbaai Harbour
Kleinbaai
It was then that Earl realised he needed the loo. Then again we stopped at a One Stop outside Hermarnus and he was man down till we got home. Definitely a case of food poisoning. Sharon, Tony and I were okay – although I also had an upset tummy – but didn’t feel as ill as he did. He is sleeping peacefully as I write and I’m sure he’ll be fine in the morning.
In spite of Earl’s mishap, it was a great weekend and we all felt as though we’d been away for a week.
Diary of an Adventurous Retiree 