Caravelle | Diary of an Adventurous Retiree

The wind was up this morning and so we decided a day trip to somewhere else was called for. A bit of bird and game watching might be a good experience for our grandchildren and would ensure that they didn’t get too much sun. So the early morning run was shelved and we had an ‘Early’ breakfast then Lauren, Earl the kids and I set off at about 8. Alan, Lisa and Laurie decided to give the nature thing a miss.

Jay was the most enthusiastic of all the kids and on route keenly spotted the birds of prey. Plenty of yellow-billed kites were hawking and steppe and jackal buzzards were atop of telephone poles. We also saw flocks of our national bird – the blue crane.

Flock of Blue Crane

We also spotted a special bird that we don’t often see in The Western Cape

Namaqua Dove – Male

Just before entering the reserve we saw baboons. Now we are used the cheeky Cape Point clan who have no fear of humans. They are pretty precocious in Kruger too. But these would not hang around for a chat at all. We managed to get some bum shots.

Bye bye baboons

We have all four children on our Wild Card so only had to fork out a R40 Conservation fee for Lauren. The Wild Card is well worth having. We have one for all clusters and we can get into any South African National Park free. The cost of the card is R745 per year for a couple and up to five children. (For more information on The Wild Card – http://www.wildcard.co.za/faq.htm?action=view-list&catid=512 )

Once in the park the kids were thrilled to see zebra, ostrich and bontebok.

Bontebok and Baby

Zebra Family

We stopped at the restaurant to go to the loo and then set off to Koppie Alleen where we planned to swim and play on the dunes. But on the way a mini disaster struck. The battery light came on and a message on the dashboard informed us that we should get the car to a workshop for alternator repairs. Earl and the boys got up to look under the bonnet – but couldn’t find where the alternator was hidden – Modern Cars!

Where’s the alternator, Grandpa?

Earl thought discretion was the better part of valour. We turned around and went back to Struisbaai – rather be stranded closer to home than in the middle of a nature reserve. So unfortunately we did not see Koppie Alleen today but if any reader would like to see what we did on a previous trip go to https://puppy1952.wordpress.com/2011/04/24/fishing-adventure-at-the-southern-tip-of-africa-day-3

We snacked on left over Christamas dinner, the kids amused themselves and the adults read, did crosswords, blogged and napped. Then we all went for a walk before supper.

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

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

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

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

My beautiful daughter

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

The Late Nostra

Boats in Struisbaai Harbour

Lolz walking on the long beach

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

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

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