Struisbaai with three Generations – Exploring the Agulhas Coast Rock Pools

2014-12-20 | puppy1952

Earl was up at an indecent hour and went off to fish on Abrie’s boat. Lauren, Shannon, the boys and I were out of the house by 7:30 as we were to meet Professor Gavin Marneveldt for a rock pool excursion. His talk yesterday had peaked our interest and we were looking forward to exploring the rock pools with more informed eyes. It was overcast and cool and there was a splash of rain as we drove to Stinkbaai, just next to the Agulahs Camp Site. It was a good day to have something different to do. While we waited we explored on our own, watched the competitors in the Cape Agulhas Classic ride past and observed a family of francolin.

The Cape Agulhas Classic riders were also up bright and early

Crabs having a feast on a fish head in one of the rock pools

Southern Most Fracolin on an early morning walk

Southern Most Cape Francolin on an early morning walk

There was an excellent turn-out to the rockpool excursion – just a pity more didn’t pitch up to Professor Marneveldt’s lecture yesterday – reason being, I think, because there were quite a few young children. This morning they all had an amazing time.

We started at the Littorina zone on the upper shore. This region is named after the small snails that inhabit this zone. Littorina spp. has the ability to survive the severe conditions of heat stress and water loss of the upper shore.

Because of the overcast conditions the periwinkles were out in their hundreds instead of hiding beneath the rocks

We worked our way to the other zones, upper balanoid, lower balanoid and cochlear and found all kinds of interesting creatures and plants in the pools. Ninety nine percent of life on earth is in the sea.

Brain seaweed

This limpet has a huge appetite and lives on micro organisms and algaes that live on the rocks

sea sponge in cochlear zone

The kids were thrilled to find an octopus

Marine Explorers of Stinkbaai

View toward Agulhas lighthouse

Chiton found in high tide zone

sea urchin found in cochlear zone

Brittlestar on Shannon’s hand

sea cucumber

After spending a few hours enjoying the rock pools we decided to pop into Potpourri for breakfast. Grandpa’s fishing excursion ended early without much fish being caught.

Checking the menu at Potpourri

Rock pooling is hungry work so a healthy breakfast went down well

When we got home the three boys went to the beach, Lauren, Lisa and I got stuck into cleaning house while Allan trimmed the tree – what a transformation!

After the chores we were all ready for the beach. The wind had blown away the clouds and the waves were superb for boogy board and body surfing.

The tourists have arrived and the beach is more crowded than a week ago!

Warming up for a swim

Bat and Ball with Simon and Jay

Si has a good eye for the ball

Catching a wave

Go Josh!

What a stunning day it turned out to be. Tomorrow is our last day and we are all feeling a little low – “why are we letting the house out?” is the lament from the young ones.

Well kids, Cape Town is cool too you know. And now that Granny and Grandpa are pensioners every cent counts. We have had a brilliant 10 days and there is always next year!

Watch this space for further reports on our family holiday! The new title will be “Kokstad Kids in Cape Town”

Struisbaai – A week with three generations – Day 1 and 2

2014-12-12 | puppy1952

Thursday 11 December 2014

Today began a new chapter of my life – RETIREMENT! Well I have had a chequered on and off career of teaching but with Earl’s retirement I know that the time has now come for me to call an end to my career too. I bade farewell to my principal and colleagues just after 9 0’clock yesterday morning no regrets as the last three and half years have been very happy and I’ve left on a high note!

It was just an hour or so later than Earl and I along with our two teenaged grandsons hit the road to our holiday house in Struisbaai.

The Kokstad Clan – Daughter Lauren and Son-in-law Allan travelled up with the kids Shan 12 and Simon 10 overnighted in Graaff Reinet and arrived an hour after us at 3:30 this afternoon.

Simon, Earl, Josh, Jay, Shannon

Proud Grandfather with his brood of grandchildren

Josh and Simon play fighting

UNO – A favourite of our youngsters

Friday 12 December 2014

This morning we were horrified to wake to rain and wind. Not a fishing day! But this did not dampen our spirits and it wasn’t long before it cleared up. A trip to the local supermarket produced freshly baked break and croissants which accompanied Grandpa’s famous Earlie Brekkie.

Bonding over an “Earlie” Breakfast

The adults went off to the Wine Boutique in Agulhas while the kids went to explore the rock pools. Earl and I also popped into Potpourri a favourite gift/coffee shop that I love to browse in. Grandpa spotted a poster that he just had to have. Most appropriate don’t you think?

Excursion to the Rock Pools

My favourite granddaughter – (I’m your only granddaughter, Granny!)

Gathering the family together is far from peaceful. It is full of noise, attention seeking, teasing, laughter, bantering, chatter and fun, fun, fun.

Our older grandsons are amazing with their younger cousins. Jay 17 and Josh 16, always relate well to them and make sure they have a good time. They include them in the board games, take them off to the beach without the adults and make sure everyone does their fair share of the chores!

Our other two daughters had to work till lunch time today so only joined us at 3:30 this afternoon. Laurie brought her friend, Annie, visiting from London along too. So we now have a household of 11!

Laurie and Annie

Lisa and Earl – Allan braaing in the background

Annie, Shannon, Laurie

Simon, Shan and Jay

Playing Clue

Good old S.A. Braai

Struisbaai – A brief interlude

2014-10-11 | puppy1952

For the first time in four years we have stayed home for the school holidays. Well, the intention was to stay home for the school holidays and deal with stuff that term time does not allow time for. For my sins I am involved in several ‘clubs’ and ‘organisations’ that need my attention – I won’t go into the boring details but I had things to do in this regard. In addition I had to deal with things like replacing a lost Identity document – that didn’t happen – queue hours long – it will have to wait till next year!

By Wednesday afternoon I had accomplished most of the things on the list and my darling husband couldn’t take it any longer and insisted that we shoot off to Struisbaai for the last few days remaining of the hols. So much for a week at home!

But did I complain? Of course not – how fortunate are we to have this amazing place to visit whenever we feel like and time allows. I packed in a rush and forgot my shoes and jerseys but hey – what’s wrong with bare feet? And I got to go shopping in Struisbaai’s mini metropolis.

We arrived on Thursday evening and went straight to the local Pizza Place and ordered Al Greco Pizzas to be collected once we’d unpacked. Just before collection time we had a power cut! Luckily our dinner was cooked in a wood fire oven. They were delicious and having no electricity added to the ambience of our evening.

It is always a pleasure waking up in our little house in Struisbaai. The sun poured in and I thought I would survive without my jersey. I did have a light cardigan and jacket. The sunshine did not last long – it clouded over and was quite chilly. I felt a bit foolish in a cotton summer dress and long black cardigan. We went off to Potpourri for breakfast and the coffee soon warmed me.

The old man reading The Times

Delicious breakfasts are served at Potpourri

The purpose of our sojourn was for Earl to do some urgent chores at the house – i.e. put up a 9DB aerial and a weather station. Don’t ask! It’s all to do with talking to the boats at sea.

Friends in Struisbaai picked up on something I posted on Facebook and made contact. They live in Abu Dhabi and Ray is a friend of Earl’s. I had only met Percilla online. They were here to take up residence in a holiday apartment they have just purchased. So we arranged to braai together on Thursday night. What a great eveing. We caught up on their romantic story and how life is treating them in The Middle East. They plan to retire in a year or two and will then spend more time in Struisbaai. Looks like they have similar plans to ours. Thanks for a stunning evening, Ray and Percilla.

The boys at the braai

The Newlyweds!

On Friday Earl had to sort out some details with the council so after cooking us a delicious brekkie he dropped me off to wander around the Struisbaai Metropolis. I popped in to visit friends who have a wonderful gift shop, Southbound, here. Then I found a shop that looked like it might have a jersey or t-shirt suitable for an old lady. By this time Earl had joined me and let me get two cotton jackets, a pair of pants and a boy’s long sleeved T. So I didn’t have to completely freeze my toes off for the rest of the weekend! As Murphy’s law would have it, Saturday was a beautifully sunny and warm day. But the evenings are a still chilly!

We ventured to the beach on Friday but didn’t stay long as it was freezing.

Our dinner on Friday night, cooked by my personal chef – shellfish stir fried into sweet potato and onion. To die for doll.

My special chef

This morning, Earl cooked up a delicious breakfast and we relaxed for most of the day – well, I relaxed and Earl pottered around doing stuff. I did update the inventory and entertain a few people who popped in – namely Steven and his wife and child who are looking for property, some staff members of Earl’s who were up to do a spot of fishing and the grandchildren of the guy who came to fix the electricity – our main circuit breaker burned out! Earl couldn’t fix it himself as it was the Municipality’s jurisdiction.

I don’t think it’s a good thing for a 70 year old grandfather to do all the things Earl does but he thinks I’m crazy when I tell him to be careful. There’s no stopping him.

What can possibly go wrong?

After he’d fussed around the place for hours I managed to persuade him to do a spot of bird watching. Some we found in our garden or around Struis – the rest on the road to Die Dam.

Cape Bulbul outside our house

Cape Sugarbird in our Milkwood tree

Tortoise visiting our garden (I know it’s not a bird!)

Forest Canary on our lawn

Common Fiscal

Weavers Nests

Kittlitz’s Plover

Capped Wheatear

Grey Rhebok

We saw lots of other birds but they refused to sit still for their portraits to be taken. But we enjoyed the bokmakieries, sparrows, weavers, lapwings etc that were enjoying the bounty of the farmlands.There were lots of yellow-billed kites and we also saw a black-shouldered. Jackal Buzzards were conspicuous by their absence! We usually see lots.

We spotted Denham’s bustards way in the distance – nice view through binoculars but only blurred photographs – not good enough to post.

So tomorrow is our last day and rain is predicted. We will probably pack up early and head home. Back to school on Monday – my last term before I retire. Mixed feelings about that!

Struisbaai – Five Fab Friends and Two Old Toppies – Day 3

2014-04-19 | puppy1952

So this morning we decided to Google where the closest licensing authority would be and were relieved to find that it was right here in Struisbaai as they have a Post Office Agent just up the street! This saved us a trip to Bredasdorp and by 8 am the lads were off to sea.

This left me with an entire morning to myself. It was a perfect day – warm and windless so I decided to go to Agulhas. Everybody was out enjoying the sunshine. The weather was perfect for jogging, cycling, walking the dogs and strolling on the beach. The Coastline is different to Struisbaai – no white beach but instead rugged rocks and a pebbled shore.
I stopped along the way to soak up some rays and take some photographs. The scene was tranquil and gave one a real feel of contentment.

In the shadow of the Lighthouse is Potpourri, a favourite haunt of mine. I seldom visit this area without popping in to browse around this gift/novelty/coffee shop. The owners have also just started a B&B opposite and I imagine it would be a great place to stay. It is called Potpourri Stay.
I spent a bit of money then sat down to have a health breakfast and their excellent coffee.

After chilling there for a while I returned to the house and then took a very long walk along the longest beach in South Africa. What I love about this place is that the beach even during peak season is never really crowded. It is an idyllic place to be. I started at the harbour and then took the board walk to the beach. It was low tide and I walked calf deep in the water which was pleasantly warm. There was quite a bit of activity – families playing, dogs being walked, surfing, swimming and some power boating and jet-skiing.

When I returned to the house I cleaned up a little then relaxed with my book until the chaps returned at around 3ish.
Their day was a great success and they all caught fish some of which they had to throw back as they were protected species. I was cross with my husband as he had set the camera to video and didn’t take a single photograph. For some reason my blog is refusing to accept this video format but if you go to my Facebook Page you can see a video of Devon catching his fish.
The boys were in good spirits on their return even though Jordan had been quite sea-sick! After all the boat cleaning and fish scaling they showered and Earl cooked his famous fried fish which went down a treat.

Easter in Struisbaai – It’s just too wet

2013-03-31 | puppy1952

I was surprised to wake up after my husband this morning. But then it was almost 8 o’clock! He was up, sitting in the Laz-y-boy reading – most unlike him. It was still raining!

“Right now,” I said, “I have this craving for croissants – and I need to get out – I have cabin fever!” So we woke our sleepy daughter and made our way to l’Agulhas where I was sure I would find said delicacy at a little coffee/gift shop called Potpourri. “It is such a miserable day that nobody will be there and we can indulge in a good cup of coffee too.”” How wrong I was. Everybody at the southern tip of Africa was sick of the rain and felt the need to get out for air so we could barely get a parking spot let alone a table for three. I bought a few things I wanted from the gift part of the shop and we headed out to The Southern Most Restaurant and pub to see if they could be more accommodating. After checking their menu and finding only egg and bacon we decided to return to Potpourri and wait for a table. Luck was with us – in the five minutes we were gone a parking spot right outside was available and a tiny table for three was free. Service was instant but no croissants on the menu! I settled for Lemon Meringue while E had an English breakfast and Lolz French toast and bacon. She was annoyed when there was no green tea – I had told her that I was quite sure it was the sort of place that would have it – so she had to settle for Rooibos. I was well satisfied with the hot, strong and black filter coffee and Earl said the Cappuccino was excellent.

I am not usually the sort to have cake for breakfast but I just did not feel like eggs today! The weather called for indulgence and boy did I enjoy it.

We decided that there was little point in spending another night just so we could fight the traffic home on Monday. So we packed up and left a midday and enjoyed a pleasant, unstressed trip home. The weather in Cape Town is somewhat less stormy but I think that might change tomorrow.

Lolz and Earl enjoying brekkie – my enormous slice of lemon meringue in the foreground

Struisbaai Holiday Day 22 Fishing Running Swimming

2013-01-05 | puppy1952

Oh boy – it was an early wake-up call for me this morning. The weather was perfect for fishing and I went with Earl and Yasin to launch the boat so I could bring the car home. I needed to go to Agulhas to fetch the laundry before early closing on a Saturday. So I just put a jacket over my pyjamas and tagged along! I didn’t go back to sleep on my return but fiddled on the computer and then a welcome Skype call from my best friend in England. We chatted on-line for an hour.

I didn’t go for a road run, planning to rather to do one on the beach at low tide later in the afternoon. After collecting the Laundry Shahieda (Mrs Yasin) and I went to Potpourri for a delicious ‘health’ breakfast and an excellent cup of coffee. We browsed around the shop then went back and put the linen back on the beds and cleaned the house to Yassin standards!

The men returned at about 11:30 and a good catch to brag about. Earl complained about not being able to get good crew these days but Yasin caught all the fish – 15 yellowtail and a Santa as well as some small red fish which were released.

Shahieda on on the jetty next to Kiora

Yasin on Kiora

Earl steering Kiora toward the trailer

Driving Kiora onto the trailer

Bak-load of fish

Proud fishermen

Earl said the only reason he didn’t catch was because he had to find the fish and steer the boat – that’s his excuse and he’s sticking to it.

Well to Shahieda and me it didn’t matter – we just enjoyed the fruits of their labour. Shahieda had never eaten Sushimi before – but now she’s a convert.

After lunch I went to lie on the bed to read my book but before long I was fast asleep. Everybody else, I found out later, also napped for a couple of hours. We woke up at 4 and Earl and I went to the beach – I did a low tide beach run and then we swam in the wonderfully warm sea. The wind had come up and the sea was rough – it was like swimming in a washing machine – but great fun.

Shahieda fried some samoosas to have with our pre-dinner sun-downers and the men braaied a yellow-tail for supper.

Preparing to braai the fish

Enjoying the spoils of the day

So ended another glorious day in the Paradise called Struisbaai!

Struisbaai Holiday Day 16 – Wine Tasting and Trans Agulhas Challenge

2012-12-30 | puppy1952

We usually go to Kokstad for Christmas so when we asked the kids to come to Struisbaai instead this year, I was a little apprehensive. Was it a good idea to change the magical tradition that in the past had always worked so well?

Things can never stay the same so I believe we have done the right thing. We will always have our wonderful memories of big Christmas celebrations with the whole Kokstad Clan. Yes, I missed being with the extended family. The generation that we raised have their own kids now and it is always great to catch up with them, meet the new babies and celebrate with their grandparents. But there are so many of them now all going their own way that it is probably best to see them at other times of the year instead.

This holiday has been a fun, relaxed and a wonderful bonding time with just our own kids and grandchildren. The weather has been marvellous and we couldn’t choose a nicer place to enjoy a summer holiday. It makes sense to be by the sea in summer! Hopefully we can repeat it again next year. But if not, well we go with the flow and enjoy whatever we decide to do.

This morning the wind, which is not quite as strong as it has been, still prevented a trip to sea. Low tide being only at 10:30 meant the beach might not be at its best for running so I decided to do road run instead. At 6:58 I woke Jay and said, ‘I am heading toward Agulhas. I need you to come with me – catch me up in two minutes.’ I didn’t really expect him to oblige but sure enough ten minutes into my run, he caught me up. What a star my first born grandson is! He was bare foot on the tar but insisted he preferred this to running in shoes. He was like a gazelle or rather a giraffe with his long, muscled legs. He ran ahead to my turning point then kept pace and encouraged me to run faster. “I’m walking at your running pace, Gran.” Yes Jay – that’s why you call me Gran!

“Come on, Gran, you can do it. Just lengthen your stride – and breathe.” Then he sprinted ahead. I did my best. He waited and said, “Now, are you tired or do you still have energy left? – run fast, then slow, fast then slow.” His encouragement did help but I was exhausted when we got back – I ran for 34 minutes – I’m not sure how many km that is but I like to think it must be close on 5.

After breakfast the kids went to the rock pools to catch Klipvis. Earl mowed the lawn and I cleaned the beach out of the house.

Later Allan, Lisa, Lauren and I went to Agulhas and did some wine tasting. The Bon Courage Blush – sparkling wine did it for us. Allan bought a few bottles.

Lauren savouring The Blush

We also went to The Southern Wright Art Gallery and Potpourri to browse and have coffee. It was quite pleasant to just have some adult time.

The competitors in the *Trans Agulhas Challenge arrived from Stilbaai today. The beach was overly crowded and had quite a vibe. Sea Rescue had boats, helicopter and vehicles on standby just in case of mishap – but happily all went well.

Wow

Flying

Coming in

Before supper we decided to go for a walk and a swim. Lisa, Lauren and I chickened out on the swim and Earl stayed behind to start the Weber Chicken. The boys, ever-active, raced down the beach and jumped of dunes while the rest of us followed at a more leisurely pace. Then Shan went in with Dad and the boys for a lovely swim.

The boys leaping

Jay

Simon

A border collie got into the picture of Allan and the kids in the sea

While they were all finishing off their swim, I decided to walk back ahead of them to help Earl with supper. A Struisbaai friend popped in for a chat and then we enjoyed a delicious Weber Chicken dinner.

* The Trans Agulhas Challenge is the toughest inflatable boat endurance race in the world. It begins on 28 December at Plettenberg Bay and ends on 1 January at Strand. During the 5 day race inflatable boats visit beaches along the coast and have surf races to entertain the crowds. Over 60 inflatable boats battle it out on the waves in this most prestigious Inflatable boat Racing competition in the world.

Struisbaai Holiday Day 2 Back on the Run, Agulhas and Delicious Fish

2012-12-16 | puppy1952

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

Struisbaai Weekend With Just The Girls

2012-06-02 | puppy1952

For many years I have been meeting friends I have known since my college days (sh – way back in the 70s) every month for breakfast – We call it, predictably, Breakfast Club. There are seven of us and its one of those girlie things that keep us sane – taking a break from our normal routine of work and family and just chilling for a couple of hours in each other’s company. On our birthdays, the birthday girl gets presents and her breakfast paid for by the others! One of our number, Margie, who has now reached retirement age is planning to join her children in Australia. So for her birthday we decided to have a grand send off. Five of us left Cape Town at 4:30 on Friday afternoon and took off for our holiday house in Struisbaai. Don’t ask how we managed to get the three hubbies involved to let us go. There might have been great sulking if they hadn’t agreed to release us – wonderful men that they are! The fun began right from the start – everyone relaxed and the Caravelle was abuzz with laughter and chatter and we enjoyed the drive through traffic, dusk and finally darkness till we arrived at our destination at 7:30. Just before we arrived I realised I’d forgotten the milk but lucky for us there was one cafe open and we got to it just before they closed for the night. The catering was well under control – no effort involved – Woollies spit roast chicken, veggies in a bag and baby potatoes followed by Melba pudding and custard! Oh – and of course Champers to celebrate Margie’s 62 years. It was almost midnight when we found our beds and crashed for the night. Unfortunately it had to be a working weekend for me – my reports being due on Monday – so I was up early on Saturday and spent a productive hour working. By the time everyone was up and ready for action I had accomplished a fair amount. After enjoying a cup of coffee and a bun together we got ourselves ready to go out for breakfast – “You have three choices girls – a fancy brekkie with white table clothes but no view, a basic brekkie at the harbour – with a view or The Lighthouse Restaurant in Agulhas. Unanimously we decided that the Harbour Brekkie with a view was the only place we wanted to be. What a busy place a fishing harbour is – and so picturesque. When we arrived we noticed some police and rescue vehicles. Margie asked – What’s happening?” And we were told that a ski-boat had capsized at the 12mile bank – but all on board were safe.

From the Pelican Restaurant we were able to watch all the interesting activity the harbour had to offer. The sea was flat and lots of the commercial and ski-boats were out at sea. But the commercial, Big Blue was there offloading her catch.

Big Blue

Offloading

Gulls waiting for tidbits

Gulls receiving tidbits

Hanging on the wall in my lounge is a painting of two Arniston fishermen’s cottages. Margie instantly coveted it and said, Where can I buy some art like that!

Painting on my wall

So we went to Agulhas in search of art galleries. No problem – The Southern Wright Gallery was found with ease and we spent a long time looking at beautiful pieces by local artists. It was a bit of a problem trying to get Margie, Dot and Cheryl out of there. After selecting a few pieces that she might like to take with her to Australia Margie said, “We’ll be back – I must just think about this over coffee. And off we went to Potpourri across the road. Wow – what a lovely coffee/gift shop!

Potpourri

Our gatherer instincts kicked in and we browsed the nooks and crannies displaying beach-house decor, novelties, bags, jewelry, clothing and scarves.

The gatherer half of Hunter/Gatherer

There was a tricky moment when Margie and Chrissie vied for possession of the same scarf.

I saw it first!

In the end Chrissie said, Okay – its your birthday – you can have it.

Coffee and Cake went down well at Potpourri

It was an expensive visit and we all left with packets full of lovely goodies.

You can’t bring visitors to Agulhas without doing the tip of Africa thing – so we dutifully went to stand on the spot and have a kind young man take our portraits with each ones camera. “Don’t worry, ” he said when we tried to show him how to use our cameras – “I do this for a living.’ Then when he was done, said, “Thanks Ladies” and started walking off with our cameras. We laughed – “So that’s what you do for a living,” Luckily it wasn’t!

The Southern-most Girls at the Southern Most Point

It was a drizzly day and cool but our spirits were high as we took a drive to Suiderstrand. We saw a jackal buzzard soaring overhead and spotted several birds on the side of the road – Cape francolin, canaries, bulbuls etc.

Back in Agulhas we found the lighthouse museum closed for renovations and climbing to the top of the tower held little appeal. We did take a pic of the view though.

The dealer at Southern Wright had a glint of glee in her eye when she saw us returning. Margie has visions of marmite toast for dinner till the end of the month because after much deliberation and advice and suggestions from Cheryl and me, she made up her mind, bit the bullet and maxed out her card to invest in four delightful little paintings of parts of the country that are dear to her.

Give them pride of place in your new Aussie home Margs!

Four special paintings

We returned to Struisbaai, delighted with our day and the fun we’d had. Margie called out marks for me to enter onto our internet based system and after an hour or so it was all done and dusted and I shall be ready to print my reports on Monday afternoon.

We enjoyed another pleasant evening together and once again dinner required little preparation – Woollies’ Lasange and micro veggies, rolls and of course the obligatory glass of champers!