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.