Fishing and Fun in Struisbaai

2017-03-06 | puppy1952

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.

Struisbaai Gathering of Three Generations Day 4

2014-12-14 | puppy1952

My eyes sting with the saltiness of the sea water, and I reel against the sudden chill as a wave crashes over my shoulders. But soon I am revelling in a refreshing swim as I become accustomed to the temperature. I frolic in the breakers feeling like a kid again. It is 8:00 a.m. and Josh, Simon and I have walked and run along the most beautiful beach in Africa for half an hour. How amazing to start the day in the delicious Indian Ocean at the Southern Tip of Africa. A more idyllic place would be hard to find.

First stop – the harbour

Interesting Vehicle

Simon intrigued by the barble washed ashore

Simon intrigued by the barbel washed ashore

The boardwalk connects the harbour beach to the long beach

A Kelp Gull sheltering among the rocks

The boys brave the cool waves

Wrapping up after

Life guards coming on duty

Back home we found a daughter cooking breakfast

Grandpa and Jay, in the meantime, were enjoying a perfect morning at sea – the seasick ones remained at home today!

Jay’s Catch

After breakfast – croissants – the boys and I managed to get the last 10 from the OK Grocer’s bakery – and egg and bacon cooked by Laurie – we headed back to the beach. This time we decided to enjoy the calmer waters of the harbour.

It’s a safe family beach

Even the dogs are having fun

After we all enjoyed a swim in the safe waters we enjoyed soft serve ice creams and then spotted Kiora racing into to the harbour.

The boat to match the vehicle we saw earlier!

Getting Kiora onto the trailer

The Champions – a lovely catch of cob

Shannon and I had a little mishap while watching the hitching of the boat. Shan wanted to climb up onto the boat and walked down the slipway which was covered with green, slimy sea moss. Oops she slipped and slid down on her back, hitting her head to boot. She lay unable to get up and I instinctively went to her aid and yes you guessed it slipped in the same way myself! In my effort to save myself I hurt my wrist but no other damage done – I might, though, have a small broken bone in my hand! I will only find out tomorrow when I go to Bredasdorp for an x-ray! Shan has grazes on her back and a bit of a headache but otherwise – no harm done!

Annie is suffering from torn ligaments in her ankle and had a spare brace that is perfect for my hand which has a rather suspicious looking swollen lump on it- I am managing to type so it can’t be too serious – fortunately it’s my left hand.

Annie and Shannon creating a delicious salad

Grandpa braaing the cob

Jay and Simon getting digital

Lovely fish

Helping the daughter

Fab meal

Struisbaai Gathering of Three Generations – Day 3

2014-12-13 | puppy1952

Yes – Today dawned bright and still, heralding good fishing conditions. Earl, Lauren, Jay, Josh and Simon were on the sea by 7 o’clock and were lucky enough to spot dolphins and flying fish! I could be persuaded to board a boat to see that! The fishing was not too shabby either. Grandpa got a lovely red roman and the others were happy to get a few silver fish. The bad news – they were all sea-sick except for Jay and Gramps! But they did not suffer long and were back on land by 9:30.

Red Roman

Some of the silver fish

Jay, Simon, Lauren and Josh (looking a bit green about the gills)

After the fishing excursion the wind got up but the kids went off to the beach and spent some time there. Lolz, Annie and I went down for a while but were soon blown back home.

For lunch we enjoyed Earlie’s fabulous fried fish and later in the day the kids headed back to the beach for a swim.

Master Chef of Struisbaai

Finger food

We had a little mishap with a little sugarbird today. It flew against a closed window and stunned itself. Jay picked it up with a dish towel and rubbed it a bit. It just lay in a stupor but slowly started to flick its wings and eventually flew onto some washing hanging on the line. Eventually it felt strong enough to take shelter at the top of the milkwood tree. I do hope its headache is over soon! We must put those lovely stickers I received as a gift onto those windows soon.

Concussed female sugarbird

Let me rest a while

What just happened?

A malachite sunbird in transitional plumage looks on

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 Holiday Last Day – Cooking up a Storm

2013-01-06 | puppy1952

I was pleased that this our last day in Struisbaai produced good fishing weather. Earl and Yasin were up early and gone. Shahieda and I slept in late. In the early hours of this morning their daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren had arrived but I had not heard a thing.

They were all up and about by 9 and we enjoyed getting to know each other. Today is Yasin’s birthday and his kids just needed to be here to wish him.

The baby – Imaan – is so cute

Yasin’s birthday wish was to catch a big yellow-tail – not a tiddly little one like those he got yesterday – and yes – he got 12, the biggest being quite to his satisfaction at about 7kg.

Yasin on Kiora with his biggest yellow tail

He thought it hilarious that Earl once again caught very little.

Early with ‘very little’

While the men were at sea Shahieda had already begun to prepare for Yasin’s birthday lunch. She was cooking up a storm and I didn’t like to interfere! After all there is years of training in producing a good Cape Malay meal – they girls learn at their mother’s knee, and then perfect the art!

Shahieda performing her miracle

The rooties are ready for rolling but we don’t have a rolling pin!

Muslims don’t drink but Shahieda found a good use for this cold bottle of wine

Yasin flipping rooties

Before lunch was served Earl and I took Nilfah and the girls, Amirah and Ayesha to the beach for a swim. Amirah loves the water but the sea was like a washing machine again today and she found the the waves a little scary. She rushed out after a few minutes but her cousin encouraged her back in and then she thoroughly enjoyed herself.

Grandpa Earl encouraging the girls to come in deeper

Ayesha (9) enjoying the sea

Amirah (7) running from the waves

We returned in time to be served an amazing meal – there was lamb currie, rooties, braaied chicken, potato salad and garlic bread – enough to feed four families!

A Laden Table

Whaheed with little Imaan

We just tucked in – after my third helping I said, ‘I think I’m going to convert,’ You’ll need a scarf, joked Shahieda.

I am a convert – My sarong will do.

Wow what a meal. And that was not all – There is trifle to follow but we’re all too full to indulge now so are watching TV, playing computer games or sleeping.

Nilfah made this gorgeous fridge cake

There was also trifle made by Shahieda.

The trifle and fridge tart was enjoyed much later

Struisbaai Holiday Day 19 – Wind, Calm, Lunch and Swimming

2013-01-02 | puppy1952

This morning my grandsons/personal trainers let me down and neither of them accompanied on my morning run. The wind was howling great guns and I’m using that and the fact that there was no encouragement from the youth as an excuse for not achieving the time I did my 4.2km yesterday! The run there was fine but the return against the wind and uphill to boot did was a huge struggle. Nevertheless I made it in 34 minutes and 10 seconds.

After breakfast the kids all went to the beach but I stayed home intending to catch them up later. However, after a missed day of housework the cottage needed a good clean which took me a while. Everyone was back by 11:30 and the wind had dropped so the visit to the beach was most successful.

As it was the last day before the Kokstad Clan are to leave we decided to treat ourselves to a restaurant lunch. Sea Gull in Agulhas was therefore grace with our presence. Yesterday I promised the kids a milkshake so that was first on their order.

Kids at Sea Gulls

Milkshakes at last

Jay and Shannon fooling around

After lunch we all relaxed at home for a bit. Shannon was dying to go back to the beach but nobody quite felt like it. At 6:00 it was still quite hot so I took Shan and Josh for a surf. I went in first so they could look after my camera – It was heavenly – I stayed in for about 20 minutes and then said – Stay in as long as you like.

I messaged Allan and Lauren and told them it was worth coming down so they came down too. It was 7:30 when we left the beach. The weather is expected to change tomorrow so the chocca boats were in sheltering in the bay in preparation for stormy weather.

Gran surfs in

Josh

Isn’t this fun

Allan

Oh Boy!

Lauren

Boats in the background

My Family bobbing in the Struisbaai Sea

The End of a Stunning Day

It was a lovely way to end day and tomorrow is possibly going to be raining so we had to fit in one last swim.

We had a light supper and are now watching a romantic movie on the media player!

Struisbaai Holiday Day 14 – Lighthouse and the tip of Africa

2012-12-28 | puppy1952

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!

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 5 – Fishing, Blisters and Sushimi

2012-12-19 | puppy1952

Today was a fishing day for Earl so once again he was up at the proverbial Sparrow’s F&*t. I lingered on in bed until 7 then went for a run on the road as the tide forbade a beach jog and running later would be too hot.. Well …. If I thought soft sand was difficult, I’d forgotten about uphill in new takkies! I started from the front door and jogged toward L’Agulhas feeling great as it was overcast and cool. There wasn’t much traffic on the road but when a car came toward me I had to hop onto the gravel side path and take care not to stumble over pebbles. After 15 minutes I turned around and then had the cool breeze in my face – lovely – but hey now it was the up run! The backs of my legs were aching slightly from the soft sand jog and this incline was not helping! But I soldiered on – I am at the stage of one foot in front of the other – just keep going – you can do it and not at the wow I could go on for ever, runner’s high stage – My body was not exactly yelling – hey stop this is enough now but there was a whisper of “what the hell are you doing, the legs are hating this”. Not until 10 minutes before reaching home, that it – when suddenly I became aware of a strange burning on the side of my right foot. Oh no – not a blister. Yes a blister – it’s ages since I’ve worn takkies. I always train bare foot at the gym and only use my takkies to go on gentle bird walks. These particular takkies are quite new too. I stopped and walked for a minute then thought no way – I’m just going to run through the burn. I’d started at 7:10 and got back home at 7:40 – exactly half an hour. Now I was huffing, puffing and sweating – so into my cossie and off to the beach I went – enjoyed a 15 minutes frolic in the waves then came back for a leisurely shower and breakfast – what a stunning way to start the day!

There were a few visitors to my garden this morning – some birds and this tortoise

A wild visitor to my garden

And this juvenile Cape Robin-chat

Where’s your mom, Rob?

On Earl’s boat, Kiora, this morning were Clive, Pierre, Bernard and young Kyron (14). They returned at about 11:30 with a lovely catch of yellowtail. Kyron got the biggest, about 4kg, on his spinning rod.

Cleaning Kiora

Kyron de Stadler with his 4kg Yellow-tail

The Heroes with their catch

I had an enjoyable afternoon shopping, reading and doing mind Fair Lady mind puzzles while Earl had an afternoon nap – after such an early start to the day it was necessary. He was not in the mood for a swim when he woke up so we just went for a walk before supper and watched how all the holiday makers were having fun. The weather today cleared into a bright sunny day with pleasantly warm temperatures. Struisbaai was a perfect picture of summer activities.

The boats gently bobbing in the harbour

Fishing from the jetty

Surfing the reef

Paddling

Earlier when the guys came home with yellow tail my first words were – Sushimi. And that is exactly what we had for supper tonight.

Fresh from the Sea

Struisbaai Weekend with Just the Girls – Sunday

2012-06-03 | puppy1952

This morning we woke up and had coffee, hot cross buns and strawberries for breakfast, sat around and chatted, solved the world’s problems and then went for a walk along the boardwalk from the harbour to the beach.

Struisbaai Beach

By this time it was 12 noon and we decided to do lunch at The Pelican Harbour Cafe where they are famous for their fish and chips. We hall settled for pan-seared hake except for Chrissie who had the cob. For starters we shared a small plate of calamari. It was a good choice – the food was excellent.

We enjoyed the outdoor ambience of Pelican Harbour Cafe

Then it was back to Potpourri as the girls wanted to get a few more things – gifts for friends – but Cheryl needed us to leave by 2 – so there was a 15 minute limit set for shopping time! Well – it took a tad longer but then it was back the the house to pack.

We all felt that our batteries we were recharged, we’d found our lost souls and were ready to face the real world again.

It might be Marmite toast for some for a while but the art purchased was definitely worth it!

And to end I could not resist posting a picture of this beautiful boubou that visited our garden this morning.