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Struisbaai Holiday Day 11 – Christmas in Struisbaai

Christmas Day – and the first time in the 30 years I have been with Earl that we have had Christmas here in Struisbaai! And yes – it has been stunning.

We usually celebrate Christmas with our kids in Kokstad and I, the photographer, insist that everybody is dressed before we open presents. This year the tradition with the support of Lauren and Allan was changed somewhat – everybody had to have an early morning run/walk/swim then return to shower and dress before present opening could begin. Simon, Shannon and Josh were up at the proverbial Sparrow’s f*&t and looked decidedly grumpy when they were told that present opening was not going to happen. They roused Jay and he was instantly alert and ready to go. Lauren roused her sister and a Christmas miracle happened. She came albeit reluctantly, to the beach with us!

Struisbaai Beach with the good sports going for a morning jog – Jay at rapid pace, Granny at steady slow slog, Josh encouraging Shan to hurry up.

Once on the beach were like playful puppies again and ready to enjoy the early morning low tide and sea breeze. Jay ran right on ahead, Shannon decided to wait for her parents, Josh kept pace with Jay for a while then ran back to get Simon and then caught up with me just before the Big B where I turn (Jay was already well on his way back to the start point) Sisi is only eight and was doing jolly well. Of course they beat me back but what a pleasure to see my grandsons enjoying an outdoor activity together.

Granny pace

Best part of the day

Back home once everybody was washed and dressed we started the present opening ceremony. Si did the handing out and I of course did most of the photography.

Waiting for Christmas

Look what Santa gave me

Oh Wow

Cool Stuff

Simon reading the names

How do I read this novel?

You don’t read it. It reads to you!

The gift chosen by Joshua was a tiny clock set in an old fashioned telephone. It came in a wooden box – so when Lisa opened it she thought it was jewellery box. Big surprise when she found another little gift inside.

An old fashioned telephone clock! Just what I always wanted

Laurie’s gift to Simon

Jay and Shan

Josh opening his gift

Thanks Kids!

The kids couldn’t wait to try out Simon and Shannon’s new game and there were shrieks and giggles as they tried to figure out the words from clues given in less than 30 seconds a go.

Kids playing Thirty Seconds

After breakfast we headed to the beach where the kids had fun on the boogy boards and the parents mainly lay in the sun. The tide was coming in and so the four cousins tried to fight it with their forts and castles. It was great to see that Jay and Joshua, in spite of being in their teens were quite happy to join the younger ones in this simple game.

Having fun on Struisbaai Beach

Josh

Shannon joins in

The tide finally came and chased them from their fortress and it was time to get out of the sun.

Our youngest, Laurie, had Christmas lunch with her father’s family and then drove up to join us in time for Christmas supper. It was wonderful to have the extended blended family together again.

Our Dinner was cooked in the Weber

Lauren prepared delicious peri peri chicken livers for our starter.

Getting the starter together

The kids were exhausted after an exciting and fun-filled day and after helping most efficiently with the cleaning up were all in bed by 9 o’clock. The adults relaxed with a cup of coffee and watched Love Actually and enjoyed the Christmas Lights.

Allan and Laurie enjoying the Christmas Lights

Struisbaai Day 7 – Agulhas and Arniston

2012-12-21 | puppy1952

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.

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 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 – 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.