Dec 2012

Tuesday 4th. It started off as a dull day with   low cloud so we decided not to do the long walk. Patricia and I did a walk along the cliff top and indulged in French conversation and bright yellow flowers! We also noticed that there were several fishing boats out and when we returned Cass and Cathy told us that fresh crayfish at R30 each were a strong possibility.      

Wednesday 5th. We set off early on foot and headed up the hill behind the rest camp to climb the “Three Sisters”. It was a long climb involving some scrambling and traversing of knife edges but what views!

It was also very rewarding from a botanical perspective with lots of flowers that were new to me, a profusion of colour and an experience akin to walking in a huge garden. Part of our walk taking us through indigenous woodland and other sections over exposed rock. While waiting for laggards like me to catch up a beautiful  and rare little spider orchid was spotted under a rock overhang inches high!

It was a good six hour walk and I returned to the cottage happy to put my feet up for a while before dinner.

Thursday 6th. We drove to the parking next to the Palmiet River after breakfast and did an easier walk culminating in a lovely swim in the estuary. Here we found a lovely Gladiolus with delicately ragged petals, a perfect finale to another beautiful “garden” walk.

Friday 7th. Our last day but before heading back to Cape Town we did an easy walk along the Palmiet River to a good swimming spot with a sandy beach. On the way we saw more Ericas that were new to me and a little yellow orchid that no one was able to put a name to.

  

When we were almost back at the car park George found that he had mislaid his glasses and expected that they were all the way back at the swimming beach. Poor George had to walk all the way back there to find them. Bea was kind enough to go with him and what was intended to be a little stroll and swim ended up being 12klms in the hot sun for the two of them but at least George did find his specs! I am sure that everyone agreed with me that it had been a highly successful and happy week away and that we are indebted to Bea for yet again taking the initiative and arranging it.

Saturday 15th. Today was the Christmas Lunch at the French Centre and a grand affair it was too with pretty Menus, place settings and centre piece. And then there was the food!

        

The company was convivial and the wine and conversation flowed, all in French of course.

Bernard presented each course with a flourish and justified pride. I stayed on to help with the washing up, I considered it the least I could do. I haven’t eaten so well since the last time I ate Bernard’s cooking!

24th December. Christmas Eve. I received a call from John to tell me to expect a delivery and short;y thereafter this wonderful buchets of flowers arrived from John, Nicky, Henry and Charlotte. I felt really spoilt.

  

Paul phoned in the evening to say he would

come over for lunch tomorrow.

25th December. Started the day with my usual 5k walk over the hill stopping off at the shop on the way back to pick up stuffing, roasting veg, a mini Christmas pudding and custard. Paul was lucky that the shop was open or he wouldn’t have had much of a lunch!

We had a nice time together and I was very pleased that he had come round. Late afternoon I picked up my friend Rhian and we went up to the Silvermine Dam for a swim. We bumped into John Fowkes there with his Grandchildren Michaela and Rhyder and also Jem and Tracey Main with their children. In the evening I watched a good English comedy, “First Night” with Richard E Grant and Sara Brightman and considered that I had had a good day.

26th December. As this was a Wednesday Bea was leading a walk. Six of us met at the end of Boyes Drive and proceeded up the mountain above Kalk Bay. It was very hot so in an attempt to say out of the sun we stuck to the kloof rather than the path and scrambled our way to the top. We came down via Echo Valley and enjoyed the shaded boardwalk through the forrest. It was about a three and a half hour walk.

Following a quick shower I made my way over to John and Sandi Fowkes where a large gathering of Fowkes, Main and Mair clans was to take place over a hugh ham and my lovely big Christmas pudding from Ian and Hiedi. The tables were set out under awnings and trees in the garden overlooking the vlie and table mountain. It was a great meal in a wonderful setting with good friends.

After lunch there was exploring the environe, playing in the paddling pool, croquette and darts to entertain.

        

Or just laze arround enjoying the company of good companions and the treasures that are the small people in our lives.

                                

31st December.  Saw out the old year and welcomed in the new with a Fondu party at Robert and Danniella’s with Ian and Hiedi and both couples respective children. A pleasant and quiet evening (once the children had settled down!) with good friends.