| |
 |
We got off to an early start for our voyage of discovery through the Overberg area. It was still dark when the Tableview ladies were collected by JP our new driver from Hylton Ross. By the time we collected the Constantia ladies and got to Peregrine everyone was ready for brekkies!
We reached Breadasdorp via Caledon and Napier. JP had to ‘get used’ to us…….and at one point on our road to Bredasdorp he looked skywards and said “Oh what have I done to deserve this!” |
|
 |
At Bredasdorp Mel arranged for us to have a site inspection at Kapula Candles – this was done after much gathering! |
 |
|
Lunch was at the Arniston Hotel – why are the portions ‘so huge’ was on our lips! Perhaps an omen for what was to come – ‘country hospitality par excellence!’ |
|
|
On to L’Agulhas – and a few whimpers about the ‘rough road’ – and cheers once we were back on solid ground – if only they all knew what JP and I had up our sleeves for the next day. |
 |
On to L’Agulhas – and a few whimpers about the ‘rough road’ – and cheers once we were back on solid ground – if only they all knew what JP and I had up our sleeves for the next day.
Derick of the Tip of Africa Guest House immediately said “Unpack girls and I’m ready for you all” – taking us on a visit to the lighthouse, the ‘actual tip of Africa monument’ and generally around the village of L’Agulhas – what an insight he gave us all. A few of the girls chose to rest (or drink wine and then rest). |
|
|
Dinner was at the Agulhas Country Lodge
A real disappointment to me after the hype I believe I had – a 4* guesthouse – members of Good Cooks and their Country Houses.
As I write this I’m in the process of lodging a complaint with them and the Good Cooks etc! I’ll keep you informed…………….. |
 |
|
Tuesday dawned bright and early – with a champagne breakfast at the Tip of Africa Guest House - eating AGAIN!
All aboard the coach Derick said by 9h30 and our first stop was the harbour to see whether we could see their stingrays – unfortunately because of the wind and churned-up waters, not easy to see! |
 |
Then we were back on the back sand roads and JP tested his 4 x 4 skills.
We met Piet van As a local historian, artist of note and the person responsible for the illustrations for a few of Dalene Matthee’s books. What a morning we had!
|
 |
|
We were taken to the home of Dianna Durant– and were hosted by Piet and his wife Marie (who bakes for a home industry in Durbanville) to tea at Dianna’s home!
This was indeed a very special time for us all and to meet Dianna and look at her work – a wonderful experience!
|
 |
We then took the coach down to the sea and saw the very impressive Brandfort – we had a very special passenger –
Piet’s dog – who found it very difficult to leave us all when he was asked to get off the coach.
Off we went to Zoetendal where the wine maker’s wife, Elizan made us a salad of note – and wow her pavlova very delicious and decadent! |
|
Back to L’Agulhas where JP cleaned our vehicle and we readied ourselves for our trip to Stanford. Tragedy had struck Stanford in the morning of our arrival – the local restaurateur’s wife had been murdered – which shocked the people of this normally quiet, peaceful village. |
|
|
 |
Wednesday morning dawned bright and clear and HOT – a real muggy day – breakfast was continental – thank goodness – all this eating catching up with everyone!
Then some time spent trying to ‘gather’ in Stanford…………eventually everyone more than ready and happy to leave the heat of the streets for the ‘coolth’ of the coach!
Next stop was Birkenhead Brewery…………..and I said ‘tongue in cheek’ – obviously ‘not compulsory’ but you know what – of the 16 ladies I didn’t have very many ‘non-indulgers’ – they settled themselves at the bar and enjoyed the tasting! |
|
|
|
|
Off to Klein River Cheeses for a picnic – and yet more heat! A delicious lunch spent in country surroundings |
|
|
|
|
Greyton was our next stop and after getting everyone settled in their guest houses, a time for the “Lord Pickleby” ladies to enjoy their stunning garden |
|
Dinner was at the 254 Restaurant – where Phillip and Herman treated us to a very delicious meal and JP acted as the official ‘host’ welcoming everyone who came through the door right behind where he was sitting! |
|
|
 |
 |
Breakfast was at the Post House in Greyton………………a very enjoyable one as well.
Val of the local market then invited us all to two homes in Greyton where marketers had set up their wares. |
|
 |
Back to the city we trudged – and our final port of call was Peregrines where ladies ‘went shopping’ again!
The result was that when we ‘off-loaded’ the Constantia ladies – guess what they needed to get their luggage to their cars………..Shopping trollies!!! |
 |
|
|
We’ve bought candles galore
Wine that’s filled our coach
Olives, soaps, bird feeders, One of Piet’s paintings (lucky Carol!)
You name it we bought it!
They often say Life cannot be counted by what you have
BUT by all life’s little pleasures………
THANK YOU ONE AND ALL FOR SPECIAL MEMORIES! |
|
|
|
