Outing Report

Covid-19 has crept into our lives and lockdown has become the New Buzz Word – so it is, in fact, many months since any of us could socialize and get on a coach and enjoy each other’s company.  Being on Level 1 this afforded us the chance to get-out-and-about and it is with great pleasure that we can report on a fun-filled day out in Darling.

First pick up was Constantia Village Shopping centre and the ladies left-exactly-on-time which proves just how keen they were to get out!  Second pick up was Tableview at the Pick ‘n Pay opposite Bayside and once we were all seated (masks on, hands sanitised – and temperatures taken) the coach ambled along the N7 to Malmesbury with our first stop at Darling Cellars just after 10h30 !

A few did wine tasting (some did non-alcoholic wines) & a few had coffees! Darling Cellars staff managed well with the crowd of 32 people who invaded their premises. (Their tills rang happily as well – so very important after lockdown for our wine farmers)

From here we headed along to Duckitt Orchids where we were so lucky to see the last of the Orchid season.  Mariette is a gracious hostess and ‘found’ some fabulous blooms for us.  Especially in the second hot house where we could witness them splitting up unusual blooms – in fact, a few ladies even managed to take home some ‘special blooms’!

Just to talk weather for a while – by the 29^th October summer should ‘officially’ be present in Cape Town BUT the day was fraught with coolish weather!  Pity for the writer who checked Darling temperatures the night before and read it would be 20 degrees – sadly, it never came to this level at all and I could have done with warmer clothing!

No-one can visit Darling and not visit Darling Sweets – their toffees and soft caramels are addictive and many boxes were purchased – in fact, a few of the boxes were opened before lunch.

Our arrival at Ormonde Wines was a bit tricky – as being on a 52seater coach, we could not access their parking lot – (coach far too heavy and zero turning circle) – however, a little climb up a hill, with much assistance to those who needed it, and very soon, bottles of wine / cocktails were served and everyone was ready to be served their platters.

The Ormonde platters for 2 persons are becoming legendary!  The choice of food on provided is so very fresh and includes Parma Ham; local cheeses from Darling; a Phyllo Pastry with mushroom filling; Croquettes with potato and ham; Lovely Marinated Pears in red wine; and Konfyt to add to the cheeses; and freshly baked breads and crackers to fill you up.  For dessert, their little pecan tarts are not to be missed!

The time went so very quickly – from about 13H15 to about 15h15 when we had to leave and head back to Cape Town.

 Sadly, this meant that we could only do a drive-past Evita se Perron – just did not ‘have the time’ to do justice to this stop and murmurings from a few of feeling ‘tired’ also prompted the decision!

All said and done, as an organiser, you can only feel satisfied when getting home you get a few messages from those on the coach!

Thank you for a wonderful day – so well organized – Deanna

Thank you so much Carol and Brian – we just loved the day – Jill

Thank you, Carol.  It was divine.  Fabulous vibe and everyone was so friendly.  Love to be included on your mailing list!  Thanks again for a very well organised trip – Frieda

Hi dear Carol.  What a lovely and happy day it was.  So great to see friends again. Thank you and Brian sooooo much.  We had a good trip back to Constantia, in time to hang up my beautiful Orchids — Elaine

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