Visiting Tannie Tia in Franschoek

We visited Chrisèl's very friendly aunt and her daughter who lives in Franschoek.  

A lovely day out, the highlights included ...

• Stopping off in Somerset West so Chrisèl could meet the author of a book she admired.
• Trying out my Afrikaans again after over 25 years.  A challenge!
• The spectacular mountains in the winelands; I'd forgotten just how "asemrowend" they are.
• Their cute doggies, one of them a miniature yorkie (a mini Jason!)
• Tea and cake (yummie carrot cake, chocolate cake and lemon merengue pie shared between us) at Cafe Bon Bon. What a great place it would be for a function.
• A curious spotted eagle owl watching us from a nearby tree, not seeming in the slightest bit shy. I love owls so was in my element.
• Henrik, the local rooster, who sites on the piano in the restaurant and heckles the pianist. What a character!  Needless the say, there's no intention for him to ever be on the menu!

Less happy moment ...

Getting very lost on the way when the GPS took a sabbatical and switched off without our realising it.  Now Sheila would never do that!!

Tannie Tia's house in Frranschoek. A stunning place.

Tucking into enormous portions of cake...

... while being watched intently at by this beautiful fellow.

A lovely setting; I'd love to come back here to the restaurant ...

... if only to see Henrik, the rooster, perform!

A walk to the waterfall at Storms River National Park

The Storms River National Park is one of my absolute favourite places in the whole world. There is something about its rugged coastline, pounding waves and thickets of evergreen forest that speaks directly to my soul.  I could visit a thousand times and not grow bored.  Chrisèl feels the same way, so needless to say this was our first stop after coming off the Tsitsikama Hiking Trail.  

We did a gorgeous walk along the first section of the Otter Trail, following little yellow footprints along the coast, to a beautiful pool and waterfall.  I've been to this place several times in the past, but never with the sun shining as it was, so it was an absolute delight to jump into the invigoratingly icy pool and swim under the waterfall, letting the strong pressure of it massage our shoulders and backs.  One of those priceless moments of aliveness that makes life worthwhile.

Then we walked back (getting tricked up a steep flight of countless steps that required backtracking when we realised we were on a path to nowhere) and then walked along the boardwalk to the Storms River suspension bridge.  As usual, the dassies were out and gave us a good showing.

We then finished the day with a delicious meal (succulent pork ribs and Malva pudding for me) at the Storms River Park restaurant, enjoying the stunning views from the outside deck.

Then to Tsitiskama Backpackers for the night.  Great to get back into the South African backpacking scene - I'd forgotten just how great South African backpacking hostels are.

Chrisèl at the start of the walk (also the official starting point of the famous Otter Trail.)

Following the coastal path ...

... past rugged rocks and lovely tidal pools ...

... and rocks festooned in bright orange lichen.

The destination of our walk: a stunning waterfall and rock pool right on the sea's edge.

My first leap after my numb feet episode. 

On the way back, the mist descended. Beautiful.

Our next stop was The Storms River Suspension Bridge, another place I love.

The dassies were out as usual and remarkably brazen.  Here's one on the picnic table!

Finally, we had a lovely meal at the Storms River restaurant.  How is that for a view!

Farewell to Lauren

Lauren is leaving for South Africa for a year.  We'll really miss her.  Here we are at her farewell at a nice pub (The Dove and Olive) in Surrey Hills.

Evening Walk: Chatswood Circular via Fullers Bridge ending at Bavarian Bier Cafe

A nice 7 km walk with Meet Up through the nature reserves of Chatswood and Lane Cove.  

The highlight was doing the last 10 mins through the bush in the dark with spider webs everywhere. Thank goodness I took my powerful head torch! 

We ended at the Bavarian Bier Cafe where I forsook my usual tasty fare of Pork Belly and Weissbeer for a salad and a lemon, lime and bitters.  God, my health craze is killing me I!!

Spiders in the dark!  Great photo by Sherry

Photo-shoot for Eva

I helped Eva to take some photos for her blog of her dinner party table.  It was quite stressful due to time constraints with the light and with guests arriving.  Not sure they were totally to Eva's taste, but I quite liked how some of them came out.  I got to stay for the dinner party - succulent Mexican food with the most delicious lamb I've tasted in a long time.