The parting of the ways. I was heading into the country and Charlie was staying in Hout Bay with Lisa. So after a most leisurely start I dropped her off and headed out of town, stopping at the old harbour in Gordon’s Bay for lunch and a media catch-up. Excellent kingfish, which I have not eaten for years.

The coastal road was beautiful, the sea calm and I took the ride slowly, enjoying every bit of it. On reaching Betty’s Bay I stopped off for the first time at Rob Twemlow & Lynda de Wet’s “farm” on the coast. Completely private and separate from the village, the house was right on the rocky sea edge with a stunning view across the river mouth to Kleinmond. 

 After being enticed into tasting their wine production, I was more convinced than ever that this is something Astrid & I should be attempting. Great too to catch up after not seeing them for some 25 years – this to be continued next time we visit.

Another 1 ½ hour drive via Hermanus brought me via the new road to Baardskeerdersbos and to Tierfontein Conservancy. No trip to RSA ever happens without visiting our special friends Douggie & Des.   Sundowners on the stoep with the Honeybirds playing in the bushes around us. Can’t get better than that. Always so much news to catch up on, even though we were here only 9 months ago.   Dezzie had prepared enough food for my whole family, even though it was just me. I tried hard to make up for their absence! 

 Got the distressing news that my 9 year old grandson Joey had crushed three fingers at school.  

 Slept in the huge guest-house which has now been fully furnished   Was a tad eerie in the dead of night when the roof creaked as if someone was lurking around!