South Africa - Grahamstown Day Trip

Grahamstown Suburbs

Grahamstown is an easy day trip from Colchester (Addo) so we set off after breakfast. The drive out was pleasant with not much traffic. Everything is very green despite it being mid-summer. There are a vast number of game lodges in the area from Colchester to Grahamstown - so you are spoilt for choice if this is your what you wish to do. We saw some giraffe, zebra and buck from the road.

Grahamstown was started off as a small military outpost in 1812 by British Officer, Colonel John Graham during the turbulent frontier wars. It grew into a market town and was once the second largest city after Cape Town!! Can you imagine! Not any more - Cape Town beats it hands down. Sorry, Grahamstown.

The 1820 British Settlers also arrived in the town and they established many of the schools and churches still in use today. Grahamstown has Rhodes University and a wander through the grounds was pleasant although it is too early in the year for students. Unfortunately, the Botanical Gardens, which adjoin the university, are in very poor condition and not worth the name "Botanical" despite being right opposite the Botany Department! Neglected and looking really sad, it's a great shame. The University grounds are well kept and a pleasure to wander around.

Grahamstown boasts the oldest Red Post Box in the country and a letter posted here will receive a special frank. It is quite difficult to find as there are no signs and no special plaque when you reach the spot on corner of Worcester and Somerset Roads.

The views from Signal Hill are lovely over the town - sadly, there was a fire on the mountain behind us so the town was covered in smoke. The 1820's Monument on the hill hosts the Grahamstown Festival annually - however, we were rather disturbed by the fact that the memorial bench to the founder was not maintained and the paths are full of weeds. It's a shame.

The centre of the town has many interesting buildings and is certainly worth a wander. The locals don't need cell phones - they shout across traffic and so loudly that everybody can hear them!!!!

The most exciting find for us was the museum which houses the Observatory Museum which in turn houses the only authentic Camera Obscura in the Southern Hemisphere. It provides a 360 degree view of Grahamstown once you have climbed the 70 or so steps!! It is a completely fascinating experience seeing traffic going past way down below plus seeing all the buildings in colour.

There are 5 museums in the town - we only had time to visit the one.

The cathedral of St Michael and St George was started in 1824 and took a 128 years to complete - only finished in 1952 - can you imagine building for so many years? Incredible! Grahamstown is known as "the city of saints" as there are no less than 52 places of worship. Holy people, so hopefully a peaceful place to live!

Church Square has a number of monuments and is an interesting part of town.

There are a number of coffee shops and restaurants in the town when you start feeling peckish.

The drive back to Colchester was rather hairy as the EC (Eastern Cape) drivers were hell-bent on getting somewhere fast so were overtaking on double lines, blind rises etc. Seeing this sort of driving behaviour it is not surprising that the death toll on South Africa's roads over the 2012 Festive season was so high. Cowboy drivers. We were stopped twice - on the road to Grahamstown plus on the way back - for licence checks. The cops/traffic police would be better employed checking the motorists who are totally reckless and endanger other peoples lives.

Safely back at our B&B, we breathed a sigh of relief!!

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

South Africa - Addo Elephant Park

Small Town Folk make life interesting!

It is amazing who one meets whilst travelling.

We visited a pub in Cannonville last night - a local chap came in to the bar and spent ages sprouting at the poor barman - with many "f's" thrown into his Afrikaans and something about security, we were not quite sure what he was on about. But he was certainly very vocal and perhaps not too nice a character with too many beers under his belt! Thankfully, he left before I had to venture to the toilet!

The waiter was very friendly and chatty - it turned out that he grew up in Oudtshoorn - same as myself, although of a much younger generation.
His family moved to Port Elizabeth hence his job in the small town of  Cannonville. There are some beautiful houses along the banks of the Sundays River - most with their own jetties. Relaxed living! The pub, the bottle store and the small supermarket are all owned by one person. This seems to be a trend in these small "dorps" (towns) The waiter is hoping to travel - perhaps to Australia - I sincerely hope he is able to broaden his horizons one day as this truly is a tiny village - even worse than Oudsthoorn!!

Tonight we visited a small restaurant in Colchester called "The Juicy Canvas". Foodwise, a disaster! Apparently, the owner opened in Sept 2012 and has endured staff problems etc so our burgers were not home-made and the salad consisted of tomato and lettuce with 1 green olive. Only ice-cream and chocolate sauce was on offer for dessert so we gave that a miss. However, the waitress was very charming and apologetic about the limited choice which should all be fixed within days. One hopes so!!!! The owner, Jeni is an artist and her artwork adorns the walls of the restaurant. There are other artists on display as well. Jeni loves Addo and draws much of her inspiration from her own photo's taken in the park. She has intimate knowledge of the park which would have been handy to have BEFORE we entered!

Many will remember the horrid event in 2011 when 3 rhino were poached at Kariega Game Reserve, not to far from Colchester. One rhino died and Thandi and Themba had horrific wounds. Themba drowned but Thandi survived with medical assistance. Jeni donated a painting which raised R25,000 towards Thandi's care. A great act of kindness towards the rhino.

Jeni has also done a painting for Jacob Zuma - not sure if that is a good thing or not!!!! Hopefully, he paid with his own money and not that of the South African tax payers!!

Our hosts here in Colchester moved from France a year ago when they bought an existing B&B.  With 3 teenage children, a very brave move and we wish them well! Unfortunately, the schooling here is not as advanced as it is in France, where it is also free. Education levels in South Africa have dropped dramatically which is not in the best interests of anybody in South Africa.  They are a happy couple, full of praise for South Africans and their helpfullness. Whether they stay in SA or return  to France one day, they are making a life here for now and are still smiling!

What a variety of folk in such  a tiny place - it certainly makes travel interesting!

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

South Africa - Garden Route to Addo Elephant Park - Part 4 Addo

An early start in rain, believe or not, meant that we could get into Addo for a game drive. The sun came out and the day got hot. We drove and drove, seeing only zebra and buck. We decided that Addo was a myth after all - well advertised by somebody out to make money! And then - suddenly, a huge group of ellies from large to small at a water hole. What a special time it was watching them drink, wash themselves, have dust baths and then mud baths! The groups seemed to have a order as they came down to drink in smaller groups. The baby elephant was too precious and he/she had huge fun getting totally muddy whilst surrounded by the family.

Wart Hogs also came down to drink - however, they were quite skittish and I can't say I blame them with these huge beasts so close.

Addo is all about elephants and they are truly magnificent beasts. Started from only 16 elephants after all others had been shot, the park now has over 500 although it is not likely that you will see them all as the bush is very dense.

We have managed to get close to warthog, zebra, ostrich, black-backed jackal, red hartebees, kudu, blue crane, plus the elephants!

The Main Camp, where there is a restaurant is at the Main gate - in the north of the park. One can also enter at the south gate Matyholweni - however, they have no restaurant. The spot where we saw the most elephants was at Hapoor Dam. One can also picnic in the park at designated spots only.

The vegetation in the park is dense and green so nothing is spotted in the bush - you will find game on the plains, at the water holes or alongside the road.
Our best bird sighting was a  African Hoopoe. There are loads of birds - not always easy to photograph.

The baby warthogs are so cute but also so fast to run away - camera shy.

If you are ever in the area of Port Elizabeth, do visit Addo Elephant Park - you won't be sorry.

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

South Africa - Garden Route to Addo Elephant Park - Part 2 Wilderness to Storms River

Canoeist at Look Out Beach, Plettenberg Bay

The drive from Wilderness to Plettenberg Bay is very scenic - surrounded by the Wilderness lakes and then the Knysna Lagoon, it's water, water for most of the way. We stopped in Plettenberg Bay where the Beacon Isle Hotels dominates the beach skyline. A good spot for breakfast or lunch is the Look Out Restaurant which is practically on the beach. This beach and the surrounding buildings were damaged during a heavy winter storm  a few years ago. Plett has always been favoured by the folk from Johannesburg as their holiday spot and it is also the annual hang-out of thousands of teenagers when they finish writing their matric (Grade 12) exams every year.

A must see in the Plett area is Monkeyland, and Birds of Eden. Guided tours will take you through the trees to spot the various types of primates who live here and are free roaming. The Birds of Eden is next door and is the largest single free flight aviary in the world. One wanders through 1.2 km of walkways in a 2.3 hectare aviary. African and exotic, colourful birds share this huge space. Please take enough time to spot them - if you rush through, you could end up seeing nothing! My gold chain was lost on this walk as a cheeky bird perched on my shoulder, much to my delight - it was only later that I realised he had chewed through my chain which dropped off and was lost forever!!!

A guided tour up the Keurbooms River is another interesting experience or you can hire a boat and go 5km up the river, stopping off at the various white sand beaches for a swim or picnic lunch. Both are very enjoyable and fun provided that you don't get stuck on a sand-bank!!

Our next stop was at the very famous Bungy Jump at Bloukrans Bridge. This is the worlds highest bungy jump at 216 metres and is not for the faint-hearted! Needless to say, we have not attempted this adventure, leaving it to all the crazy people out there who have no fear. Whilst I wanted to do the "under bridge" walk - high up over the gorge, under the bridge, James refused point blank so that was that. There were many people milling about but we did not see anybody jump! Sadly, as I wanted to hear those screams of fear. I have to point out that we both chickened out of the bungi jump in Queenstown, New Zealand and that one is not so high!!!!! So it's safe to bet that Bungi Jumping is an activity which is NOT on our bucket list.

Storms River Mouth was our next stop - the San called this area "The Place of many Waters" due to the fact that the river water is stained tannin-black from  the many ferns in the area. It's a heavily forested area with many new trees recently planted. The older trees are yellowwood, stinkwood, hard pear, ironwood, kamassi etc. The rivers have cut out deep gorges whilst flowing down to the sea and this is borne out by the high bridges on this route.

The Tsitsikamma National Park is one of Africa's oldest and largest Marine Reserves. For those seeking adventure, it is the place to be. The famous Otter Trail starts at Storms River and ends in Nature's Valley. At 42 km it is not for the unfit and bookings have to be made far in advance. We opted to take the trail to the Storms River Mouth which is about 1km each way but with many steps. The views over the sea are gorgeous. The trail does not end at the suspension bridge but we chose to walk the bridge over the river mouth - a piece of cake compared to the adrenalin of just the thought of bungi jumping!

Hot, sweaty and with creaking knees, I collapsed into a seat at the restaurant to fortify myself with a cold beer and delicious samoosa's and springrolls whilst James enjoyed fish cakes. It took ages for us both to cool down  after just 2kms!!

Our accommodation at Storms River is called Swallows Nest - the 6 cottages are set within a very pretty garden with oak trees and colourful flowers. Just the spot after the hot day. The village is tiny but busy with the many adrenalin seeking tourists who come here for the Zipline Tours, Abseiling, quad biking, hiking or Blackwater Tubing. The owner of Swallows Nest built and managed a guest house for 16 years before building these cottages as Self-Catering units.

Supper time came around and we headed to Tsitsikamma Inn. The dining room was deserted so we were shown to the smaller bistro area. The food was very slow in coming and my bobotie was the most insipid I have ever tasted. James enjoyed his 300 gr burger though! Dessert was not great either and the atmosphere was very dull - they even forgot to change the CD until eventually one was put on. The hotel looks old with newer rooms in the grounds. Service was pleasant but a rather uninteresting experience. Unfortunately, Marilyn' 60's Diner closed at 18.00 hrs - perhaps because it was Sunday? This place is funky, belts out Elvis music, has tons of  memorabila, down to the old Cadillac! We hope to visit before we leave the village.

Thankfully James got up to make the tea this morning and found a scorpion in the kitchen sink! I would have screamed enough to set the village alight! The owner came to "doom" the poor thing whilst saying that they are quite common in this area and nothing to worry about! Yeah????

The local coffee shop does a great breakfast and has a sign that says "if you want breakfast in bed, sleep in the kitchen" Perhaps I must try this back home?
The coffee shop is owned by a chap who bought up the entire building which now houses a number of small shops. Talk about passive income!

The day is simply gorgeous - not too hot and with blue skies, scattered with the odd puffy clouds so walking was called for. We first did the Fynbos Trail which starts opposite the Info Centre at the entrance to the village. It is 1.8 km and an easy walk. However, I felt very claustrophobic surrounded by tall fynbos - perhaps the thought of snakes and spiders did not help. We saw many nests - presumably of large spiders! I had a fleeting thought of prodding one open but it looked so mean that I thought better leave well alone! The proteas grow very tall and the plants must be magnificent when they are all flowering.

After a short rest, we headed for the BIG TREE - this is a yellowwood tree of approx 1000 years. It's height is 36.6 m and it's circumference is 8.5 m. Not a tree that can be hugged! After admiring this giant, we took the Ratel Nature walk through the forest. The forest is fascinating and quiet. Every now and again one hears the call of a bird or the wind rustling the trees high above. Nothing moves until one spots a black centipede in the path or a dragonfly on a fern leaf. It is a "back to nature experience that can be enjoyed by young and old. The trail has either a yellow route which can be extended with the red route. The yellow route is 2.6km and the red route is 4.2km. We only did the circular yellow route - enough walking for one day now!!!

Marilyn's 60's Diner was our dinner choice for the evening. Being a Monday night it was not at all busy but you just have to visit this venue for the Marilyn Monroe and Elvis stuff covering the walls! Plus the 60's music makes it a very enjoyable outing. The food is nothing special - however our waitress was so very pleasant and made us a gigantic banana split so that we did not have to go hungry. The motto is "you can be thin and wrinkly or you can have a bowl of banana split and fluff that stuff out" So we undid all the good exercise of the day!! Horror of  horrors, I will have to do the Goesa nature walk tomorrow to make up for the indulgence tonight. Can my knees stand it? NO!!!!!

Can anybody tell me how to strangle a frog? Firstly, it's dark outside so you can see where the blighter is, secondly, I do love frogs but not all night long!!!
They have been at whatever they do in the wee hours of the night and I could cheerfully strangle them all. But hey - us city folk don't ever get to hear frogs anymore so I will take their chatter with good grace - who needs sleep anyway?

We did some touring today and then headed off to the Rafters Restaurant at Armagh Country Lodge. Good plate of food, if somewhat over-priced. The food options in Storms River Village are somewhat limited - and they don't seem to bothered about quality and taste. the best meal was at Storms River Mouth.

Maybe we are too fussy? Perhaps that comes of having a "retired from choice" chef in the family?

Anyway, it's all about the experience and this little village is surely the smallest I have ever been too.

Peaceful for sure!

Night night

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

South Africa - Garden Route to Addo Elephant Park - Part 1

Keurbooms River - Near to Plettenberg Bay

The Garden Route of the Western Cape, South Africa is world famous and one of the best attractions in the Cape, other than Cape Town!! Sorry - we are slightly biased as regards our Mother City! Our drive started at about 9.am and traffic was not too heavy given that the school terms have started for the year and the crazy peak holiday season is past. There are a number of good places to stop for breakfast or a snack along the N2 - favourites are the Blue Crane Coffee Shop and  Die Rooi Alwyn (The Red Aloe). The latter is situated amongst a few interesting shops - one selling gorgeously scented candles, interesting goodies and children's items.

Santos Beach. Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay is an interesting town (see my "Memories of Mossel Bay" Blog) although perhaps not as well-known  as the other towns on the Garden Route. The history goes back to Bartholemew Dias and the museum complex is well worth a browse. Mossel Bay currently (2012) has 3 Blue Flag beaches and the swimming in these waters is perfect for families as it is safe and the waters are warm. With various activities available, such as Shark Cage Diving, trips around Seal Island or a visit to Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, this town could capture your interest for a few days or a purely lazy week's beach holiday. It remains one of my favourite places for a laid back beach break. The obligatory drive down Marsh Street and around the Point has to take place before we can say good-bye to Mossel Bay and head further down the coast. On our way out we were driving behind a lorry with about 5 workers on the back. One has to assume that they were happily finished work for the day or else truly hammered as the one guy was dancing away to the music on his MP3 Player and nearly fell over every time the lorry turned. Another chap was laughing so heartily that his missing front teeth were most prominent! We passed them further along the highway - still dancing and laughing at me when I took a quick photo!

Further along the N2 you will pass Little Brak, Great Brak, Herold's Bay and a number of holiday places along the coast. If you have the time, a wander into any of these will give you insight into the South African culture of "beach" holidays. Many of the homes will be tightly shut waiting for the next holiday period when the owners will descend with the braai tongs, boerewors and many beers. Retirees also favour the Garden Route for it's tranquillity.

Once past George, you have the option of branching off to Victoria Bay - a well known surfing spot. Just watch out for the rip near to the rocks on the far side of the beach. It's a tiny little place that attracts many day trippers and has a character all of it's own with just 1 road. Perfect for a lazy day or two.

The road now starts to twist and turn until you reach the Wilderness. Do stop here to look at the very long beach which stretches forever. The Touws River runs through the village and is idyllic.

Our first overnight stop is at Wilderness at Moontide Guest House which overlooks the river. It's a perfect spot for a break. The beach beckoned soon after checking in so off we headed to stretch the legs after our drive from Cape Town. Wilderness beach is perfect for long, long beach walks, especially so at low tide. You can walk for miles, inhaling the fresh sea air, greeting the loc als walking their dogs or spotting the strange bits of flotsam and jetsam on the shore. A number of jellyfish had washed ashore and the little creatures feeding on them were quite intent on getting their fill. Rather grim looking actually!

Wilderness is known for being a perfect spot along the coast for paragliding and the Friday afternoon gliders were out catching the thermals above the road. What better way to finish off the week? It' s a gem of a place with the scent of the milkwood trees all round. Such a unique scent - thankfully, milkwood trees are protected and cannot be cut down. Besides the beach, there is a boardwalk along the lagoon, plus a more arduous walk up the Kingfisher Trail. This trail goes up to a waterfall and takes about 3 hours return. It is approx. 13 km and is a great way to blow out the cobwebs or stress of the city. Most of the trail is along a board walk so it can be completed by anybody with a reasonable fitness level.

Moontide has canoes for a leisurely paddle up or down river - for those who prefer just watching others do this, the deck is just the place to enjoy the scenery from the shade! The original home was built in 1928 and hosted many illustrious guests during it's heyday. Fact is often stranger than fiction and a passionate love triangle resulted in the death of  the mistress. Sadly, the house was then abandoned and by the time it was put up for sale it was in serious need of repair. Purchased by Maureen Mansfield, it has been restored, improved and expanded to the current guest house which opened to paying guests in 1994.

Supper was enjoyed at Salina's Restaurant overlooking the beach. I chose tapas thinking it would be light, leaving room for dessert! Well, 3 Thai Style fishcakes, 4 Chicken Satays and roasted peppers were too much although I did manage most of it. James enjoyed a huge plate of calamari. The desserts sounded good so we managed to find some extra space - and they were delicious! With a great view of the ocean and friendly staff, it was a relaxing experience. Unfortunately, it appears that diners the previous day were bothered by smokers on the patio and were apparently told that "smokers also have rights" Really? In South Africa where restaurants are all supposed to be non-smoking? If that had happened to us we would have walked out, never to return!!!

After a hearty breakfast the next morning, we headed off to take some photos and found an every bigger number of  paragliders floating effortlessly above the highway. So if you fancy this idea, try a tandem experience. It looks so effortless and free. At current prices of R550, it's a great way to experience the views over Wilderness - if you dare!

Sedgefield has a Farmers Market called Wild Oats which takes place every Saturday morning. It is so popular that parking is always a problem - get there early and enjoy breakfast before spending all your money. Afterwards you can hire a kayak to explore the lagoon.

Knysna was our next on our agenda to visit a friend who owns and runs "Shoreline Villa" situated near the Heads. What an amazing spot right of the Knysna lagoon. Just gazing at the view would be enough for me to unwind totally. This house is perfect for couples on holiday together or those with children as the house is hired out fully furnished and equipped for a superb holiday experience. At low tide one can walk to Leisure Isle, another gem of a place.

Knysna has many activities to enjoy - our favourite is a visit to Featherbed Nature Reserve. A scenic boat ride across the lagoon takes you across to the Nature Reserve to enjoy amazing views from the Heritage site. Lunch is under the Milkwood Trees and then a stroll down 2.2km path leads you back to the ferry. For those who only want a cruise you can choose from South Africa's only paddle driven vessel or the John Benn or for those seeking more of a thrill, try the rivercat cruise to the heads (weather permitting)

  

After a brisk walk around Leisure Isle, we headed back to "Shoreline Villa" for a much needed icy drink, before driving  back to Moontide for a relaxing few hours on the deck before wandering into the village to eat at "The Girls" Restaurant. This is run by 2 girls - in case you are wondering - and opened in 2007. They have won many awards and it's a cool place to dine with good food, relaxed ambience and a chef (one of the girls!) who takes the time to visit each table. It's a welcome personal touch.

Sadly, we had to leave Moontide the next morning after another great breakfast on the deck.

Next instalment - Wilderness to Storms River.

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

South Africa - Hermanus - Champagne Air!

Hermanus  air reminds  one of champagne - bubbly, crisp, and so enjoyable!  Breathe
it in whilst wandering along the world-famous cliff paths. You won't be sorry and a week-end may just not be enough.

We started going to Hermanus on day trips. When my son decided he wanted to study to be a chef at Warwicks Chef's School, it was time to buy a small flat. We spent so many wonderful week-ends in Hermanus, walking the cliff paths, wandering around the many little lanes, full of interesting shops. The week-end markets always attracted many folk with the original arts and crafts on show. It was a great time - whale watching from August to October, long walks in Fernkloof Nature Reserve, walks up to Hoy's Koppie, the Grotto beach walk plus the cliff paths which stretch for  miles and give one time to contemplate and be at one with nature. The swimming is great in summer and there are a number of surfing spots.

Warwicks Chef School was a good choice and my son came top of the class. His reward was a stint with Roger Verge in France. However, this did not go quite as well as planned - having been dropped at the restaurant he then had to find his way to his lodging in the dark and not speaking a word of French. The cops eventually found him wandering, stressed and very alone in the early hours of the morning. By doing some back-tracking, they eventually found where he was staying! Not a good start to his career. He did decide to pack up cheffing after reaching the position of Head Chef at the very prestigious Singita Lebombo so all ended well. But I digress.....

After starting my B&B in Cape Town in 2004, those wonderful free week-ends came to a grinding halt - sadly. We recently spent a week-end back in the town and saw many, many changes. Hermanus has now become another "mall" town with a new shopping centre plus another in the process of being built, right next door. So the malls have reached Hermanus which may be great for the locals but, to my mind, this detracts from the cute shopping of previous years. A mall is a mall, is a mall and you can shop at the same stores all over South Africa. Once inside who knows where you are - Rustenburg or Canal Walk or Hermanus? It's called progress. The little villages in the country are getting harder to find and I suppose progress is natural and welcomed by most. It is still a town with the best whale-watching, the best air, gorgeous beaches, an exciting vibe during summer, pleasant winter walks and good, if perhaps now boring, shopping!

The Craft Market on the square is currently more formalised with permanent structures so goods stay dry, restaurants are numerous, some better than others, the whale crier can be found blowing his kelp horn when he spots a whale and people are friendly. Hermanus is known to be one of the best land-based whale watching sites in the world and the hundreds of people that line the cliff paths during whale season, with their binoculars and cameras, are a sight to see and a pleasant "people-watching" experience. The oohs and aahs echo far and wide as a whale is spotted. Seeing a whale breach is an exceptional experience and well worth the wait.

Our host for the week-end was the very first Curator of the Old Harbour Museum which opened in 1972. Guy Clark was appointed in 1973 and spent many years working on his passion. The harbour buildings have been restored, old fishing boats are lined up, bokkom stands still exist and it's a slice of history that has been well-preserved. Now it's Provincial Heritage site label is well deserved. The Easter Passion Play is held annually in the Old Harbour and attracts thousands of visitors.

Rotary Way is reached by turning left as you enter Hermanus and this drive offers the most wonderful views of Hermanus. An icy wind is often blowing up here so dress warmly and venture out of your car to survey the layout of the town and see the beach at Grotto stretching for many miles.

Another view-point, albeit slightly lower and smaller, is Hoy's Koppie which is now smack-bang in the middle of town (courtesy of the mall!) The path up is quite steep but allows for good exercise and offers great views over the town. The grave of Sir William Hoy and his wife have possibly one of the best grave view sites in South Africa and one can only wonder at their final resting place in such a scenic location.

Fernkloof Nature Reserve is a hikers paradise with many paths for various fitness levels.


Again gorgeous views over Hermanus, beautiful flora and exercise!!! Who could ask for more?


The Hermanus Municipality is not very kind to property owners who are heavily penalised if they dare to let out even one week of their holiday cottage. Business rates apply if one's property is let for just one week of the 52 week year whereas property owners who let their units out for 12 months of the year to locals, are not subject to business rates. Discrimination?  Very much so and rather off-putting for investors looking to save for a retirement option.


During the peak of summer, Hermanus town centre is sometimes a best forgotten place unless you want to jostle for parking, which is mostly paid. However, with the new road system, you can by-pass this congestion and head out towards the beaches via another road.

Despite the town's rapid progress from a small fishing village, it is still "must-do" place, especially in whale season.  Active folk will not get bored with so many activities on their doorstep, and the town appeals to a broad spectrum of people from all walks of live. Be as busy or as lazy as the mood takes but breathe in deeply - you won't find this brand of air anywhere else!!!!

 

I met an interesting and versatile artist packing up his incredible shop - things perhaps to slow for artists in this town now? They have a mall, after all!! The artist was heading off to India to "find himself" and what better place to do so? I wish him the very best of luck and hope that his artistic talents find a lucrative and self-satisfying outlet.

Hermanus history goes back to the early 1800's when farmers from Caledon trekked by ox-wagon to spend the summer at the seaside. Good fishing and the famous "champagne air"  meant that even Harley Street doctors prescibed a visit to Hermanus as a great place for patients to convalesce.

Hermanuspietersfontein became too cumbersome and the name was changed to Hermanus in the early 1900's. The Marine Hotel was buit in 1902 and was well patronised by the English gentry of that time. The hotel has seen many changes but is still a landmark today. The Windsor Hotel was originally a sanatorium for wealthy overseas convalescents. William Hoy decided that he did not want the railway to extend to Hermanus from Bot River so he managed to block progress on that front. The Hermanus Station was therefore "trainless" and now forms part of the new shopping precinct.

Trust me, the champagne air is world-renowed and you will feel much refreshed after some time spent in this lively town.

Hermanus has progressed from the early 1800's but still retains the beauty in the surrounding mountains, the lovely beaches and the charm is still evident in this "must visit" seaside town.

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

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South Africa - Hemel & Aarde Valley - Hermanus Wine Route

Hemel & Aarde - Hermanus Wine Route

Wine Lovers, photographers, food-loving people, this valley is truly worth a visit. 

This valley, named Heaven and Earth, is a magical place which runs for about 6.7km amidst truly beautiful vistas with many wine farms along the way. The road eventually reaches Caledon - however, the wine route only extends as far as Seven Springs. 
The weather was not great on the day we visited - still worth it!

The valley is famous for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and has been likened to North France because of the clay soil and ocean breezes.

If you really fall in love with the valley, there are homes for sale at a price!

The route starts at Hermanuspietersfontein Wine Shop where you can also enjoy a Saturday Market between 09.00 and 13.00 hrs. Their farm is closer to Stanford.

The "Wine Village Shop" at the start of route R320 is truly a "library" of wines and they are open 7 days a week with free wine tastings. If you can drag yourself out of there, then head off up the valley! Make sure your credit card is handy.

Next up is Southern Right, Hamilton Russel, Ashbourne, Bouchard Finlayson, La Vierge, Sumeridge, Newton Johnson, Restless River, (that name just resonates with me) Spookfontein, Ataraxia, Creation, Mount Babylon, Jacob's Vineyards, Domaine des Dieux and Seven Springs.

As with any wine route, one has to choose as it is impossible to sample all the wines in one day unless you are looking to be locked up in the Hermanus cells till a Monday morning. Sort of difficult to explain to your boss why you won't be at work? So take a stab at the names and choose 1 or 2 farms to stop at.

We decided on Hamilton Russel - a beautiful and tranquil setting, overlooking a dam. With a roaring fire inside the tasting Room, on a cold day, it was a good stop. Tim Hamilton Russel purchased the property in 1975, his son, Anthony Hamilton Russel took over in 1991 and purchased the estate in 1994. HR only do Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and the wines are not cheap. Their  "Southern Right" label is less expensive.

Our next stop was Sumeridge Estate. The Tasting Room is impressively set within the stone-clad walls of an long, regal looking building. They also have a cosy restaurant for light meals, with outdoor seating during summer.  

By now, we were feeling somewhat peckish so decided to try out Mogg's Country Cookhouse for an authentic Hemel & Aarde experience. This restaurant is tucked away off the main R320 - signposted though and don't be put off by the dirt track and tiny building. The dogs will greet you and lead the way to the door which could be tightly shut on a cold day. This restaurant was taken over 17 years ago by a mother an daughter team and they have very obviously succeeded in getting the mix right. Cosy and warm and very busy after a 2 week holiday, they were rather phased by the tripping lights but the problem was sorted out promptly! Artist influence can be seen in the painting of fowls adorning the doors and walls plus many other displays of talent. The Pine cone ceiling was apparently in place when they purchased the restaurant and this adds another quirky feel to the place. With a mix of tourists and many locals (judging by the conversations) it's a successful venture and one we can highly recommend. The food was good, the service attentive and the ambiance just what we needed.

There is certainly enough on this wine route to keep everybody happy and being so close to Hermanus, it is an ideal day out when visited the seaside town. In summer, it's an escape from the crowds on the beach, in winter, what could be better than some roaring fires, wine tasting and valley cooking?

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

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South Africa - Stanford - Old Timer Village

Forget about a "Time Capsule" blasting into the future, think 1930's and Stanford, just 23km or so from Hermanus, in the Western Cape, comes to mind, A place where you need to "land" for a relaxing look  into the past.  We all struggle keeping up with today's fast-moving technology - tablet meant a pill for a head-ache when I was growing up -  now it is a sophisticated piece of computer equipment, small enough to fit into a hand-bag. Gone are the days of those huge rooms which were required to house the "computer" ! We don't want to go back to those times as we all love the modern technology - my favourite being my Kindle. However, for peace and quiet and a step back in time, Stanford is well worth a visit.

This village has the Klein (small) River running through it and there is a pleasant, short trail along the river. Do look out for the dog pooh as the local residents don't seem to "poop scoop" You can canoe, swim or just laze by the river during summer. The "African Queen" offers cruises down river with a minimum of 20 people. The source of the river is in the Hemel-n-Aarde Valley, just outside of Hermanus and the river winds its way along mountains before reaching Stanford and then flows 15 more km towards the Hermanus Lagoon. Birds, apparently are frequent - it was perhaps too cold on our visit to see many. The feathered kind, that is.

The town is named after Captain Robert Stanford who was born in 1805. He bought a farm in this district and was very successful until 1845 when many Irish were banished to the Cape after the severe famine and failed rebellion. Captain Stanford heeded a call for mercy for the Irish who had been at sea for over 5 months. Unfortunately, the Stanford family was severely ostracised for his actions. This resulted in the death of one of his children as the local doctor refused medical care when called upon. It seems barbaric that a doctor could turn a blind eye to a sick child, but he did just that. Stanford returned to England to put forward his case and this resulted in him being knighted and receiving a pay-out of 5000.00 pounds - a huge sum in those days. However, on his return to SA he found that his land had been illegally sold and his farm no longer belonged to him. The family returned to the UK where Sir Stanford died a pauper in Manchester at age 70.  Not a tale to be proud of and a sad beginning to a town which is so "olde worlde"

The Village Green is still just that - a huge piece of land surrounded by
'old" houses. One can just imagine a game of cricket on a lazy summer afternoon! Dating back to 1785, the Green is still used for events and markets.

The old-fashioned way of getting water to all the houses, still exists in Stanford and this is called "lei water" (water that is led or water lead).The sloots (furrows) run along the road and are controlled by small sluices - one is usually advised of the time of your "turn" at the water. As a child we had the same  system in Oudtshoorn and I remember my father having to get up at 03.00 to water the garden as water was so precious in the hot, dry climate of our town. He always cursed but never let a "water-lead" go by. It was more than his life was worth!

Stanford has a number of art and antique shops - worthy of a browse - who knows what you may turn up. We loved the art displayed on the pavement - amazing works for those with enough money to buy!

There are a number of restaurants in Stanford and surrounds - we choose @Art for a warm and inviting atmosphere with the walls adorned with art works. Great pizzas made in a wood-burning pizza oven and a number of chalk-board Sunday Specials. Good value for money.

The village was declared a conservation area in 1996 and this has preserved many buildings; some of which date 100 - 300 years old. The charm of the village is best seen on foot so take a slow walk along the streets of the village to admire the old achitectural styles of yesteryear. The pace of life here slows you down so much that you may not want to return to the hectic pace of the city. For myself, the country is great for a visit and some much needed R&R, but give me the city lights any time.

We did not have time to visit the Birkenhead Brewery or the Cheese Farm where picnics came be enjoyed during the summer months.

A spot certainly worth a week-end or more. Bring your cycles, your binoculars, your fishing rods and your credit cards!

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

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South Africa - Worcester and Surrounds

A small-holding in the fresh country air sounded like a great idea so off we set on a week-end meander to Worcester and surrounds, about 2 hours from Cape Town. Firstly, take the old road over Du Toits Kloof Pass - it's a very scenic road over the mountains and does not add more than about 12 km to your journey plus you save on the Toll Fee for the tunnel. My love for mountains is inspired by growing up in the Oudtshoorn valley where my eyes rested on the magnificent Swartberg Mountain range every time I walked onto our large veranda or into the garden.

Our stay was on a small holding, which bordered on a wine farm, so we took long walks down the farm road, followed by a friendly black Scottie dog. We saw many ground squirrel holes but no signs of life although our little friend certainly did loads of sniffing and most probably drove them further away down the hole for safety!

 Our first outing was to the Karoo Desert National Botanical Gardens. This garden is at it's best during springtime when all the vygies and fynbos flower and create a stunning display. There are lovely views over towards Worcester, picnic areas on the lawns and a hiking trail around the "koppie"  Unfortunately, the folk of Worcester are not the "eating out" types and the restaurant at the entrance to the gardens has closed down. So we would not recommend a visit to these gardens unless it is springtime with all the lovely flowers blooming. The gardens  are also quite difficult to find - it seems the Worcester residents are not too keen on tourism and are quite happy with their status quo.

The Quiver Trees are large Aloes which flower during the winter months. These trees are normally found in very arid regions such as Namibia, and the Northern Cape, often in rocky habitats. The flowers attract nectar seeking birds such as sun-birds and mouse birds. It's a succulent plant which can store water in it's trunk and leaves for those harsh periods when little or no rain falls in the desert.
The San people used to hollow out the branches to use them as quivers, hence the English name for the "Kokerboom" tree.

The wild grape is another interesting plant found in the gardens - these are about 25 years old and were grown from seed gathered in Namibia.

Our next trip was via a dirt road through Eilandia region in the direction of  Robertson.  A very scenic drive through farmlands.

Robertson was very busy and will be another visit (it seems to have more going for it than Worcester!)





We had to find the Conradie Family Cellar before close as we had orders from Cape Town folk! This family vineyard is situated in the Nuy Valley, at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, and the farm has been in the family since 1871. It is currently run by a fifth generation winemaker who took over wine making again in 2004 after his grand-father last produced in 1964. A proud tradition and award winning wines are now currently on sale.  The Nuy Restaurant and Guest House is situated just across the road and we were after a light lunch. Although there were many cars parked in the parking area, nobody was around to assist us and the restaurant was all beautifully set with nobody in sight!! Another disappointment! But at least we had the wines safely in the boot! By now we were starving after just muesli for breakfast so we headed off towards the Willow Creek Olive Estate and Deli. Guess what? The restaurant was securely locked and barred and even the lady in the next door Deli said " Gosh, they did not even say good-bye!!!"

So off we set again with stomachs rumbling and getting grumpier by the minute. With all the wine farms around but no food? One cannot live on wine alone. Although some make argue with me on that point. The charming lady in the Deli recommended Overhex Wine Cellar for lunch so off we set once again.

Over-Hex was OPEN - HURRAY - FOOD IN WORCESTER!! We managed to secure a table outside in the brilliant sunshine and enjoyed their home-made burgers. For the beer lovers - they don't have any so be warned - only wine. The burgers were very filling, tasty and the service was excellent so this restaurant certainly gets my vote. The menu is very limited but, hey, they serve food and they were OPEN!!! Apparently, their Sunday lunches are very popular and the inside seating looks welcoming and cosy. 

Tummies filled, we set off to see if there were still autumn leaves in the wonderful Hex River Valley. It's not very far from Worcester on the N1 and the valley is simply incredible.

Hex River Valley is world-renowned as the biggest producer of table grapes in South Africa. It also hosts the biggest pre-cooler in the Southern Hemisphere. Grapes need to be transported to their markets so, in order to do this with minimum damage, the grapes need to be pre-cooled before being packed and delivered/shipped etc. The De Doorns Cellar also has the longest harvest season in the world. The Matroosberg Mountain is the highest mountain peak in the Western Cape.
Originally, there were 6 farmers granted land in the Hex River Valley. Today this has been sub-divided into nearly 150. The valley is just row upon row of vines with the staff housing dotted on the edge of the fields. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon and we saw loads of children happily playing, women and young girls chatting whilst walking between various farm housing, the elderly sitting in the sun  - the sad part was also many drunken men staggering around. We spotted a "Temporary Shelter for Abused Children" - no doubt caused by drunken parents. It's such a shame to see this in a valley which is appears so scenic, tranquil and calm.on the outside. Many of the farm workers houses boasted spanking brand new solar panels for their hot water and, with the mountains surrounding them and the amazing autumn colours on the vines, one would think it was a little slice of heaven. Maybe not for those who dream of escaping the confines of the valley.

For hikers and bikers, there are numerous trails in this part of the world - for photographers, the Hex River Valley is a dream. For those looking to eat out at funky restaurants all week-end, as an escape from the home kitchen, forget!! You will have to travel to Robertson, McGregor or Franschoek.

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

South Africa - Ceres - Two Passes Sunday Drive

Ceres conjures up images of Ceres Fruit juice, autumn colours and snow-capped mountains! We did a  leisurely drive towards Ceres, first going up the Michells Pass. This is the southern entrance to Ceres and the pass was built by Andrew Geddes Bain, with completion in 1848. Our first stop, on a cold morning, was at the Tolhuis Restaurant where were sat in front of a blazing fire and enjoyed delicious freshly baked scones with cheese and jam! The Tolhouse was a pay point for all traffic to the Kimberley Diamond fields and was declared a National Monument in 1972. Standing in the midst of the mountains with a disused railway line heading into the unknown, one can just imagine the many wagons rolling towards the rich pickings of Kimberley Diamond fields. The lonely ghost of the Tolhuis is a lady with a long plait, swirling robes of another era and is seen from time to time. Apparently she is not an evil ghost but rather a lost soul who has not yet been able to abandon the area. Maybe she was waiting for a lover to return laden with diamonds and he was ambushed and killed on his way back to her? Perhaps she died of a broken heart or influenza waiting for so long in the cold of these mountains. Or maybe she was murdered by one of the many convicts used to blast out the pass. Who knows? It's rather sad that she has not found her way out of Tolhuis to a better, warmer place.

The Ceres Valley is truly a valley of fruitfulness - with it's deciduous fruit production, you can do a tour to watch fruit packing and the drying of fruit, or stay over on a working fruit farm to experience it personally. During November to December, you can enjoy cherry picking on Kondyke Cheery Farm.The valley also grown onions - not quite so interesting!

Our next pass was the Gydo Pass which is the Northern entrance to Ceres, The views are spectacular across the Ceres Valley and with autumn colours in full bloom, a carpet of various shades of red lay before us on the valley floor. This pass links the Warm Bokkeveld with the Koue Bokkeveld.

Whilst taking a photo on the way down, we heard an almighty bang and discovered a motor-cyclist had come off his bike and was lying in the road. The Police were on the scene before we even got down the mountain and the ambulance was not too far behind. The chap seemed able to move his legs so maybe his pride was hurt more than his body. We hope so! Rather an abrupt ending to his ride from Cape Town on a sunny Sunday. One wonders how he got his bike back home?

We headed next towards Tulbagh. This valley was first discovered in 1658 by European settlers. The town was developed in 1743. A major earthquake in 1969 ruined many buildings and 32 of these in Church Street have been restored and are now all National Monuments - the largest concentration of monuments in any one street in South Africa. The town hosts an annual Christmas in Winter Festival which brings in many week-enders. Given the extreme heat in summer, a hot Christmas dinner is not ideal in Tulbagh! Church Street was very dead when we arrived so after a short stroll we headed back home to our week-end B&B in Riebeek Kasteel. To be honest, Riebeek Kasteel seems to have more action on a more regular basis than Tulbach, but maybe we just chose the wrong day! Empty restaurants do not appeal and the one we did walk into had no serving staff visible so we walked out again. However, there are wine farms to visit and it is a peaceful village if you are looking for some R&R time. Church Street is certainly worth a wander with many of the monuments now B& B's.

Heading back towards Riebeek Kasteel we took a gravel road from Gouda - truly in the country! We came across a wonderful old, single lane bridge where we stopped for photos  Whist standing on the bridge a solitary car came past and the occupants stared at us as if they could not believe what they were seeing - a white couple walking??? Unheard of! Then they nearly drove into our car parked on the other side of the bridge! Oh well, that was their Sunday afternoon's excitement. In these farming communities, thew workers are often very drunk by Friday night and the party continues until Sunday. One has to take care as they are often staggering across the road. many pedestrians are killed in this manner, especially at night when it is difficult to spot a staggering drunk. During the week, these same workers are a friendly bunch and will always give a smile and a wave!

One could spend far more time in this area than we did - this is just to whet your appetite to go exploring - take those gravel roads - your car can always be washed afterwards!

As they say "Going Nowhere Slowly" is sometimes simply the best!

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

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South Africa - Riebeek Kasteel, The Village Atmosphere

Riebeek Kasteel, one of the hidden treasures of the Western Cape, is only an hour from Cape Town and transports you back to a slower pace immediately as you drive into the village. Imagine the glorious sight that welcomed the first explorers to this valley as early as 1661 - with wild game roaming free it must have been a sight to behold and a picturesque valley just waiting to be farmed.
The town was laid out in 1900 and has retained it's village atmosphere to this day - let's hope it stays as welcoming and rural  - a perfect getaway for a slow week-end or a lazy Sunday lunch.
The Main Street appeared on a map as far back as 1861 and was a route towards Tulbagh. The current square was designated already by 1911 as a market square and today it is lined on both sides by restaurants and interesting shops.

The Allesveloren farm was granted to Gerrit Cloete in 1704 after having first served as a VOC outpost. This wine farm is famous for it's red wine, port and restaurant where families and friends can gather for a leisurely wine tasting or lunch. Make a stop!

Klovenburg is another wine and olive farm granted to Jan Botma is 1704 and still producing today.
The valley is also known for it's olives and an olive festival is held each year. The village gets packed so be sure to book your accommodation well in advance. The variety of tastes are incredible! The Olive Boutique is open all year round if you miss the Olive Festival week-end.

Just don't try picking olives straight off the trees - they are so disgusting and bitter that you will spit them out faster than you picked them. So theft is not an issue! The various secret recipes for the brine make the olives unique and their tastes many and varied.
For the more energetic there are cycle routes and hiking trails - be sure to get your permit from the Tourism Office and enjoy the views from the top of the Kasteelberg Mountain which dominates the scene above Riebeek Kasteel.

The Royal Hotel - this beautiful, old Colonial hotel is the oldest in the Western Cape and has the longest "stoep" (veranda) south of the Limpopo! One is truly transported back to a bygone era when visiting this hotel. Pop in for a drink at the 150 year old bar or enjoy lunch in the gardens. Bikers, expensive cars, passing tourists - you name it, this hotel has visitors from all walks of life - just don't try to play on the old piano on the veranda - with keys yellow and stained, it's another relic.

Chat to the locals - you will be amazed at their friendliness and their stories. Who would think that a very down-to earth estate agent is also a  passionate wildlife photographer? Not like some "sell at all costs" ones that I have met in my life-time! His stories and photos are incredible and he will also find you just the right house or plot for your retirement or week-end retreat. Check out his unique window to the world in his office, especially on a hot day when he opens it to let the Valley breeze blow in!
The Wine  Kolletive sells wine from the smaller farms who are not open to the public and it's well worth a visit for wines you won't find elsewhere. The chatty lady on duty loves living in the valley and mentioned our late friend, Keith who was (small world!) her neighbour for awhile.
The quote below is Keith's interpretation of the "Valley Wave" written for the SA Navy News where he served for many years as a Warrant Officer. Our friend was always able to chat to everybody and knew most of the RK residents within a few weeks of moving to the village! Keith's lovely wife, Barbara, took ill shortly after moving to the village and never truly got to enjoy her new home
Such is life and we miss them both.

"Shortly after moving to the sleepy village of Riebeek Kasteel in the Swartland, I was introduced to a phenomenon called “the village wave”; a simple form of greeting that takes numerous guises and is practiced by all and sundry. The wave could be an arm shaken about vigorously out of the car window, or it could be the flick of the wrist, a simple finger casually lifted off the steering wheel or even a slight nod of the head. No matter in what form it takes, a villager never ignores a passer-by, a passing motorist or a couple strolling hand in hand around the streets, peering into shop windows or admiring all the beautiful gardens, irrespective of the registration number of their car. So, do not be caught off guard next time you experience “the village wave.” It is our local interpretation of a naval salute! "

Another "must do" on the 1st Saturday of every month, is the Funky Fresh Market in Riebeek West, a VERY short drive from Riebeek Kasteel. Again, an interesting collection of people selling jams, bottled fruit, fresh breads, bacon and egg rolls, vegetables, plants, herbal remedies, homemade lemonade etc. Did you know a bubble will appear and rise to the top of an upturned jar of pure honey? Try it!
The pancake ladies were from Malmesbury and it was their first time of trading  - they are from a local church in Malmesbury and all their profits are going to charity. The pancakes were lovely and sold with a smile. Most stall-holders are also very good sales people so don't try to escape without buying something. The herbalist from Mooreesburg very kindly gave me his lemonade recipe which we hope to try if I can find the piece of paper I wrote it down on! Sadly, I think the paper fluttered away somewhere as did my Lotto tickets. So well hidden that maybe they will both surface in a year or so....! Or maybe somebody has cashed in on my winnings already?

There are numerous restaurants so one is spoiled for choice - you certainly cannot go hungry or thirsty in this village. With an interesting mix of names, take your pick! Bar Bar Black Sheep, Cafe Felix, Eds Diner (check out the vintage cars and bikes!), de Jonge Cafe, Kasteelberg Country Inn (Allan Barnard - Radio Personality) Fat Cat's Kitchen (ice cold beer!) and Aunti Pasta to name a few.

Our hosts in the Valley are originally from UK and landed in Cape Town after months of a round-the-world trip when their children left home. They loved Cape Town so much that they spent 6 weeks relaxing in the city after their travels before heading back to UK. The South African lifestyle and sunshine had left their mark, however, and they were back here to settle. Looking around, they decided on a small farm in the valley, converted the existing house to a B&B and now have a very active social life after the weekly farming or B&B duties. With olives, grapes and baby marrows (currently) and 2 gorgeous Ridgebacks, they have settled in well!! The younger dog took us for a walk around the farm and was determined that we would follow. Luckily, she did not cross the Berg River on that occasion, as they apparently do on a regular basis, as it runs past at the bottom of the garden! It's certainly brings new meaning to "it's a dog's life" Forget the bad connotation to this saying - here it is pure heaven - a river to swim in, miles of farm to run in, food provided and guests who can be taken for walks! We loved the outlook towards the mountains and the sight of the many trains rumbling past as this is the main Cape Town - Johannesburg line. So when you are next on the Blue Train, give a wave to the Valley!

The farm has various olive trees, such as Mission, Coratine, Leccino, Frantoio and Kalamata and they produce cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. the olives are hand-picked at just the right stage of ripeness and pressed within twelve hours of harvesting. So look out for the "Riebeek Valley" Olive oil with the Fish Eagle on the logo.

Take some time out to relax away from the daily stress of the city - do remember to give your own "Valley Wave", enjoy the fresh air, the Shiraz wines, the olives, buy some olive oil, enjoy the quirky shops, the friendly locals and the relaxed atmosphere.

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com