Rhenoster Valley, Sutherland

Have car. Will travel. Fortunately the order worked out courtesy of some rapid action by the car people. Friends had arranged our Easter weekend, and after some chaotic packing into an unknown bootspace, we headed off towards Sutherland (and an extra 45km of dirt-road I was waiting to try). In presumably the absolute middle of the middle of nowhere (which is technically 32°25’11.45″S, 21°12’51.74″E), we arrived at a small farm house – brilliantly equipped (minus electricity) and perfectly removed from all that is stressful!

I’m not one for ultimate highlights, because usually there are many, but overall we enjoyed great company, great food and a great escape. We managed walks, got outdoors and benefitted from excellent weather. Despite not making it to the SALT observatory, we benefitted from our resident astronomer and his telescopic gear, and managed some amazing star-gazing each evening before the fullmoon conquered the darkness. Apart from being zombie-like for most of the holiday (on account of our darling little girl-child) it was still a wonderful weekend and we plan on returning there for a longer stay. Thanks Ernst for arranging!

(Oh… and I arranged a fishtank for Jamie and 4 hardy fish to survive my forays into tank ownership. They aren’t named yet, because I’d hate to waste good names on high-risk fish!)

Good things come to those who wait

… and indeed… I have waited! My long-serving Jetta has been decommisioned, partly the result of ever-increasing maintenance bills, and partly the result of reliability-neurosis. No longer a confident travelling partner, our holidays were becoming a concern, and we’ve opted to replace. However, before a final signoff, I must pay tribute to a vehicle which cost me only R31000 and gave us more-or-less 9 years of more-or-less trouble-free motoring. Many-a-time I enthused about the power, the space, the relative fuel economy – and it afforded us countless holidays with significant toy-space in it’s ample boot. It served us well…

However, I have a feeling that this new member of the family might just do the same. After much head-scratching, late-night feature-comparisons and discussions with used-car-salesmen, I opted to purchase a heavily discounted but brand-new X-Trail – a 2.0 diesel which promises safety, comfort and packing-space – perfect for the next 10 years of holidays. I am obviously elated, as it’s been a long time in coming, and so far, so flippin’ good! It’s a fantastic vehicle! 10 points to William Simpson in Tokai – great service and a very pleasant experience. (PS: The sad-looking picture is my final goodbye to the Jetta… I’m not bleak about the new one!)

The space between posts

Well, thank goodness for pictures, because I can’t really remember what we’ve done since Jamie’s birthday. With some reflection, I recall a wedding or two – pictures from Travis’, but we also went to Matt and Melindy’s. We bought Jamie a bike for his 3rd birthday (fitting since the Cape (witch)Doctor cursed Argus was on his birthday) which he’s become very adept at – he enjoys riding with Gabi our neighbour. We scooted off on the train to the Navy festival which was also wind-affected, but interesting, and I’ve recently been installing irrigation at home. Erin is now completely in control of the household, and aside from her extremely adventurous journeying, she’s a real joy. Her evening feeds are becoming a little more predictable, but we’re still sorta sleep-wrecked! Generally we’re just enjoying being a full-time family. It’s hard work, but very rewarding – pictures don’t tell half the story!