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!)