Till Sunday 15th March 2009 - Has Christmas come early!?! SPAR is heaving and makes grocery shopping near impossible! Yet I still find the opportunity to embarrass myself, thinking I would pick up a nice bottle of wine, previously purchases proving a little ropey, I peruse the shelves carefully looking for a Robertson. Having chosen, I continue down the aisle, a middle aged couple walking towards me. Looking like they may know a thing or two about wine, I pick up my prospective purchase and politely ask if I have chosen a good wine, only to glance at the label and discover it is called 'Fat B*stard', I nearly die on the spot. Luckily they take it in good humour and say I have chosen wisely, but should go to the wine shop over the road as it will be half the price.Putting the bottle back, I never did get to taste 'Fat B*stard' as I ran out of time, my ride ready and waiting!
Sunday morning, I was invited to De Hoop Nature Reserve with Cape Nature Manager, Ben Swanepoel. The reserve is on the coast and is beautiful, definitely worth the somewhat bumpy journey to get there. Walking along the deserted beach, we climb over rocks and find an idyllic spot to watch the waves crash onto the shore. Enjoying a spot of lunch in the isolated accommodation perched in the hillside. Due to the current dry spell, we are unable to stay the full day as Ben is on fire alert so make our way back to Swellendam.
For the journey back, Ben produces a small bottle of water for me, and I get my second shower of the day! The water is carbonated, all fizzed up from the bumpy track - it was hilarious and I don't think I will ever let Ben live it down!
Entering the Park, Ben mutters something about dropping me off, but not wanting to drop me off, must be my stimulating conversation or something! Anyway I end up quickly changing into dry clothing and heading into Swellendam for 'tea' at The Old Gaol (The Old Jail). It is a restaurant come tearooms, each employee has a share in the business and it shows. I curbed my temptation to have cake and stick to a homemade lemonade - almost immediately regretting my decision when I see the wonderful cakes on offer!
To complete the full days tour, I am then taken to Marloth Nature Reserve, a total contrast to De Hoop, mountainous, shaded areas overgrown with trees and ferns surrounding cool dark pools of almost black water. What can I say absolutely stunning.
Finally returning home, I am met by a surprise food parcel from Bulelwa - 'Umnqgusho' Xhosa for samp and beans. Don't have a clue what I was eating, just know it was delicious!
