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Kgalagadi Adventure – Nossob Day 4

Friday 18 August 2023 Nossob South and North

At 04h15 Earl nudged me awake – “Can you hear the lions?”

“Well, I can now that you’ve woken me up!”

They roared on and off till 05h30 and sounded like they were just on the other side of the fence. After a while, I got up and shone a torch into the veld but I couldn’t see a thing! Perhaps they were at the camp waterhole!

I went to the loo and then tried to go back to sleep but just managed to doze and was wide away by quarter to six, so I got up, had a shower and started to prepare for the day. It was freezing so I had to don the gloves again. After a nice hot cup of coffee, we were ready to leave at 07h00. For the four days The Twins are here they will come on drives with us.

At this hour there was a bit of a queue at reception. In the Kgalagadi, you have to check in and out with a permit indicating which direction you intend to drive. Then if you don’t hand it back after your drive, they come looking for you. This is because there is no cell reception out there and you don’t want to be stuck in the desert all night!

So, it was 7:15 by the time headed toward Kasper se Draai.

It was lovely having Priscilla and Hilary in the back of the car. Two extra pairs of spotting eyes make a huge difference to what you’re likely to see – especially as far as birds are concerned.

The birding was quite good today – perhaps because it was cooler?

Bateleur

Pale Chanting Goshawk

Southern Fiscal all puffed up to keep warm

Yesterday we had an amazing sighting of lions at Kasper’s but this morning the pond just held the memory.

Kasper se Gat

But wildebeest came down to drink and were very entertaining. The patriarch came first and checked to see that all was in order. As the rest of the herd trotted down there was some misbehaviour in the line but it was all in good spirits and they all settled down to have a drink together.

We also saw a few birds. The Kalahari Scrub Robin posed beautifully.

Kalahari Scrub Robin

After enjoying the scene for a while we left and made our way to Marie se Gat. Alec and Cathy were making their way to Kasper’s and we stopped to chat. We also birded along the way and while we were debating about an LBJ that could have been a chat flycatcher a man driving a car with a bumper sticker that read, We stalk birds, also stopped to check it out. “Tell me what it is,” he said sternly.
I thought he was testing me and said, “I think it’s a chat flycatcher.”

“Don’t tell me what you think,” he said with a twinkle in his eye. “I need to know exactly what it is.” His wife apologized saying he is very demanding.

“I know,” I said, “I’m married!”

We had a good laugh.

*Priscilla and I think the LBJ is a chat flycatcher – Please correct us if we’re wrong*

Later at camp, he came to show us his photos of a bokmakierie and a short-toed rock thrush. I told him I was jealous of the bokmakierie but the short-toe was one I’d seen a few days ago too!

At Marie’s se gat we observed some Gemsbok and then they were chased away by the bullies – the gnus!

Then we went back to camp where the Earl cooked us some delicious scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Cathy and Alec reported that we’d missed a brown hyena passing by the fence after we’d left this morning. But at least my caravan was in Cath’s photograph. (See her guest blog in a day or two)

After breakfast, Earl had a nap and Hilary had a presentation to prepare so Pris and I went exploring around the camp and photographed a few birds.

Pririt Batis

Red-eyed Bulbul

We originally planned to go to the pool where there were bound to be some birds but decided to pop into the hide first. The usual congregation of sparrows and doves were there and we were about to leave when Pris said, “Look at where the water comes into the dam.”

I trained my binos to where she pointed and was amazed to see the head of an eagle.

It was so still I wondered whether it was real!

It sat like this for ages then flew up into the tree and we confirmed that it was a martial eagle. It hid among the foliage for some time and we continued watching the activity at the pond. Then finally it flew out of the tree and landed next to the pond and then into the pond where it stayed for ages.

*Here I am – Aren’t I a handsome fellow*

*This looks like a good spot to spend the afternoon*

We eventually left the hide and got Earl and Hilary to take a look before we took the North Road for our afternoon drive. The first waterhole we stopped at is called Cubitjie Quab which means aardvark burrow, but unfortunately, we did not see an aardvark!

What we were totally thrilled to see were bateleurs. This is a favourite spot for them, and in the past, we have had excellent sightings of them here. Perhaps it should be called Bateleur Bath.

We birded and enjoyed the other creatures until we came to Kwang which looked like it didn’t have much water although there were gnus and springbok scattered about.

*The most prolific vulture at Kgalagadi is the white-backed vulture*

On our return, we went up to a viewpoint and spotted some distant lions under a tree.

It was 6 by the time we got home. The twins cooked us a delicious Chili con carne without chili but those of us who wanted a kick added some Cayan Pepper.

It was cooler this evening but still pleasant to sit outdoors. But during the night it became quite cold

Kgalagadi Adventure More from Nossob

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Thursday 17 August 2023 Nossob to Kasper se Draai

Last night was quite warm and we did not need the extra blanket on our bed. When I awoke this morning at quarter past six, all I needed was a fleece over my sleeveless blouse. It was still dark as I prepared a flask and some snacks for our drive. Gate opening time is 07h00 and we were out by 07h25. The temperature was 12 degrees C and it was slightly overcast. No wind!

Today was the day that our friends, Priscilla and Hilary, would join us for four days. They would arrive later in the afternoon after spending the night at Kalahari Lodge just outside Twee Rivieren Gate.

There was once again a beautiful sunrise this morning. We are not often up early enough to see the sun rise so I felt I had to make a digital memory.

The drive toward Marie se Gat and Kasper se Draai produced very little game and even fewer birds. The road is corrugated and the landscape dry and monotonous so one can become a little bored and disappointed when there is not much but short scrub, scattered trees and dust to see. I began to feel that the entire trip was a waste of time and that we should have stayed at the camp waterhole for the day!

This is what we did see.

A shy steenbok in the early morning light

Suddenly she became aware of something but there was nothing there that we could see.

But then, a Jackal came scurrying across the road and passed behind her and disappeared before I could snap a photo.

A bird I love to see in the park is the Kori Bustard. He really rules the desert. The kori is the heaviest flying bird in the world.

It was nine o’clock when we reached Kasper se Gat. Kasper Sanderson once had a residence here and he dug the waterhole. The original farm called Kasper se Draai was 12862 ha.

There were a few cars parked there which is not unusual as people often park off and wait for the game to arrive. And then I saw them! I snapped a shot immediately and got myself in it too!

The lions were dominating the waterhole.

Birds were twittering in the trees, desperate to get down for a drink but every time they tried a lion would try to catch them! Some thirsty Gemsbok thought they’d keep their distance and wait their turn but one of the pride decided he was having none of that.

The Gemsbok decide that caution is the better part of valor

We spent two hours watching the wonderful antics of these seven lions. Cars came and went and there was never a jostle for position. Everybody was very respectful and considerate, making sure everybody got a good view of the pride.

Time to do some Yoga – Down Dog – uh, I mean cat.

From time to time the lions would disperse and lie down under different trees or wander off to explore then return to drink at the waterhole. There was something entertaining happening all the time. I have about 75 photographs – too many to post here!

One of the young males became curious about the spectators and decided to come and take a closer look at us. My heart stopped when this guy came right up to my window.

So close! I pressed the up button of my window and Earl said, “Don’t be a scaredy cat!”

He then stepped back a little but stared right at me!

Hi, I’m Leo – You look good enough to eat!

While all the drama was being played out some brave sandgrouse calling excitedly came down to see if they could get a drink.

Namaqua Sandgrouse – Uh oh – Lions in residence – Let’s grab a drink and get out of here

Mr. Burchell’s Sandgrouse – Those Namaquas are sissies – the lions won’t hurt us

Mrs. Burchell – I’m not so sure, darling – please take me home!

After that exciting encounter, we returned to camp where the Earl cooked scrambled eggs for breakfast. We stayed in camp napping, doing chores and sorting out photographs and then went out again at 15h00. We saw the usual suspects and then returned to camp and visited the hide while waiting for The Twins to arrive.

A Jackal takes a drink while the Namaquas come to see what’s what..

Come along grouse – soak up some water in your feathers. I won’t bite you.

It’s also a favourite haunt of the yellow canary

You can never be too careful – check for predators Karen

The Earl kept an eye on the gate and saw the twins arrive at around 17h00.

So we went to help them check in at reception and then to set up at camp.

Cath cooked us all a delicious spaghetti bolognese for dinner and after a really lovely evening, we retired to bed at around 20h30.

Kgalagadi Adventure – Twee Rivieren by Guest Blogger Cathy

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Our Gecko friends Cathy and Alec are travelling with us and I have persuaded Cathy to Guest Blog alongside of me. Here is her story so far.

Once again we are two Geckos on the move heading off into another adventure. Helen has covered our very uneventful trip from home to Kgalahadi so I won’t go over all that again. We arrived at the gates at Twee Rivieren on a beautiful sunny morning, ready, willing and able to enjoy our new retirement adventure.

We checked in with a delightful young lady at Reception and drove down to the campsite. There was a fairly stiff breeze blowing and I have previous experience of this campsite in windy conditions; the dust is horrid! I was determined that we were going to camp at the top of the site so as to avoid the dust. Fortunately, there were two shelters next to each other that were free so we took one while Earl and Helen set up next door.

After setting up I turned to look and saw the wind whipping up the dust and blowing it down the campsite. I was just so thankful to be protected by the bank so the wind and dust passed us by.

Two Geckos Set Up Camp

We took a short drive in the late afternoon along the road to Nossob. Just outside the gate, we saw the first of many, many springbok and gemsbok. These two magnificent creatures are ubiquitous in the park and you see them repeatedly throughout a drive. There were also many lovely birds with the most common raptor being the Pale Chanting Goshawk.

Gemsbok

Springbok

Pale Chanting Goshawk

Crimson Breasted Shrike

Yellow-billed Hornbill

On the first evening, we enjoyed a lovely braai put on by Earl and Helen and retired early to bed.

Next morning our drive was along the road to Mata Mata. The first few kilometres must be one of the prettiest drives in the park. The road leads you over a dune belt so it meanders up and down. There are beautiful colour contrasts with the white calcrete-type road surface that shines brightly in the sun. Then there are the Kalahari brick-red sand dunes and blending the two together is the sage-green, gold and brown of the vegetation. It makes for a very pretty scene. While we have never seen a lot of animals in this section you do come across the stark white and black face of a gemsbok, crowned with two rapier-like horns or the pretty brown-striped face of a springbok that may dance away cheerfully pronking its way through the scrub.

Contrasting colours

One of the common sights in the Park are the stunning Sociable Weaver nests. These enormous nests nestle in the branches of many large trees and often become so heavy that the branches break. The industrious little birds then start building again, using the sticks from the nest that landed on the floor.

Beautiful Sociable Weaver Nests

We also came across the cutest little meerkat standing and looking for the rest of the troop. It was unusual to see one little chap all on its own.

The cutest little meerkat

We continued on our drive and stopped at the Auchterlonie Picnic Site, where you also find a small museum to the original owners of this land. We pulled out our faithful flask and were soon enjoying coffee and crunchies while admiring the view. Two little Slender Mongoose soon made an appearance and it was very apparent that they were accomplished beggars that were often fed by picnickers! They were very tame and not shy to nip your toes if they thought they could get you to give them some food.

Auchterlonie Picnic Site

Alec looking at the mongoose begging for food

I may be cute but I shouldn’t be fed!

We visited the museum, which is housed in the original farmhouse. One can only marvel at the toughness of these original farmers, who must have struggled to keep their stock fed and watered in this hostile environment, not to mention dealing with lions, leopards and caracal!

Museum at Auchterlonie

On our way back we were trundling along when all of a sudden I thought I saw something that looked like a giraffe. Asking Alec to stop I said I saw a giraffe and he looked at me as though I was mad – you could hardly miss a giraffe but, humouring me, he reversed and there lying behind a tree was a giraffe! The most gorgeous male giraffe just lay there and looked at us. I love giraffes and it made my day!

Don’t you think you may have missed this?

A gorgeous male giraffe

Later in the afternoon we drove out to Kij Kij waterhole as we had been told there were lions there. We arrived and joined the throng but were lucky to see the lioness with her four sub-adult youngsters and the two magnificent black-maned males. As it was late afternoon but still very warm, everyone was stretched out doing what lions do best and that is sleep!

Doing what lions do best

We couldn’t wait much longer as it was a long drive back to camp so we left them to their slumber accompanied by the alarm calls of the gemsbok and springbok in the area!

Next morning we set off again on a drive along the road to Mata Mata and took the loop past the Tierkop waterhole. Along this loop, which had the most horrid corrugated surface, we saw a magnificent Secretary Bird. Dressed in its smart grey suit with its quills stuck behind its ear, it strutted confidently through the veld looking for anything to eat. They are some of the most striking and elegant birds in Africa!

What an elegant bird!

A little further along and we came across a Pale Chanting Goshawk standing staring intently at a bush. This caught our attention and the next moment out popped a Honey Badger. What a great sighting! The Honey Badger, the Pale Chanting Goshawk and the Black-Backed Jackal have a symbiotic relationship when looking for food. The Honey Badger will dig for mice, rates and other small rodents while foraging but they are often not fast enough to catch the rodents that they are attempting to dig up. The mice or gerbils flee out of an alternative entrance to their burrow system and the jackal and goshawk can catch a meal with little effort on their part!

One of the two badgers seemed more interested in finding a cool spot and digging in to while away the heat of the day but the second kept foraging. A few times it lay down and flipped sand over its side. The second just kept foraging and when it got several metres away the first would stand up, shake and amble after its mate. I have no idea which was male and which was female but I guessed the one wanting to sleep in the shade was the male!

Let me sleep!

Come on, I’m hungry!

Leave something for me!

On our way home past Rooiputs we came across four female lions lying on a dune overlooking the waterhole. Apparently there were five there and the people in cars watching the scene felt that they may attempt a kill late in the afternoon. As it was just after midday, we were not inclined to sit for the next five or so hours and wait as there were a number of housekeeping chores that we had put off, but were needing to be done before we set off for Nossob in the morning.

More lazy lions

Our stay at Twee Rivieren has not been as bad as I initially thought. The wind died and has not returned so we have had lovely warm days and chilly nights. All in all, it’s been a successful start to our Kgalahadi adventure. Tomorrow we are off to Nossob for five nights which should be great. We’re looking forward to spending some time in the magnificent hide there.

Kgalagadi Adventure – Twee Riviren Part Three

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Monday 14 August 2023 Twee Rivieren

This morning I planned to leave camp at 07:00 – the gate opening time. But it was freezing! So I only emerged from the duvet at quarter to seven, went to shower, and on my return persuaded the Earl that he ought to rise and shine. The temperature was 3 degrees C!

We gobbled down some boiled eggs and ham, drank a hot cup of coffee, took our meds, and then set off for the wild at 08:10.

Our route today was to Rooiputs Waterhole, then Kij Kij, up to Melkvlei picnic site, and then just another 11km to Gunong Waterhole. We were snuggled up in warm jackets and gloves but as the sun rose higher in the sky so did the temperature. By midday, it was 25 degrees C. We were dressed in layers and as the day warmed up the layers were shed.

The scenery in Kgalagdi is phenomenal. The beautiful red dunes really brighten the landscape and I love the contrast of colours.

“Omiword but it’s cold,” complained Russel Rock Crestel as he ruffled up his feathers to keep warm

The Rugby Team didn’t seem to mind as they decorated the landscape

Jack the Jackal was proud as punch as he trotted off to take breakfast to his cubs

The Rooiputs lions did not want to look at us – something else was attracting their attention

I’m tired of all this nonsense, I’m just going to lie here till it warms up!

The sisters agreed and stayed soaking up the sun all day.

Hi, I’m Goldy. It’s cold but my Tawny Eagle feathers keep me warm

At Kij Kij, the lions were conspicuous by their absence but the Namaqua Sandgrouse were enjoying the waterhole

Gemsbok enjoying a drink at Gunong Waterhole

There’s a water shortage in the Kalahari so Dust Baths are the order of the day!

This will be my last blog post for some time. We leave for Nossob tomorrow and there will be no internet connection until we return to Twee Rivieren on 25 August. Depending on what happens I may only blog again when we return home on 20 August.

Take care everyone till we meet again!

Kgalagadi Adventure – Twee Rivieren Part 2

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Sunday 13 August 2023 – Day 2 at Twee Rivieren

Before I begin on today’s adventure let me tell the campers what the facilities are like here at Twee Rivieren.

There is a laundry with a functioning washing machine and dryer. You need to buy tokens from Reception at R21 each. There are also laundry basins for hand washing and there is a courtyard where you may hang your clothes.

The ablutions are clean and well-maintained if a little old-fashioned. The showers are hot and they work well.

There is also an adequate kitchen where you can do the washing up. It also has a microwave oven for the use of guests.

The park shop is okay. You can get some fresh veggies like cucumber and tomatoes, potatoes and onions but nothing special and supplies are limited. It is well stocked with nature field guides and books as well as camping equipment that you might need if you forgot to pack something. Of course, it is also full of touristy stuff.

Now to the good stuff!

We started the day with a light breakfast of cereal and yogurt and of course good strong coffee. A flask and nibbles were packed as we planned to have a snack stop at Auchterlonie Picnic Site.

The mornings and evenings are quite chilly but it warms up considerably during the day.

We followed the northern road on the west side passing Kielie Krankie to the Auchterlonie Picinic site and then across the Tierkop road to Kij Kij Waterhole. From there we drove south back to Twee Rivieren

A handsome gemsbok descends the mountain

There were lots of sociable weavers about

I think the pale chanting goshawk is the most common bird of prey in the park

The cutest sighting – ground squirrels catching the early morning sunrays

We were delighted to meet a Kalahari Robin

We watched a drongo and shrike chase each other and call out bird swear words but we’re not sure who won. They settled down on separate perches as if nothing was amiss.

This Crimson-breasted Shrike wondered what he’d done to upset the drongo.

Fork-tailed Drongo looking ever so innocent after being very rude to Crimson Breasted Shrike

The white-browed sparrow-weaver decided not to get involved

The Northern Black Korahaan was strutting about

One of the many Marico Flycatchers that we saw

The Common Fiscals of the Kgalagadi sport a white eye stripe

We were delighted to find a Short-toed Rock Thrush

Sally Steenbok running away from Simon again!

There were a few opportunistic yellow mongooses begging for crumbs

Mr. Cape Sparrow kept an eye on the ladies

Another Wildebeest for my Oztrian friend, Erich

As we neared Kij Kij we spotted something large and orange. It was a sleeping lion with his back to us and we couldn’t see his head. However, a little further on we found two sleeping peacefully. Local gossip had it that there were several more including cubs but they were dozing somewhere out of sight.

Too nervous to drink in case they become prey

At another waterhole, we observed some ostriches having a chat.

Getting their necks in a twist while they hogged the waterhole

The gemsbok kept a respectful distance and waited his turn but the springbok simply made his way to slake his thirst

He was soon joined by the rest of the team and the ostriches being firm supporters of the Springboks looked on indulgently

But the ostrich flapped his wings angrily and the bad boy scuttled away

During our last stretch back to camp we came across another two interesting mammals

Jack was on a mission but he turned to acknowledge us before scampering away

And soon after that a beautiful Red Hartebeest trotted by.

Kgalagdi Adventure – Twee Rivieren

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Saturday 12 August 2023 Day 1 at Twee Rivieren

We left Monate at nine o’clock this morning. It was once again a beautiful sunny morning with temperatures beginning at about 18 degrees C and rising to the early thirties by midday.

It was a three-hour drive to Twee Rivieren and the closer we got to the park the more the landscape changed to typical Kalahari with its red dunes.

It was awesome to see Twee Rivieren again. We were here last in 2018 and Cathy and Alec visited in 2019.

Once we had checked in at reception which was quick and efficient we made our way to the campsite and set up. We chose sites next to each other that had shelters. This time of the year TR can get quite windy and that means DUST. We would be relatively sheltered and also close to the ablutions, laundry and kitchen.

Once we were settled we had some lunch and while everyone went to have a lie down I took a walk around the camp and visited the shop before coming back to read my book until 3 pm.

These are photos of some of the camp’s wildlife

At about 3:30 we took a short game drive. The temperature was in the thirties and was very hot.

Kori Bustard on our first day – not bad!

Members of our National Animal – The Springbok – welcomed us

It’s mating season for the steenboks “Come on Sally, Let’s get a room.” “No way Simon I’m not in the mood”

The South African section of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park was called The Kalahari Gemsbok Park and of course, we saw quite a few members of that species.

Great to see this wildebeest – a favourite of my Oztrian friend, Erich

Hi there – I’m Sammy Surricate – Have you seen my friends? Can’t find them anywhere!

I’m Gordon Ground Squirrel and No, I have not – mine are here somewhere.

Jacob Jackal is usually on a mission but when he caught sight of us he sat down and stared.

Pale Chanting Goshawk finds the top of sociable weaver condominium a perfect place to perch on

Our first Marico Flycatcher of the trip – and certainly not our last!

It was not a bad start to our Kgalagadi stay. The internet was down for a few hours and we could not refuel as the card machine was not working. Fortunately, we had enough to last for our short drive and when we returned they were back online. However, the internet is very slow and erratic and my blog posts will surely be affected by that.

Thanks to those who have made comments on WordPress, Facebook, and the groups I share links on. If I don’t reply it is all to do with trying to post while the internet is good and sometimes I just don’t get to reading all the comments.

Kgalagadi Adventure – Getting There Day 2

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Friday 11 August 2023 Calvinia to Monate Caravan Park, Upington

The traffic noise was quite hectic last night and we all experienced some disturbed sleep. The campsite would be fine if it weren’t for that little hiccup. If the railways were functioning efficiently then there would be fewer trucks on the roads at all hours. In years gone by this would have been an ideal overnight stop.

It was not too cold when we woke up but jeans and a fleece were required. By 08:30 after a quick breakfast of cereal and a cup of coffee, we were packed up and ready to leave for Monate Campsite outside Upington. By midday, the temperature had risen to 30 degrees C.

There were no more spectacular fields of flowers but instead, the stark yet beautiful Karoo landscape took over. The colours of the Kalahari are muted – khaki, olive green, pinky mauve, and grey. The land is flat with scattered scrub and the occasional tree. Where there is water the landscape will suddenly come alive with brighter shades of green. As we neared the Kalahari there were patches of orange/red sandhills.

The quiver tree gets its name from the San people who used to hollow out the tubular branches of the tree to form quivers for their arrows.

The Dry Karoo needs windmills to pump subterranean water

The only farm animals that we saw were the occasional flock of Dorper sheep. A few springboks made an appearance and we saw a few mongooses.

There were too many pied and black crows but we were pleased to see Pale Chanting Goshawk, kestrels, and the odd Jackal buzzard.

As we travelled deeper into the Northern Cape we started to see sociable weaver nests.

. The nests consist of separate chambers, each of which is occupied by a pair (sometimes with offspring) and used to roost and breed. The birds usually build their nests in acacia trees but telephone poles are used too.

We stopped in Kenhardt to refuel. Originally, we were not planning to have a meal there as we were sure there would not be anywhere suitable. But Kenhardt turned out to be such a quaint town and it was like going back into the mid-twentieth century. Oma Miemie’s Bakery caught Cathy’s attention and after refueling we doubled back and were able to park both caravans very comfortably.

What a gem this little restaurant is. It was really like visiting Grandma’s house in 1960. Pies are their specialty and are baked on the premises. What a treat they are! I had the Vegetarian which was filled with butternut and bell peppers. The others had Lamb and Rosemary and we all had a delicious side salad of cucumber, tomato, carrot and avocado pear. The pies are served with their homemade spekboom chutney – really good with just a little kick. They also serve excellent coffee – an Americano for me, lattes for Alec and Cathy, and a cappuccino for the Earl. We all agree that Oma Miemie’s is five-star!

Bone-handle, silver cutlery, and fine china straight from Grandma’s house

There are some lovely preserves, raw honey, home-baked fare, and other products on sale, and we all went away with some lovely treats to enjoy in the park.

Feeling refreshed and fortified we continued on for another hour and a half. Driving through Upington which is quite a big Northern Cape town was quite hair-raising as there was a lot of traffic, school had just been let out and very few of the traffic lights were working! It’s a good thing we did not wait to have lunch there!

Our campsite, Monate, is several kilometres outside Upington and is just lovely. We have plenty of shade, a neat little picnic table, a lovely braaiplek, and the birdlife is great. A special bird to see in the park is the Northern Black Korhaan – well there were ten walking around the campsite when we arrived. I have never seen so many in one place in my life before. White-browed sparrow weavers have made their nests, as usual on the west side of the trees, and they were very vocal today. We also spotted a crowned lapwing and some bulbuls. A ground squirrel and a yellow mongoose also made an appearance.

It was warm enough to strip off jeans and jerseys and change into shorts and t-shirts and although it got slightly cooler in the evening it was only necessary to don a fleece.

Because we had eaten such a lovely lunch we were not very hungry at supper time. So we decided just to braai some boerewors, and a chop and chicken wing each and serve it with salad.

Load shedding started at 8 and by that time we had finished eating. Everyone went off to do ablutions and get ready to bed while I finished washing up duty. When I’d finished I walked toward the ablution block and noticed another caravan had arrived. Lo and behold it was Gecko 36 – Shirly and her hubby whose name now escapes me. They had driven here all the way from Pretoria! We chatted for half an hour. They are on their way to Namaqualand to see the flowers.

As I write it is half past nine and it is still warm outdoors. I think I might have packed too many winter clothes!

Tomorrow we are off to Twee Rivieren

Wonderful Weekend in Struisbaai and Surrounds

Share Your World Monday 31 July 2023

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Here are my answers to this week’s Share Your World from Pensitivity101
1. Expensive or sentimental, what is priceless to you?

I really had to think about this question because I always say stuff isn’t important in the greater scheme of things but then I thought – but I love my stuff – both expensive and sentimental. The expensive stuff like my jewelry also has sentimental value as most of my pieces were gifts. The home we owned back in Cape Town was a wrench to part with as it was filled with so many happy memories and I miss it still. So each thing I own has sentiment attached to it. But some things can be replaced while others can’t like a little yearbook my Grade One class made for me several years ago. I would be heartbroken if that disappeared because it is truly irreplaceable.

2. What do you consider to be ‘a quiet night in’?

Most nights are quiet nights in with my hubby. We have sundowners at 5, dine at 6, and are usually in bed watching our favourite TV shows till after 10! Once or twice a week we entertain at home or dine out with friends. These evenings are also quiet compared to our very busy social lives from yesteryear.

3. Do you believe in Soul Mates?

I absolutely do and I believe I have a few.

4. Can you dance? (for example: old time, disco, jive)

I can dance with my husband because he leads very well and we just get into the rhythm and do our own thing. If our song, Lady in Red, is playing, we get up and dance whether there’s a dance floor or not.

Gratitude:

Concentrate on what we have, not what we want.

What a privilege to have all that I need and more and that I am surrounded by loving friends and family and am able to truly enjoy my golden years.

I have a few loved ones who are not well right now but they’re in good, caring hands, and for that I am truly grateful.

Share Your World 24 July 2023

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Here are my answers to this week’s questions from pensitivity101

1. What makes you smile at the drop of a hat?

The birds that visit my garden make me smile every day. I am quite a nature freak and it gives me great pleasure that wild creatures enjoy my indigenous garden.

A double-collared sunbird in my milwood tree

2. What makes you angry?

Lots of things make me angry but I try not to dwell on these things. But what makes me really angry and will get me going is when somebody does something wrong and then tries to blame his actions on somebody else. Too many times in my life have I seen people break their marriage vows and then blame their faithful, caring partner. Come on! Of course, marriages break up but to blame your partner and take no responsibility for your own actions is just insane. If you’re unhappy and can’t see a solution then come clean – tell your partner, sort out how to go forward, split everything fairly and move on! Don’t go behind her/his back and break your vows and then blame him/her for the disaster that follows!

3. What saddens you?

When I hear of some tragedy like a fatal accident that affects the future of so many left behind, I am deeply saddened. Any news of an unnecessarily, early death really makes me very sad.

4. What do you find most frustrating?

I can see clearly what the solutions to this country’s problems are but the powers that be do absolutely nothing to put things right. And the most frustrating thing is that the voters keep re-electing them!

This week’s gratitude:
Look beyond the bad and enjoy the good.

I love the above meme and it is so true. As much as I can I try to make the most of life, living in the moment and enjoying the good things. I am grateful for my lovely friends and family and my super comfy home. I live in a beautiful part of the world and in spite of all that is going wrong in my own country, I still wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.