Category Archives: Uncategorized

SYW 8 September 2025 Reflections on 16 Years of Blogging

Here are my answers to this week’s SYW hosted by Di

Do you revisit or reblog some of your earlier posts?
I’ve only re-shared two posts I think. One was a guide with tips for booking and visiting the Sanparks Game Reserves. The other was in response to a challenge to repost something written on a particular date in the past. I don’t remember what that was about. That said, I often revisit my older blog entries. They serve as a memory box and a lovely extension of my personal diary. My husband frequently asks me to pull up posts from our past travels and adventures, and each one brings back such joyful memories.

One of the memories – Elephant at Punda Maria Waterhole, Kruger National Park

Do you have a favourite post/posts?
One that stands out is the series titled Taking the Kids to Kruger. Back in 2012, we took all four of our grandchildren—then aged 15, 14, 10, and 7—to the Kruger National Park. Three boys and one girl, all packed into a Volkswagen Caravelle for ten days. I expected chaos, but it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable trips we’ve ever had. The two older boys took the lead, organizing spotting competitions for animals and birds, and everyone had an absolute blast. Grandpa and I got to experience the park through their fresh, excited eyes—and we simply relaxed and soaked it all in.

My oldest grandson happily braaing in the rain

How long have you been blogging?
I’ve been blogging for 16 years now! I believe I first started out on MySpace, and eventually transitioned everything over to WordPress.

Me at the computer -probably blogging – many years ago!

Do you have another blog elsewhere?
I currently manage three blogs on WordPress. When I ran out of free space on my first, I launched a second—only to eventually reach the limit there as well, which led me to start paying an annual fee. Both of those blogs are still active. The third is dedicated to the Grahamstown Training College Old Girls Guild, where I share member-submitted articles and updates from OGG meetings and reunions.

Gratitude
For the past two weeks The Earl and I have been in Cape Town with a two-day break to the West Coast. It has been a whirlwind of catching up with friends and family, exploring nature reserves, attending doctors’ appointments, and meeting with our financial adviser. I am grateful for all that we have achieved and experienced.

I had a colonoscopy, which was a breeze and the doctor assured me that surgery was not necessary and that although my Diverticulosis Colon, still had its pouches, it was looking good.

And then it all went pear-shaped! On the last day of our wonderful visit to The West Coast, I came down with my third diverticulitis attack in nine months! This meant an extended stay at our daughter’s to recover.

So here’s to the humble broth, the mashed banana, the applesauce that asks nothing of me but patience. My insides may be tender, but they’re still hanging in there—and for that, I’m grateful.

Spring Awakening: Exploring South Africa’s West Coast

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After three years away, spring lured us back to South Africa’s West Coast—when the land wears its most dazzling colours and the air hums with renewal. Our journey had both heart and purpose: a long-overdue visit to a dear friend in a Langebaan retirement home, and a financial check-in with our adviser based in Dwarskersbos.

Note: To view the group of photographs, click on the first one to enlarge it. Use the arrows to navigate the slideshow. Press ‘escape’ to return to the blog post. On your phone, swipe to view each photo and tap the ‘x’ to return to the blog post. You may also need to tap the information icon to view the captions.

Before settling into our Airbnb in Langebaan on Day One, we made a beeline for the West Coast National Park. The Postberg section, open only in August and September, was in full bloom.

The bird life flitting among the spring blooms was a true delight which stirred a memory from long ago: an Afrikaans liedjie we once sang at school.
Al die veld is vrolik
Al die voeltjies sing
Al die kriekies kriek daar buit
Elke springkaans spring.

Loosely translated – The whole veld is cheerful, the birds sing, the crickets call outside, and each grasshopper hops.

The Cape Francolins certainly enjoyed the fields of flowers

The only mammals we found were these beautiful Cape Mountain Zebra.

Though primarily scavengers, yellow-billed kites also hunt small vertebrates and insects. Flower-rich fields attract pollinators and other insects, which in turn draw insectivorous birds like kites. We were thrilled to witness this in Postberg.

We also explored the other section of the West Coast National Park and the highlight was finding the Grey-Winged Francolin.

The ostrich family was also fascinating to watch. Those babies must be a lot of work!

Day Two led us to Velddrif for a financial meeting, followed by an impromptu river cruise on the Berg River. With no booking in hand, we simply Googled “boat cruises,” followed the directions, and hoped for the best. Luck was on our side. We spotted Nico’s sign, dialed the number, and he cheerfully invited us to join a group departing at 12:30. It was 12:10—we made it just in time.

The Earl, ever at peace on the water, was in his element. The cruise was pure magic. The vessel—a humble West Coast Chuckie—was far from fancy, but with only six of us aboard, it offered the perfect vantage for soaking in the scenery and spotting birds. The river mirrored the sky, and the bird life was a quiet joy.

As we were driving back to Langebaan we passed a wetland and stopped to observes some teal with their babies. A few stilts were wading in the ponds too,

Day Three
After packing up for departure from our accommodation, we enjoyed a lovely lunch with our dear friend Hanny, in Langebaan, then drove back to Cape Town, grateful for the springtime beauty, the meaningful connections, and the chance to revisit familiar places with fresh eyes. The West Coast gifted us not only wildflowers and birds, but moments of reflection and renewal.

Bird Watching at Strandfontein: A Hidden Gem

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The Earl and I are ex-Capetonians, now happily settled in the slow-paced seaside village of Struisbaai, perched at the southern tip of Africa. Every so often, we return to the Mother City to reconnect with family, catch up with friends, and check in with our trusted medical specialists.

This time, we set off on Sunday 17 August for a two-week visit—and I was unusually well-prepared! I drew up an itinerary, carefully slotting in medical appointments alongside dates with loved ones. Hopefully, no one important was left off the list!

On Sunday, 31 August, we had plans for afternoon tea with my aunt, but the morning was wide open. “Let’s go to our favourite bird watching spot,” I suggested to the Earl, and he readily agreed.

The Strandfontein Birding Area may be part of a wastewater treatment site, but it’s also a shimmering gem within the False Bay Nature Reserve. This reserve includes Rondevlei, Zeekoevlei, Pelican Park, Slangetjiebos, and the Zandwolf Coastal Strip. Strandfontein itself is a RAMSAR-designated wetland and one of the Western Cape’s premier birding destinations. Its wagon-wheel layout of ponds draws flamingos, pelicans, and a dazzling array of other water birds.

I’ve blogged about this special place before and have taken school groups there on several occasions. It never fails to delight.

With spring just a breath away, the weather graciously played its part—sunny, warm, and with just a gentle breeze. The ponds lay still, while wildflowers burst into bloom across the park. We were especially enchanted by the arum lilies, though the white daisies and the vibrant yellows, pinks, and purples scattered throughout stole our hearts just as easily.

There’s ongoing work to revamp the area and enhance both water quality and habitat diversity. The City of Cape Town, in collaboration with conservation groups, is regrading the settling pans to better accommodate a range of bird species. Reedbed management is also being improved to support breeding birds.

While these upgrades promise long-term benefits, I think that machinery noise and fluctuating water levels seem to have caused many birds to move elsewhere, and with fewer nesting and feeding areas available, the usual avian bustle was noticeably subdued. It’s also a touch early for the migrant waders. There were none in evidence on this day.

Normally, I can count on flamingos, pelicans, and purple swamphens to show up for me and when bringing guests, I usually promise that they will see them! Luckily, it was just us—so no risk of being exposed as a pretender! We did catch sight of flamingos in flight, though they must have settled at a pond we’d already passed. Their elegant fly-over was the only trace they left behind.

We may have missed a few familiar faces, but the drive was delightful, and the birds that graced the ponds were simply gorgeous. Some of the ponds, like the ones pictured below had teams of birds while there was little to be seen on others,

Gulls against a stunning backdrop of spring flowers

I don’t remember seeing the Cape Canary in this park, but I might have. This one certainly was enjoying the daisies and the arum lilies. The little Levaillant’s cisticola was also good enough to pose but getting that clear shot was not easy with the reeds in he background wanting to take the focus away.

True to form, the Yellow-billed Ducks graced several ponds, ever camera-ready and utterly unfazed by our lens-loving admiration.

We spotted flocks of Cape Shovellers in the distance and managed to get a couple a little closer for the lens. Cape Teal and red-billed teal were about but we only managed to photograph the Cape. Some Fulvous duck were hiding and we almost missed them. They are not as common as the other ducks.

Avocets and stilts made an appearance and seemed to be enjoying the calm ponds. We also found a few blacksmith lapwings but there were not as many as usual.

The herons were having a good time too.

Coots had not left the area and there were a number of faithful moorhen too,

Surprisingly there weren’t many Egyptian Geese. I always think they improve the scenery. There were also a few Spurwings around,

The egrets and ibises were quite entertaining

Even with fewer birds than usual, the reserve offered its own quiet charm—a reminder that nature doesn’t always need to dazzle to restore. We left with full hearts, grateful for the stillness, the spring blooms, and the joy of simply being.

Share Your World 31 August 2025 – The Changing Seasons

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Here are my answers to this weeks SYW from Di

Is your home heated by radiators, underfloor heating or an open fire?
We have a portable gas heater that can be placed in any room. In our lounge we have a wood-burning stove.

What is a comfortable temperature in the colder months for your home?
Setting a comfortable temperature in our home is not possible – no air-con – no central heating. If it’s too hot, an inadequate fan tries valiantly to cool us, but otherwise it’s down to wearing light clothing, drinking iced drinks and heading to the beach for a swim.
If it’s too cold we light the fire or add layers of clothing.

Our grandchildren keeping cool in Struisbaai!

What is more appealing, a mug of hot coffee or tea, a bowl of warming soup, or stew and dumplings?
Coffee is my beverage of choice, but in the cold weather, I love a warming bowl of soup. Biltong soup is my favourite. I buy it ready-made from a Checkers or OK Foods. It’s made with finely chopped biltong—South Africa’s beloved dried meat—milk, cream, cheddar cheese and beef stock. The spices include coriander, nutmeg, and pepper. It’s like a hug in a bowl, with a bit of a protein punch and a whole lot of local pride.

Would you prefer to share the dawning of a new day or a beautiful sunset?
Early mornings are the best time of the day in the bush, and I am always thrilled to see the sun rise during a game drive. At home, I seldom rise early enough to enjoy a sunrise, but sunsets are stunning.

Gratitude:
We’re back in Cape Town for a visit—a city that once held our nine-to-five lives before we swapped it for the slower rhythms of Struisbaai. It’s been a heartwarming reunion tour, catching up with old friends and beloved family, and I’m deeply grateful to each one who carved out time for us. One of the most meaningful moments was celebrating what would have been my father’s 100th birthday with my siblings. We gathered for breakfast at a beautiful restaurant tucked into a golf estate. I remain profoundly thankful for the gift of a father who was always loving and supportive to his children and who adored his grandchildren,

Dad with five of his beloved grandchildren – November 2002

Spring has arrived in the southern hemisphere, and on this first day of September, the skies are clear and the air is soft enough to shed a jacket. Soup will be replaced with salads, and hopefully, sunrise drives will feature in the near future.
During the past cold months, we often entertained our friends in front of log fires and indoor braais, but now we look forward to sunshine, beach walks, outdoor braais, and trips to nature parks.
It is in the laughter of old friends, the legacy of a loving father, and the quiet joy of being exactly where we’re meant to be that gives me joy.

Share Your World 25 August 2025 Exploring Personal Creativity and Courage

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Here my answers to this week’s SYW from Di

Would you consider yourself creative (writing, projects, hobbies etc)]
I’d say I’m creative in my own way. Those right/left brain tests show my hemispheres are fairly balanced, though they do tip slightly toward the creative side. I’m not what you’d call artistic—I can’t paint or sketch to save my life—but I do enjoy knitting and sewing. Admittedly, those weren’t skills I picked up effortlessly; I got there thanks to my knack for following instructions to the letter.

My creativity tends to shine more in writing, where I can play with ideas and language freely. I also don’t shy away from speaking off the cuff in public—thinking on my feet feels natural, and it’s where my creative mind gets to stretch a little.

What is the ‘bravest’ thing you think you have ever done (faced a fear, stood up for someone/something, etc)
Looking back, some of the things I’ve done that might seem brave could just as easily have ended in disaster. At the time, though, I wasn’t thinking in terms of courage—I was simply acting on instinct. Like when I left my first husband with a two-year-old in tow, a temporary job I hoped would become permanent, and no real plan. I stayed with my parents for two weeks, then moved into a flat, still unsure how long my job would last. Thankfully, it all worked out. Even when I was unemployed for three months between jobs, I managed to keep things afloat.

I’ve pulled off other brave—or perhaps foolish—moves that somehow ended well. I seem to have a personality that skips the whole “weighing consequences” step. I leap first, think later. Case in point: when my granddaughter slipped on a wet slipway, I dashed after her without a second thought—only to slip and fall myself. She bounced back like rubber; I, on the other hand, spent weeks nursing a bruised hand and back.

(AI-generated image) SuperGran to the Rescue!

If you were to come into a substantial amount of money, what would you do with it?
In my imagination, I’m a millionaire on a mission. I’d buy a home for my domestic worker, set up an education fund for her children, and keep adding to a growing list of ways to uplift those who’ve had fewer opportunities than I have. Naturally, I’d be discerning about who I choose to support. Instead of donating to a charity, I’d prefer to help individuals directly—those I know personally or whose stories I’m familiar with, people whose need is genuine and whose lives could be truly changed by a helping hand.

Of course, I wouldn’t mind indulging myself too – A first-class World Cruise would be just the thing, I think!

If you could change something that has been annoying you, what would that be?
The South African Government. The current leadership in South Africa is deeply frustrating. It’s hard to accept that those entrusted with power continue to govern despite widespread corruption and the steady collapse of our infrastructure. A well-run country would benefit everyone—including those in office—but the solutions that could turn things around are consistently ignored. It’s not that answers don’t exist; it’s that those in power refuse to act on them.

(AI-generated image) Chaos Rules The Land

Gratitude:

I’m grateful for the life I lead, even as the political circus plays out around me. I’m grateful that I can still offer help to those who need it, even if my reach doesn’t stretch as far as my heart would like. And I’m especially grateful that my mind continues to surprise me—perhaps more creative now that logic has packed its bags and fled the scene. It comes down to finding the light in what you have and making the most of it. No matter how tough things feel, there’s always someone facing even greater challenges.

Share Your World 18 Auguast 2025 – Coffee, Cubs, and Chaos: My World in Four Questions

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Di asks some interesting questions and here are my answers.

What is more tantalising on your taste buds:
frying bacon, freshly baked bread, fresh coffee, apple pie.
Wake up and smell the coffee! Whether it comes from an Italian Moca Pot or is poured from a plunger, it is pure enchantment!

(AI-generated image) Aaaah- First cup of the morning – the best!

What is the most unpleasant to you:
onions, garlic, the smell of the country, and personal hygiene.
Many years ago, when I was just a child strolling through a bustling city with my gran, we crossed paths with a person with very poor personal hygiene. Ever since that olfactory ambush, I’ve had a lifelong aversion to bodily odours.

(AI-generated Image) A lesson learned on the need for good personal hygiene

What is the most annoying:
a continuously barking dog, whiny bratty children, loud music, bad language.
I am reasonably tolerant of noise and am quite good at switching off. Whiny kids can be annoying, but I usually try to distract them or make them laugh. Usually it works, but sometimes not.

(AI-generated image) The Neighbourhood Watch – In charge of security, sanity and sleep schedules!

What is most likely to make you smile:
kittens/puppies, toddlers splashing in puddles, a baby’s smile, an elderly couple holding hands.
All of the above —and so much more. Life always finds a way to hand us a reason to smile. And when it comes to babies? Irresistible. But wild babies? Nothing lifts my spirits quite like a fuzzy, feathered, or furry youngster doing its thing in the great outdoors.

Gratitude:
I love today’s meme

Life’s little joys—whether brewed, barked, or born in the wild—remind me that retirement is anything but dull, and for this I am truly grateful.

Share Your World 11 August 2025 – Charming Cafés and Breakfast Delights in Small Towns

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Here are my answers to this weeks SYW challenge from Di

Do you prefer bar food, a restaurant, cafe or tea rooms?
I have a soft spot for coffee shops with character. Breakfast is my favorite meal to enjoy when eating out—especially on a road trip. Here in South Africa, our small towns (or ‘dorps’) often surprise us with the most delightfully unique cafés and tearooms. The photos below are from a quaint spot in Britstown, once a working mill, now lovingly transformed into a shabby chic haven filled with memorabilia.

Do you always have the same thing, or try something different from time to time?
“I love the feeling of walking into a place where they know my name. In my hometown, we often visit a coffee shop called Shipwreck, where the owner knows us so well that all I need to say is, ‘My usual, please!’ Her coffees are exceptional—and if you’re in the mood for something sweet, there’s simply no better spot.

Have you ever had to send something back to the kitchen because it was substandard?
It’s only happened a handful of times, but recently—while visiting a town more than an hour from home—I ordered creamed spinach with my breakfast. It arrived looking like a green dream… until I took a bite. Crunch! Gritty as a beach picnic gone wrong. Thankfully, it was served in a separate bowl, sparing the rest of my delicious breakfast from leafy sabotage. The place was bustling, so I only managed to raise the alarm after polishing off my plate. The owner was wonderfully apologetic and handed me a voucher for a free coffee,

(Image AI generated) Creamed spinach: now with extra gravel for that authentic garden experience

If you have a complaint, do you make it in writing after you have left, or before you settle your bill?
It’s always best to speak up right away—no one should have to pay for food that misses the mark. In my experience, a polite complaint usually leads to a replacement dish or, as in my spinach saga, some form of compensation

(Image AI generated) One bitter remark earns one sweet reward.

Gratitude

I truly appreciate the privilege of dining out as often as I do. Most of the time, the restaurants are exceptional—offering great service and consistently delicious food.

(Image AI generated) Two seasoned souls, one shared table—proof that good food and great company only get better with age.

Share Your World 2025/08/04 Growing Up in a Large Family: Chaos and Gratitude

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Here are my answers to this week’s SYW from Di

Would you like to relive parts of your childhood?
There are aspects of my childhood that I have a better understanding of now that I am an adult, but going back to relive it and behave differently would not work – I was a child and acted like a child so why go back and be grown-up about it? Lessons have been learned and that’s as it should be.

Did you believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy?
Absolutely. I was a wide-eyed dreamer, completely immersed in a world of magic and make-believe. For the first eight years of my life, those delightful myths were part of my reality—until curiosity got the better of me. I asked my grandmother for the truth, and oh, the heartbreak! Her gentle confession shattered the illusion, and I realized I’d been playfully deceived all along.

Was there a childhood habit you never grew out of?
No, I don’t think so. I used to be a notoriously picky eater, and some might say I still am—but that’s not quite true. These days, it’s more about making mindful choices for my health. If I could indulge freely, I absolutely would!

Were you part of a large family or an only child?
I’m the second-born in a pack of four siblings: one older brother to blaze the trail, and two younger ones—my sister and brother—to follow in delightful chaos. But for a while there was more! At one point, we had three families living in what I considered perfect harmony in a seven-bedroom penthouse on top of a block of flats. My grandfather had died and the two married sons, my dad and his older brother, returned from afar to sort out the family business. Our grandmother still had two younger sons at home and Dad and his brother brought wives and three kids each! (In the end only one of the sons ended up running the business!) But the point of this story is that there was riotous chaos, which we kids thought was wonderful, while the parents sorted out the finer details.

Eventually, we graduated to a downstairs flat—still close enough to the cousins upstairs to keep the fun alive. Then, just as my younger brother made his grand entrance into the world, we levelled up again to a house of our own. And by the time he was six and I was thirteen, we were living in a mountainside haven each with a room of our own. The cousins moved on too,but we remained close right into our teens.

Little Sister, Me, Big Brother, with two of the three cousins, Louis (RIP) and Philip (RIP), we shared a home with. The other one, Costa (RIP) was older and wasn’t with us as much but we hero-worshipped him!

Gratitude:

When I was growing up, there were times when I thought I had a tough life compared to my friends. However, in retrospect, I realise I had the most amazing childhood and would not change a thing about it. My parents were kind and loving people who welcomed everybody into their home and always stretched dinner to include an unexpected guest. Perhaps they set me too good an example because I find it hard to say no to extra people in my home or to drop everything to help others. I vowed to have only one child and ended up raising five – only one of which I gave birth to! Regrets? Absolutely none! Life has certainly had its ups and downs but I have survived every hiccup along the way and thrived in the good times. My family have always been supportive and I have enjoyed every stage of my life. For this, I am extremely grateful.

The SADSAA Inter-provincial Bottom Fish Tournament – Final Fishing Day and Closing Function

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Saturday 12 July 2025
The anglers needed no coaxing to gather at the harbour, eager to hear the verdict from the ever-mysterious weather gods. Of course, they don’t exist—but it’s comforting to have someone to blame when nature throws a curve ball! Luckily, The Good Lord smiled on us, blessing the morning with clear skies and the weather committee gave the all clear for the twelve boats to launch well before 9 a.m. Despite the sunshine and breathless wind,it was still chilly, and the sea, deceptively serene, delivered a few breakers to test the skippers’ skill as they navigated their way out of the harbour.

Unlike the intrepid anglers, I didn’t quite spring out of bed in time to witness their early-morning departure from the harbour. But I made sure to be there when they returned—and as promised, here are the boat photographs. Flyes Eyes, skippered by Warren Muller, pulled off a vanishing act worthy of a magician. One moment he was there, the next—poof—he’d zipped off to the slipway before my camera could even blink. Still, I couldn’t let him completely escape the spotlight, so I’ve snuck the tiny bit I did manage to capture into the photo mix below. Blink and you might miss it!

And so, the second and final day of fishing wrapped up in grand style! The anglers had a breather to kick back at their lodgings, recharge, and suit up in their highest colours for the much-anticipated closing ceremony and formal prize-giving. Receiver of a medal or not, each one of those anglers is a winner! They faced cold, wind, rain and rough seas, and came back victorious. Lessons were learned and friendships were forged. This sport can begin in childhood and continue into the senior years, and it’s heartwarming to see how committed and passionate our juniors are already.

While our tournament had its own share of thrills, there was another major sporting spectacle on television. Like true patriots, we were all glued to the screen for the Springboks’ showdown against Italy. Thanks to the Overberg Boat Club for screening the match before kicking off the night’s proceedings. And speaking of timing, our daughter and son-in-law were lucky enough to be in the stands at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, enjoying the game live. (I know this is not strictly tournament-related, but I had to share! We were all delighted at our 45–0 victory!)

After that excitement, all attention was turned to Arri Burger, the tournament convener, as he announced the winners.

Bronze, Silver and Gold medals were presented to the winners. In addition, Airmar representative Grant Crighton, presented each winning angler with an Airmar jacket. The winning junior was also presented with a fishing rod donated by Riaan and Amanda van Staden.

The winners are posing with DP Burger – SADSAA Representative, Roger Marais – WPDSAA Chairman, and Sonja Marais – WPDSAA Secretary

Juniors: Team Rating Results

As mentioned before, Eastern Province Junior B Team was captained by Nathan Barris, an amazing Down’s Syndrome boy. His enthusiasm and excitement when he heard his team had won was heartwarming. We are all so proud of you and your team, Nathan!

Juniors: Angler Ranking Results

Junior Skipper Ranking Results

Senior Team Ranking Results

Senior Angler Ranking Results

Bronze – Lisa Becker Eastern Province Ladies

Gold – Stephen Flemming – Western Province

Senior Skipper Ranking Results

We extend our deepest gratitude to all our incredible sponsors for their generous support throughout the tournament. Each of you played a vital role in making this event a success, and we were proud to present certificates of appreciation in recognition of your contributions.

A special shout-out to Noarbur Engineering and Airmar, whose representatives joined us on site and received their certificates in person—thank you for cheering us on every step of the way!

Your commitment and enthusiasm helped create a truly memorable experience for all involved. We couldn’t have done it without you!

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible kitchen staff and dedicated catering committee for taking care of the feeding of us all throughout the tournament, There was always plenty for the hungry anglers to eat and it certainly helped to keep their spirits high.

Our two hardworking kitchen helpers who also support the Bokke!

A special shout-out to OK Foods for providing the delicious fare that kept us going strong. Whether it was a plateful of comfort or a snack between sessions, your support added a generous helping of hospitality to the event.

And to wrap things up, I’ve included a few snapshots capturing the laughter, straf dops and general socialising that occurred at the evening functions. No captions though—I’d hate to accidentally get a name wrong and upset someone with my poor interpretation of the event.

The SADSAA Inter-provincial Bottom Fish Tournament – Stormy Day

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Friday 11 July 2025

In every sea fishing competition, meticulous planning lays the foundation—sponsors are confirmed, catering organised, pamphlets printed, accommodation booked, and excitement builds. Yet, there’s one element that remains stubbornly immune to preparation: the weather. No angler wants his precious fishing days lost to stormy weather and rough seas, especially after traveling great distances with rods, boats, and hopes in tow.

This year’s tournament opened under less-than-ideal conditions. Still, the first day offered just enough mercy from the waves and wind for each angler to land a few prized catches. Spirits lifted, camaraderie thrived. Then came the second day, when the weather god let loose—howling winds raged through the night, rain pounded relentlessly, and the sea churned with unpredictable fury.

Safety always comes first, and with that in mind, the day’s fishing was reluctantly postponed. But this unexpected pause became a cherished interlude.

At midday, the anglers were invited to come to the club for a lunch before which Grant Crighton would talk about his Airmar Transducers. He was all smiles when so many showed an interest, and he was able to answer many of their questions.

The Juniors showed a great deal of interest – after all they are the future boat owners

Western Province Chairman, Roger Marais introduces Grant Crighton

Unlike traditional fixed-frequency transducers, Airmar’s broadband CHIRP models sweep through a wide range of frequencies, delivering sonar returns with razor-sharp detail. Whether you’re chasing elusive gamefish or decoding the terrain near the seabed, these transducers are built to impress. Transom, thru-hull, in-hull, keel, or pocket—whatever your boat’s build, Airmar’s got a match.

Following the presentation, anglers made their way to the snack table, where an enticing array of treats awaited—hot dogs, succulent meatballs, crispy chicken drumsticks, golden samosas, and a selection of other savoury bites. Just like every meal throughout the tournament, this generous spread was proudly catered by OK Foods, whose exceptional offerings have truly delighted the crowd.

Over lunch, the anglers bonded over past fishing stories and future plans. Laughter echoed, friendships deepened, and in spite of the stormy weather a very good time was had by all.

The afternoon was free for socializing, exploring or napping whatever the anglers felt was their greatest need. Then everyone was back at the clubhouse for another delicious dinner.
In the last blog, I mentioned that Southern Cape had put up their banner. Before that Eastern Cape, perhaps the team with the most spirit, had already had theirs up from the beginning. Western Province just avoided a strafdop by putting theirs up today!

The high spirited Eastern Province – note the guy with the fair wings!

Western Province found their banner in the nick of time!

Some anglers, though, did not escape punishment for perceived crimes and whether it was saying something stupid or almost being left behind when their crew were about to launch, they had to pay the price by downing a strafdop,

Once again there was a draw for an Airmar jacket. With a flourish I drew out a strip of paper, opened it and called Chris Schorn to receive his prize.

Grant handing over an Airmar jacket to Chris.

Tonight’s taste adventure featured flame-cooked hamburgers – juicy, smoky, and downright scrumptious.

A big, bun-sized thank you goes out to the fabulous catering ladies, whose cheerful presence and tireless service make every evening such a pleasure for the hungry anglers.

Wise to the ways of the wind and water the anglers started packing up a little earlier than usual after dinner. Tomorrow’s conditions are whispering promises of fishing, but the verdict remains in suspense until 9 a.m., when the weather committee will check the conditions and consider the safety of all concerned before calling lines in!

Fingers crossed, rods poised, and may the weather god be merciful!

Adventuring into Retirement

Making the most of The South African LIfestyle

Category Archives: Uncategorized

Spring Awakening: Exploring South Africa’s West Coast

Bird Watching at Strandfontein: A Hidden Gem

The SADSAA Inter-provincial Bottom Fish Tournament – Final Fishing Day and Closing Function

The SADSAA Inter-provincial Bottom Fish Tournament – Stormy Day

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