The sea was rough and the weather wet and cold. Both craft and crew were tested to the limit. But these anglers have grit and determination and rods in hand and adrenaline pumping, they weathered the elements with enthusiasm.
Though the official “lines up” time was called for 4:00 pm, by mid-afternoon, several boats—with soaked gear and shivering crew—began heading in. The strain of the sea and steady chill had taken its toll. Even so, the spirit of competition endured.
This is a measure-and-release event, celebrating skill and sustainability. While some fish may be brought back for the anglers consumption the majority are returned to the ocean to swim another day. For those who suspect a record-breaker among their catch, they may bring it to be weighed for verification, bragging rights, and perhaps, a place in the books.
Representing the Eastern Province, Francois Kolesky returned with a striking snoek, eyeing a potential record as he awaits official verification.
Due to the weather, photography at the harbour posed a threat to my camera, but I managed to capture a few photos of the boats at the clubhouse. I shall post more on the next fishing day.
When the anglers returned to the Overberg Clubhouse, they met a haven of camaraderie and celebration. The fire in the grate warmed and dried them, and later the delicious lasagna, crusty rolls and crisp salad fortified them.
Southern Cape made sure their colours were flying high, their flag proudly displayed for all to see. Other teams were cheekily warned of impending straf doppe if their own flags didn’t show up the next day. Laughter bounced off the walls, banter flowed freely, and no one was safe from a good-natured jab or two.
The evening’s cheer peaked with a draw for an Airmar jacket. Names were shuffled, and I was asked to pull out a name. When the winner was called, Grant—the brand’s affable agent—handed over the prize with a grin and a round of applause.
Corrie Derkson accepts his Airmar jacket from Grant Crighton
This week, the Overberg Boat Club in Kleinbaai, Western Cape proudly welcomes the South African Deep Sea Angling Association’s Bottom Fish Inter-Provincial Tournament. This was originally planned as a juniors’ tournament but later Ladies and Seniors were invited to participate. Months of dedication and behind-the-scenes effort have gone into making this event a reality, and the organizing committee has truly outdone themselves.
On Wednesday, 9 July, the club came alive for the opening function of the tournament. The anglers were treated to a mouthwatering spread, and the atmosphere was warm and festive as everyone tucked into an unforgettable feast.
Eastern Province Junior A Pia Berg – Captain Michael Swart Deon van Jaarsveld
Eastern Province Junior B Nathan Barris – Captain Wian van Niekerk Jayden Pieterse
Eastern Province Ladies Lisa Bekker – Captain Sheena Gerber Magdalena Kolesky
Eastern Province Mixed Seniors Deon van Jaarsveld – Captain Jen Nelson Jolene Lerm
Eastern Province Men Brian Gerber – Captain Francois Kolesky Jacques Bekker
Southern Cape Junior -White Luca Kruger- Captain Joshua du Plessis Jaden de Villiers
Southern Cape Junior – Green Jack Magerla – Captain Owen Linekar Ben Groenewald
Southern Cape Seniors Robin Corker – Captain Kabous Oosthuizen Peter Strobos
Western Province Juniors Kodi Goosen – Captain James de Klerk Keaton Lane
Western Province – Blue Ossie Sauermann – Captain Gareth Decker Jacqui Decker
Western Province – White Stephen Flemming – Captain Johan van Zyl Hugo Bester
This tournament celebrates many achievements, but one stands out with heartfelt pride. Among our Eastern Province Junior B Team is a truly special young man whose determination and spirit have inspired us all. As team captain, Nathan Barris has made history by becoming the first competitor with Down’s Syndrome to lead his team at this level. His passion for the sport, leadership qualities, and infectious enthusiasm have not only earned him respect but have also reminded us all of the power of inclusion, courage, and community.
Nathan of the right with his two team mates and his dad, Colin
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.
Barbarian LadiesEastern Cape Juniors B Eastern Cape Juniors AEastern Cape LadiesEastern Province SeniorsEastern Province MIxed SeniorsSouthern Cape JuniorsSouthern Cape JuniorsSouthern Cape SeniorsWestern Province BlueWestern Province WhiteWestern Province Juniors
In a heartwarming display of pride and camaraderie, the capping ceremony marked a memorable milestone for the anglers who were representing their province for the first time. This special occasion not only celebrated their selection but also underscored the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship they were encouraged to uphold throughout the competition.
A true legend of the deep, Earl Fenwick, was honoured in a touching tribute this evening. Having received his Springbok colours in 1971 and 1972, Earl remains a cherished figure within the fishing fraternity. For most of his life, he has been dedicated to the sport of angling and given back as much as he’s gained from its joys. In recognition of his lifelong contribution, Earl received a special mention and was met with a standing ovation from all present. It was an emotional moment that had him completely overwhelmed. He was also asked to present the blazers to the Western Province Juniors, which he considered a great honour.
Below are a series of photos showing the capping ceremony.
A heartfelt thank you to our remarkable skippers, who selflessly set aside the thrill of reeling in their own catch to host and support the teams aboard their vessels. Their generosity and sportsmanship are the backbone of this tournament. Many have journeyed great distances, towing their boats from across the country—a testament to their dedication to the sport and their fellow anglers. Your commitment has not gone unnoticed, and we salute you for making this event truly unforgettable. The following series of photos shows the skipper receiving their Goodie Bags.
Boat pictures to follow in a later post.
A tournament of this nature simply wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of our incredible sponsors. We extend our heartfelt thanks to EFG Engineers, Airmar Chirp Transducers, Otto’s Fish Shop, T-Line, NOΛRЗUR Engineering and Cape Agulhas Print It. Your generosity and belief in the power of this community have brought this event to life. Thanks to you, memories are made, friendships are forged, and the spirit of the sport continues to thrive.
Here are my answers to this week’s questions from pensitivity101
Are you prepared for a power cut? Yes absolutely. In South Africa we regularly have periods of Loadshedding. Loadshedding is a planned and controlled way of turning off electricity in certain areas for a few hours at a time. It’s done to prevent the entire power grid from collapsing when there’s not enough electricity to meet demand. This is because many of South Africa’s power stations are old and prone to breakdowns and Eskom often can’t produce enough electricity to meet the demand. The demand for more electricity has increased but the supply has not kept up with this demand. South Africans are known for their resilience and ingenuity. When public services fall short, we find creative ways to fill the gap ourselves. Those who are able to, invest in solutions like solar panels, inverters, or generators to keep the lights on during outages. I’m fortunate to have both solar and an inverter system installed-so—so when load-shedding strikes, the inverter seamlessly takes over, and life carries on with minimal disruption. We also use gas for hot water and cooking. More and more people in South Africa and going ‘off grid’ and creating eco-friendly homes and gardens which can only be a good thing for the planet as a whole.
Do you prefer candles or torches when there is no electricity? While up and about I would use candles to light a room (if there is no inverter or generator) but when going to the bathroom in the middle of the night, I would use a torch – or to be more accurate the torch on my cell phone if it hasn’t run out of power!
Do you use scented candles or wax melts? I have lots of scented candles – mostly gifts over the years – and these are what I use if I need to.
Do you find a meal by candlelight romantic? I do find dinner by candlelight in a restaurant is very romantic, but it’s not something I have done very often at home.
Gratitude:-
This was the meme for today’s gratitude and it really resonates with me. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to leave footprints and take pictures in the most beautiful places in South Africa.
Half the year is now over. Have you had any memorable highlights in the past six months? Time certainly doesn’t dawdle, but I feel incredibly fortunate that each month delivered its own spark of joy. Here’s a peek at the highlights that made the first half of the year feel beautifully full: January brought a flurry of familiar faces to our doorstep. Hosting dear friends and family at the southern tip of Africa is always a great start to the year. February welcomed Andrew, whose stay stretched into May—He is an old friend of Hubby and was great company for him. March swept us off to Cape Town for an “Old Salts” reunion at the Cape Boat and Ski-boat Club—reminiscing with long-lost companions over sea breezes and shared tales. We also stole away to the tranquil Warmwaterberg hot springs with Andrew and his brother, who had brought a group of teenagers from his school in America. April wrapped us in family bliss with an Easter gathering in Plettenberg Bay—laughter, love, and togetherness. We also waved goodbye to our beloved Gecko caravan, turning a nostalgic page toward new adventures. May offered another midweek pause at Warmwaterberg—this time with Andrew and his lovely girlfriend—where quiet dips and easy chatter did wonders. June glowed with the sweet visit of our youngest daughter, filling the house with her sparkle. And to add a touch of flair, we dressed all the bedrooms in beautiful new
Catching up with friends at The Old Salts Reunion
What are you looking forward to in the coming six months? More of the same! We started July with a visit to our kids in Plett and on Wednesday we celebrated Hubby’s 81st birthday,
Breakfast at Beacon Island with two daughters and a grandson
How do you keep cool on a hot day? Wear light clothing, stay in the shade, splash in the sea.
Have you ever danced in the rain? I’m sure I must have but nothing specific comes to mind. I have certainly jumped in puddles and dashed through downpours to get to my car or front door!
Gratitude: Through all the ups and downs of life I have always been buoyed up by the love and laughter of my family. I am particularly grateful for the shared adventures, quite moments and shared experiences I have had with my amazing husband, who has held my hand through every phase. Life has been good and I don’t regret a single moment of it.
When you go on vacation, do you like to sample the local cuisine, check out the sights, or laze on the beach?
When travelling I would certainly eat what the locals eat – sixty-one million Italians can’t be wrong. (in Zimbabwe, I even ate a Mopane worm!)
There is also no point going to new places if all you’re going to do is laze on the beach. I can do that at home, so I would definitely explore and experience everything I could about an exotic place.
While on a coach tour with my daughter, we chose to eat Italian in Italy – mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and basil pesto for me – An Italian salad for her.
Have you ever been away on a vacation with friends rather than family?
We have often been on vacation with friends, especially when visiting game reserves. Many of these trips have been organised by us but all expenses have been shared and they have all worked out extremely well. Because we love the bush and have some knowledge of birds and wildlife we enjoy being the ‘guides’ for first-time visitors to the parks.
Australian friends at a stop-over in Windhoek on our way to Etosha National Park,
Would you prefer a cruise or coach tour holiday?
I have experienced both and at my age, I prefer cruising. It is an awesome way to travel as you blend relaxing with exploring and you can choose how much of each to do. It is amazingly convenient not to have to pack and unpack as you move to each new destination. Your floating hotel effortless takes you there while you enjoy having all your accommodation and catering needs included in your fare. Even the entertainment and most activities are free. You can choose to go on excursions at port stops or to do your own thing. It’s win-win all the way.
Help yourself to breakfast!
Self-catering, or full board where all meals are included/provided?
My other type of vacation is visiting game reserves in South Africa. Although I have enjoyed many different types of travel and vacation, trekking into the bush is my ultimate choice and something my hubby and I have been doing every year since the 1990s. We have explored almost all the parks in South Africa, as well as some in Namibia and Botswana. Our adventures have taken many different forms – rondawels, roof-top tenting, and caravanning. Now that we’ve embraced our golden years and parted ways with the caravan, it’s time to return to the charm of self-catering bungalows.
In most of the South African National Parks, you might find excellent restaurants in the rest camps and picnic sites. So if you are not in the mood to braai, you have the option to eat out!
Self-catering in the bush – Watch out for hyenas and please don’t feed them!
Gratitude: It is mid-winter in South Africa, but I am most grateful that on Saturday the weather was calm and sunny, if a tad chilly in the early morning, as The NSRI’s was holding a Winter Solstice Swim at Struisbaai’s harbour beach. My friend, Michele, braved the icy waters along with a dozen or so others who all declared that it was ‘warm once you’re in’ and all splashed about for half an hour! Well done to all of them. I was wrapped in my boots and jacket as I took the photos!
Today we have rain, but during a break in the weather, I was thankful that the birds were enjoying the winter flora along the Struisbaai coastal road.
Do you prefer iced tea or iced coffee? Here in South Africa, Rooibos tea reigns supreme! I often drink a gut-friendly Rooibos blend packed with probiotics. It’s delicious whether steaming hot or refreshingly iced. At this time of year, though, I’m going with hot!
Now, when it comes to coffee, I want ithot, black, and strong. My trusty Nespresso machine delivers the goods, and my favourite pod is Starbucks Italian Style Roast – Bold, rich, and exactly how coffee (and men) should be.
Do you like your cold drinks with ice, or just chilled? I put ice in all my cold drinks – horror – even in white wine!
Do you prefer an ice cream (cornetto or similar) or ice lolly (popsicle)? I try to avoid ice cream although I love it in every form. My favourite is Mint Magnum on a stick.
What is your favourite cold dessert?
I have a recipe for a no-sugar, no-gluten Tiramisu Mousse and it is delicious, although quite rich with all the cream and cream cheese. But a little goes a long way! A less rich cod dessert is yogurt pudding made with sugar-free jelly and yogurt. For sweetening, I use Xylitol.
Gratitude:
I love all three of the above memes as I have found them all to be true.
It’s the second May Bank Holiday here in the UK and the kids are on half term break. In your country, do schools have a ‘Half Term’ break? I’m not familiar with the concept of a half-term break. In South Africa, the school year is divided into four terms, each lasting approximately 9 to 12 weeks.
After the first summer term, students get a break of 10 days to two weeks, depending on whether it aligns with the Easter weekend. The second term (Autumn) concludes with a three-week winter holiday, spanning the last week of June and the first two weeks of July. The third term (Winter) is followed by a 10-day spring break.
The final term (Spring/Summer) runs from late September to mid-December, after which schools close for a six-week summer holiday. The academic year officially begins in mid-January.
Education methods have changed a lot since I left school in 1972. Would you like to be learning in a classroom of today? Teaching methods in this country have evolved significantly, though some changes can be frustrating for traditional educators. The quality of government schools varies widely—some maintain strong standards, while others, particularly township schools, face severe challenges. Access to quality education often depends on geographical location, with disparities rooted in insufficient government support, undervaluing of teachers, and high student-to-teacher ratios.
Imagine the difficulties of teaching in an under-resourced township school, where classrooms hold 50 to 60 students and children share desks designed for two. I have witnessed schools where students squeezed in four to a single desk—an unfortunate reality in many areas.
I would have loved to teach in a school like the one my grandchildren attended, where I also once taught. It was truly child-centered, providing a safe and nurturing environment where every student felt valued and heard. Seeing my grandchildren thrive in such a setting brought me immense joy.
Did you leave school as soon as you could, or did you go on to study for a degree or other higher education? Looking back, I didn’t fully grasp how fortunate I was. I attended a prestigious Teacher Training College for three years, followed by an additional year at a university where I specialised in the education of children with speech and hearing impairments.
When you entered the working world, did your job require ‘qualifications’ or did you learn on the job? My training was exceptional, equipping me with a clear understanding of workplace expectations from the start. Naturally, I continued to learn and grow, and the support of incredible colleagues played a key role in refining my teaching skills.
I was fortunate to work at an excellent institution that embraced modern educational practices and regularly conducted workshops to enhance staff proficiency.
As my experience deepened, I had the privilege of mentoring younger colleagues later in my career, helping to guide and support their professional development.
I started a job at a mirror factory today – I have no experience but I can see myself learning on the job! ( AI Generated}
Gratitude
My hubby and I have both worked hard at careers that we loved. We supported each other and together overcame glitches along the way. Now in our retirement, we are grateful to embrace our golden years with relative comfort and good health, even though it’s with less financial security than we would have liked. But, hey, enough is a good as a feast!
It’s been a while since I’ve shared my thoughts about the place I call home. As winter gradually makes its presence felt in the southern hemisphere, we’re still fortunate to enjoy a few crisp yet sunny days. On Saturday afternoon, while the men set off to sea in hopes of a good catch, we ladies – Wise Wine Warriors—spent a lovely afternoon at Struisbaai Harbour Café. In that moment, surrounded by the beauty of the harbour, I paused to take it all in and truly appreciate where I was. Then, on Sunday evening, as we all gathered for a sunset braai, I was once again struck by the undeniable charm of this little gem in the deep south of my country. In this vast world, fate has placed me at the southernmost tip of Africa—and I must say, I couldn’t be happier.
Some of our group – Wise Wine Warriors
It is often mistakenly believed that the southern tip of Africa is Cape Point, near Cape Town, and quite close to where I grew up. Some also claim that this is where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic. It’s good for tourism to go along with this myth! But in fact, the two oceans meet at Cape Agulhas, and it is also the most southerly point of Africa.
The Earl and Me at the Southern Tip of Africa
When I was a child, I was keen to stand on the very tip of Africa. I asked my parents if we could visit. But they did not share my adventurous spirit and thought that it was hardly worth the visit. “It’s very remote and there nothing there,” my mother declared. And she was right – my first visit was in 1982, and the area didn’t even have electricity! Of course, it’s quite different now, and this formerly tiny district is attracting more and more permanent residents. But its natural beauty still abounds. Sometimes I take a moment and let it all sink in that I am at the southernmost tip of “Darkest Africa.” Cape Agulhas and Struisbaai boast a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna. The Agulhas National Park hosts over 2,000 native plant species. The fauna in the region is also fascinating. The wetlands provide refuge for birds and amphibians, including the African Black Oystercatcher, Damara Tern, and Southern Right Whales, which migrate through the area. Our harbour welcomes short-tailed stingrays that swim in to enjoy some delicious pickings thrown into the water by the local fishermen cleaning their catch. We even have Cape Clawless otters frolicking in the shallows from time to time. Click on the link to see a video.
The coastline is also notorious for the number of sailing ships wrecked in its stormy seas. The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse was built in 1849 and is now a historic landmark, still warning seafarers of the treacherous waters
On November 16, 1982, the Meisho Marul ran aground near the southernmost point of Africa due to a storm. Fortunately, all 17 crew members managed to swim to safety. The wreck has since become an iconic sight. Over the years, the wreck has eroded significantly, with only the bow section remaining visible above the waves.
I try to get in a daily walk, and whether it’s just around the village, along the coast road from home to Agulhas or along our very long white beach, I never tire of the beauty around me. Hardly a day goes by that I do not ‘maak ‘n draai by die hawe’ (pop in at the harbour) and it always takes my breath away.
A while ago, I met two young Frenchmen at our local harbour café. They asked if I was local and we got chatting, They expressed how much they loved this part of South Africa. “But surely it can’t beat the French Riviera,” I said.
“Oh but it is so very much better!” they declared.
I thought they were being polite, but then I really looked and thought, “Well, yes – it’s still so natural and quaint and simple. It’s not glitzy and busy like the top destinations of the world. We are indeed lucky to enjoy this little piece of paradise.”
Don’t get me wrong. When we’re having the foulest weather, I curse the wind, the rain, the flooding and the cold. But when the sun comes out – well – all is forgiven and forgotten.
To end, allow me to share some photographs from the sunset braai we enjoyed with the lovely friends we have made here at the southern tip. Thanks to Sonja for catering the delicious starters and dessert, and to Sharon who insisted we all gather at this stunning site right at the southern tip, overlooking the wreck. Where in the world can you safely picnic outdoors without paying an entrance fee or having guards to ensure your safety? It was exquisite and yes, we did make sure the fire was completely dead before we left.
Do you exercise regularly? Over the years, my approach to staying active has evolved and I have adapted my routine according to my changing circumstances. At one point, I ran regularly with a friend, but when our schedules no longer aligned, I continued running on my own. Eventually, when running was no longer an option, I transitioned to aerobics and walking. There have been times when I made excuses to skip exercise, but I always found my way back after a few months. Now, in my later years, I maintain a balanced routine of yoga, aerobics, and walking. I follow Yoga with Adrienne for yoga sessions Walk at Home for an active aerobic workout.
AI generated
Have you ever belonged to/visited a gym? For years, I was a member of a gym, though I rarely joined the group classes. Instead, I followed my own personalized routine, focusing on the treadmill, rowing machine, and weight training circuit. A decade before relocating to Struisbaai, I experienced a slipped disc—an injury that nearly required surgery. Thankfully, it didn’t come to that. Instead weeks of rest and then working with a personal trainer twice a week, played a significant role in my recovery. I continued training with him until we moved.
Ai Generated
When it comes to diet, what is your greatest weakness? Well – food in general. When I am hungry, I tend to grab anything that’s easy to get down my throat. In the bad old days when I was on a yet another miracle weight reducing diet, I would endure the hunger until the deliciousness that surrounded me could not be resisted and binge on chocolate! I used to have huge problems sticking to diets. They all made me hungry. But then I discovered Banting and I have not looked back. I have maintained my perfect weight for ten years. Some people believe that if you exercise sufficiently, you will not gain weight. This is not true. You can be fat and fit. However, even if you don’t exercise, you will maintain a healthy weight if you eat correctly. Yes, exercise helps, but the most important thing is to watch what you put in your mouth.
Do you know your waist size? I do not know the exact measurement. I could check but then I would have to find a tape measure!
Gratitude
Once again, Di’s Meme resonated with me this week. I have recently been taking a moment to drink in my surroundings and really feel the appreciation for them. It is so easy to take the beauty of the southern tip of Africa for granted.
It is Di’s birthday, so this week’s questions revolve around this theme. Here are my answers to the Share Your World Challenge of 12 May 2025.
Do you celebrate your birthday, or is it just another day? Not celebrate my birthday – no chance of getting away with that where I live. My dear friends would insist we party! And really – why not? Life is short and people care so go ahead and celebrate! Gifts are not compulsory – The real gift is another trip around the sun, surrounded by laughter, good company, and a proper excuse to eat cake!
AI Generated
Did you have birthday parties as a child? Oh, birthdays back in the day were a well-oiled machine, weren’t they? A strict guest limit, identical party setups, and a very structured sugar rush—jelly first, then an array of cupcakes, sweets, and fizzy drinks. The candles would twinkle, we’d huff and puff them out, and then the classic birthday anthem would commence—sometimes with the alternative zoo-themed remix Happy Birthday to you, You were born in the zoo, You look like a monkey and act like one too! Games, ice cream, a slice of cake, and a balloon to take home rounded off the festivities—simple, predictable, and absolutely unforgettable.
AI generated
Were there any special ‘traditions’ for the birthday person in your household? Not really. Usually, the birthday kid would wake everyone up at ridiculous o’clock and then the present opening would be done in pajamas on Granny and Grandpa’s bed!
Birthday Boy (6) on the left – Big Brother (7) just as excited. (2004)
Of course, there would be a celebration but not like the ones I enjoyed as a child. We helped raise our oldest daughter’s two boys, and they would choose what type of celebration they would like. There was that one time when a sake-man showed up, bringing along a collection of wriggling reptiles. The little boys were absolutely thrilled—but Gran? She wisely maintained a safe distance from all the slithering excitement!
That’s my grandson on the left.
What was the worst birthday you had? Turning 70 was a rollercoaster! First, a fantastic surprise weekend away with the whole family—ten of us celebrating properly a month early, which turned out to be a good thing because a week before my actual birthday, I ended up in the hospital while visiting our kids in Plettenberg Bay, Back home for the big day, the grand home celebration had to be scaled down, but we still managed a lovely gathering at the Harbour Café for drinks and snacks, so not all was lost! And while my much-anticipated breakfast with my girlfriends in Cape Town had to take a little rain check, it eventually happened two months later. So, have I had a worst birthday? Not a chance! Every celebration was brilliant—even if some came a little late!
My three grandsons helping me celebrate! (2022)
Gratitude: The same thing that landed me in the hospital just before my 70th decided to pay me yet another visit. I am grateful that this attack of Diverticulitis did not mean a trip to the hospital but it’s not fun, especially when the last attack was just four months ago! But I am grateful that I do not suffer from anything terminal and that I am well on the way to recovery,
I just love Di’s Gratitude Meme for this week because it really resonates with me.
Adventuring into Retirement 