Barrydale

In my opinion you get the first sniff of the Karoo  when you get to Barrydale once you've come through the Tradoux Pass and certainly a deserved place to linger and stretch your legs before taking the somewhat barren stretch towards Ladismith.    Stop for a breather and a cup of coffee at the many quaint little places along the way.  And its really worthwhile turning off into the side-streets.  I love all the old houses and everyone should pop into The Magpie where the most amazing chandeliers are created from all sorts of recycled material. 

You will be charmed by the 'Petal Ampoule Couture' - beaded, knitted, crafted dress designed to dolly up a simple LED bulb. 

Sean below kindly let me take a few photographs (my camera would not co-operate so this was done with my cell-phone) 

Petal Ampoule Couture - such a gorgeous name for these creations

(... NOT impressed that my camera was uncooperative at all!...) the twig and fairy light chandeliers had a magic of their own

Cute ornaments on a window ledge - peering out at the stormy skies.  

At a glance I would never have guessed that these were made of old milk plastic bottles till Sean pointed it out.

Quite a few stockists

27 van Riebeeck Street,

Barrydale

ps I believe there are quite a few of their creations in the Barrydale Hotel just across the road.

Agulhas - charmed by a lighthouse

Agulhas - the  most southern tip of Africa. The link is pretty informative so do visit there.  Map to get there.

Also called the  'Cape of Storms' which wrecked many ships en route to the east via Cape Agulhas. This windswept, ruggedly beautiful coastal plain at the southern-most tip of Africa, with its rich cultural and natural heritage, has recently been proclaimed as the Agulhas National Park.  

 

I have visited numerous times and each time am captivated by the mood of the lighthouse.  Day one was perfect for capturing a morning reflection in the tidal pool.

An optimistic fisherman - this tranquil picture is a strong contrast to the stormy seas that settled by  late afternoon.

A visit to Kassiesbaai at Arniston (also known as Waenhuiskrans) was a perfect way to spend the winter sunny day. Situated 20km van Agulhas, Kassiesbaai is the last remaining living example of a largely self-sufficient South African coastal fishing community. This little town now enjoys historical status and the  fishermans' houses were originally built from the 'kassies' (wooden crates) that washed up from the many shipwrecks along the coast - hence the  name Kassiesbaai. The town was named after the Arniston, an English East India ship in government service, wrecked on the coast nearby in 1815, and the graves of its victims (soldiers and passengers, including children) as well as archaeological sites of the Later Stone Age period are present on the property of Dollas Downs.  372 People died.   The local hotel (where we had wicked cheesecake) boast pics and  memorabelia of the wrecks and according to them the only time there was a greater loss of life at sea was when the Titanic sank. More detail on Waenhuiskranz Cultural link about the area. 

I never ever knew how many shipwrecks litter our coast.  If that interests you -  have a look here  and here and also here and you too will be fascinated I am sure.  Anyway, back to Kassiesbaai ...the houses are no longer made of kassies but I understsand to be built from local stone and then whitewashed.  Probably from the stone in front of this 'huisie'.

Spotlessly clean, well-swept and even some container plating in this coastal town where gardening will probably be challenging considering the extreme climate conditions.  See Windfinder.  The unpredictable weather conditions here must be a huge challenge for the locals of this little town who mostly make a living from fishing.

A few pictures depicting Kassiesbaai ...

Crafts by local inhabitants are sold by the little craft shop in the village

You can  book a meal with one of the local ladies in quaint surroundings.  Very friendly, this 'tannie' (aunty) told us that she lived in Plumstead for a while, but came back home 'toe hul iemand voor my dikgemoer het' (beat up someone) - it was just too much for this country lass to bear and she's been back since - content living a simple life.

   
Whoops - how did this get here?  Oh well - its worth mentioning that the cheesecake at the local hotel is dee-vine!  The facilities at Arniston Hotel looks great and it must be the perfect viewpoint when the fisherman take to the seas for their daily catch.

 

Back to Agulhas for a walk at sunset and to take a few last pics of the lighthouse - standing solid since 1848.

I was not disappointed and she - I presume its a she because she looked splendid as the sun set behind her.

Charmed under the spell of a lighthouse ...

A quick scuttle back to the tidal pool and I was again rewarded with tranquil waters in the tidal pool

and this!  we watched as the lighthouse came on as the sun set and initially it gleams a green light - it was the first time I saw that.  

 

 

The sky was so beautiful from another angle in the pool.  This one's especially for you Wendy.

 Stormy seas the  next day and waves breaking over where I walked the previous day taking tranquil pictures.  On the horizon?  Another surprise - the SA Agulhas on its way to Cape Town.  We watched it through a telescope until it disappeared.  Quite something.

Oh, and the lady from close up before I sign off.

Au revoir Madame - keep your bright light shining and your charm glowing.  

Villiersdorp

Yesterday was the perfect day for visiting the countryside.  Found this lovely little place called Country Classics in 17 Union Avenue, Villiersdorp. 

Cheryl runs a lovely gift and coffee shop from her home.  A perfect retreat in her garden.

Cheryl of Country Classics served me with a devine quiche and fresh garden salad and we had a lovely chat.  People who frequent the biscuit Mill might have seen her there promoting another part of her business, organic mushrooms.

Tables dotted all over the private little retreat ... pretty? - of course ..

After my pretty interlude, I drove through the tree-filled streets and admired some of the old quaint houses - some of them beautifully restored.  This one was on the edge of a stream.

I wondered what gems were hidden in the attic of this old house

And this lovely old Anglican Church deserves a better picture, but the sun was in my eyes.  Surrounded by a lovely indigenous garden with the mountain as a backdrop.

 The free copy of of the local Villiersdorp Info is a gem and I was pleasantly surprised by a small well informed little paper. It is a good representation of 'who does what in and around Villiersdorp'. (I read Issue 64)

Winery Peter Falke

As a blogger, have you ever had that sinking feeling when you have clicked 'yes' when you get prompted 'are you sure you want to delete ....' and then confidently slam that enter button, shortly to be followed by a cold chill down your spine?  I edited some posts, deleted old drafts, labeled and tugged and tweaked here and there, and yes, I deleted some posts.  The thing is, once its gone, its abso-bloody-lutely gone!  Then I tried to remember what DID I actually delete, went for a walk around the garden, and tried to pick up the pieces.  

A day at Peter Falke Wines was one of my favourite days and posts that I have to add and probably revisit again to see what I should add.

I recall it being a good day, particularly because of the company of a special young friend.  I think what makes me sad was that it was such a fun day and we had a lot of laughs and giggles (more because of the wine?) and when I write a blog, I try to capture those feelings during a post. Oh well, let me get over it.  But more about Peter Falke Winery

Situated against the majestic slopes of the Helderberg mountains in the heart of the Stellenbosch winelands, South Africa is Groenvlei Farm, the home of Peter Falke Wines. Rambling magenta bougainvillea, delicate scented roses and wild lavender growing alongside carefully cultivated vineyards greet you as you drive through the avenue of conifers.

The stately old homestead is partnered by a "boutique" winery and contemporary wine tasting room.

Aren't we all first impressed and influenced by visual impact?  I am so gullible in that respect and once the sense of 'pretty' has been affected, I am normally easily lured into the rest.

 

The outdoor lounge ... put the words pink and pretty into one short sentence and you have my attention.  Add a bit of wine to please the palate and its just about the perfect place.

 

The outdoor lounge above has couches dotted all over and overlook the vineyards and the mountains.  The boutique tasting venue is dripping with tinkling crystal lights and a good place for tasting if its too chilly outside.

Where have I seen her before?  She looks pretty relaxed - I am not surprised.  
 

From what I recall, the wines were pretty good, but I have to go back sometime to check.  My young friend who accompanied me will soon be back, and perhaps its time for a follow up visit.  Any new interesting developments will then be added to the blog.  Someone recently mentioned that they attended a sunset concert there but that needs to be verified.  From what I can recall the venue is popular for weddings and private functions.

 

 

The view from the couches

The old homestead

 

Back indoors - a pretty sight
 

Fortunately I still had these collages on my computer from my previous blogpost.  I have to share them again.

 


It was a lovely day - that I remember.  

Tel: +27 (0)21 881 3677
Fax: +27 (0)21 881 3667

Physical Address:
Groenvlei Farm
Annandale Road
Stellenbosch
South Africa 7600