Woken up to a power outage. A big one, apparently: everywhere south of Worcester is out. That means I’d have to drive at least two hours to find anywhere with electricity.
And there’s no ETA for a fix yet.
It seems likely that the internet here will fail at some point soon, given that it works on batteries when there’s no mains supply, so I thought I’d get this up while I can and maybe add to it later.
In the meantime, I’m going to fire up the emergency camping stove and make some coffee.
Unable to play footy tonight due to mild injury, I made the best of a bad situation and headed down to Agulhas to do a few jobs. A clean and tidy, sort out the electricity, meet the builder and get stuff ready for a proper family visit a bit later this month.
You don’t want to be faffing about making up beds and stuff when you arrive. You want to dive straight into the holiday frame of mind with a beer and some sunshine.
But it’s not all work, work, work. I went for a 4km wander along the beach in the chilly (14oC, feels like 8, apparently) Westerly breeze (32kph, gusting 40, apparently) and I saw… no-one. Not a soul. Amazing.
I’ve always been a fan of the off-season seaside resort (not quite what this place is, but it has the same sort of vibe), but it’s always a special privilege to have an entire beach to yourself.
Didn’t take the camera out today, so that’s a phone image above, but I’m very happy to report that Murphy’s Law did not come into play today, and so I didn’t miss that shot, because there was no that shot to be had anyway.
Phew.
And now it’s back to the cottage before the night really sets in, open a bottle of Roy Vane, and make a very small braai on which to place a bit of sirloin, which has been soaking up some Hendo’s since my arrival here.
Meat, bread, salad, wine. The four staples of a perfect, simple diet.
Early night, hoping for enough recovery to do a little jog in the morning in the new trail running shoes. If not: photo walk, I think.
But more of that if it happens. Right now, that steak needs cooking.
Bon appétit!
A busy day, which has left little or no time for bloggery. And I’m now exhausted and need to make decisions like whether I’m going to go and do a solo “functional” visit to Agulhas tomorrow or the next day.
Because I need to be back in town for Saturday, when I’m lucky enough to have a ticket for the sold out rugby game at the Stadium.
So watch out for the excitement of 1 or 2 days down South, and some (or more) images from the rest of the week generally.
Right. Back from Agulhas a bit early so that I can fit in a friendly game of football this evening. And it was a good journey back, with only several near death experiences. Honestly, driving in South Africa really is something very special. And making it safely to your destination is even more remarkable.
We’ve left behind the peace and quiet of the Southern Tip for the ongoing building work next door, with the constant drone of the jackhammer welcoming us back. Again. It is already very wearing.
But before we left, we did see this girl out of the front window. Watching us, watching her:
This is a Cape Grysbok (Raphicerus melanotis) resplendent in full winter coat. I’m guessing female, because there are no visible horns, but there is quite a lot of eye-shadow.
It’s been a great few days away, with some good exercise and some amazing wildlife, from whales through to geckoes, this bokkie, more than one mongoose, and loads of birds including fish eagle, spoonbills, ostrich, a defaecating cormorant, and that petrel.
I can already hardly wait until next time.
Back out to the lagoon in search of a repeat performance from yesterday’s whales.
Sadly, they didn’t show up today. However, we did spot a Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus), which was a first for me. Small wins.
This guy isn’t a Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus). He’s a White-Breasted Cormorant (Phalacrocorax lucidus). Fairly common on the coast here.
But it takes a special sort of talent to catch him like this:
Perfect timing. Just lovely.
I thank you.