Day 386 – Aaaand relax

It’s been a hectic few weeks after our house move. There’s been a lot going on at home, at school and at work. That’s why when the opportunity to get away to the cottage for the weekend popped up, we jumped at the chance.

Right now, I’m next to the braai with a beagle at my feet. Later, I intend to be in bed for a long, long time, and beyond that, aside from walking on the beach, I have very little planned.

Expect photos tomorrow perhaps.

Perhaps.

Chill

With wall-to-wall sunshine, a fridge full of Milk Stout, a wine rack full of… well… wine, together with limited internet, it’s fairly easy to relax down here in Agulhas.

Yesterday was a day for one of those trips through to the Black Oystercatcher for great food and great wine, and a meandering journey through the National Park stopping to try and spot various wildlifes along the way. Most of the wildlifes were birds, including two new species for me – the Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) and a Denham’s Bustard (Neotis denhami). I don’t keep records of these things like some people do, but I like to know what I’m looking at, and it’s always interesting to see something different.

We thought that we’d try to add some flamingoes to the list on the local salt pan, but it was entirely devoid of any birdlife. Still, it did allow for some interesting photography opportunities.

I’ll upload more when I get back to just 6000 miles from civilisation…
(although if you can’t wait, there’s always Instagram).

Today is all about rockpools, beagle walks, fish ‘n’ chips, afternoon naps and beers by the braai.

Every ingredient for a perfectly chilled Monday.

Short long weekend

We had a great long weekend. It had been too long since we were down in Cape Agulhas. And so, after a bit of a shaky start, we made the most of the Agulhas weather and welcome, and the only issue was that it had to end. I’m now back in the lab, knee-deep (no, not literally) in paperwork and I would much, much rather be back here:

The good news is that it’s not going to be another three months before we’re back there. But I think that the old adage that “absence makes the heart grow fonder” fits completely here. We didn’t realise quite how much we had missed it until we got back there.

Even over the busy Easter weekend, the peace and quiet was wonderful. The kids stepped away from their technology and drew, did puzzles, carved sticks and made rope swings.

And us – we just chilled. Took photos, had naps, walked the beagle, sat on the beach.

It was a great long weekend. Just not long enough.

Slow down…

Greetings from the bedroom at the cottage.
No. I’m not sharing any photos or a live video feed. This isn’t that sort of website.
I’m just sheltering from the midday sun and the heat (and the wind) as we approach midsummer’s day here in the Deep South. Outside is bright yellow sand, stunning turquoise ocean and sharp green fynbos. It’s almost too much to take in. Even the beagle has given up and fallen asleep on the beanbag in the living room.

Still, earlier, time was spent perusing the rockpools on the local beach. There are plans afoot to go and see the new Icon at the Southernmost point “soon”. Later, there will be a braai, some beer and some brandy.
And then sundowners and maybe (maybe) a timelapse as evening falls.
It’s well-deserved downtime after a hectic year.

And yet you still get a daily blog post. That’s service, hey?