Baviaanskloof has some rough roads, and some deep river crossings on the way which Spiffy handled with aplomb..
Our 100 yr old farm cottage at Sandvlakte farm. No electricity. Lots of thorns in the veld. Absolutely perfect.
We spent the week with Gus and Els, and their two kiddies, Sabina and Finn. Adam caught Gus and Els under the stars meditating on what was for supper one night...
We took a drive into the reserve. There was lots of game, but unfortunately we did not see the black rhino which have just been introduced. Well, maybe it was fortunate 'cos another car was charged a little later in the day... (Note: Gus and Els went for a nice long cycle in the reserve, despite the presence of the rhino and buffalo. I thought they were rather brave!)
The kloof has lots of red rock at sunrise and sunset...
One afternoon we took a drive up to the top of one of the passes and watched the sunset. Any sunset needs snacks, so Jessica got her favourite Mommy-moo and we ate date squares and drank juice. The silence was African...
Cuddles galore... any opportunity for a cuddle!
Finn was into rocks for our whole stay. ALL rocks :) He very proudly carried around a rock most of the time, and could only be lured away to play with water. Much to Els' despair, he would not eat for a few days and the troublesome two's hit with a resounding "NO!" We broke his resolution with crispbread and creamcheese though. Els nearly fell off her chair when he said a quiet "yes". What it is to be a mom!
Swim time at the reservoir... Gus, Bina and Finn cooling down. It was rather cool when we arrived, but by Wednesday we were all ready to hop in the reservoir for a dip, despite the luminous green colour of the water. I have to admit that it took me rather a long time to get in. That water was chilly!
On Wednesday we all piled into the Gus-mobile and went into the reserve for a picnic and walk at Geelhoutbos. Els, Adam and I went hunting for the bushman paintings which we found after a very hot 30-minute walk into the hills. We came back to picnic under the trees, and Jessica got to wiggle around without clothes.
Bina found a tortoise. I think it regretted being found as she promptly picked it up. (If you look closely you may see the look of consternation on it's face!). It was then washed (did you know that tortoises don't mind their shells being showered?). Then Finn thumped it's shell a few times, so after all this indignity the tortoise set out for greener and more peaceful pastures.
After eating their lunch, Bina and Finn decided it was tortoise-lunch-time too, so they lay on the grass and offered it flowers. Mr Tortoise however could not differentiate between fingers and flowers, so a wail announced that Finn had been bitten :) Luckily we were heading home, so the tortoise could munch in peace for the rest of the afternoon. And Finn's finger was not too damaged...
Gus and Els went for a cycle most days. Bina got a free ride down the track that led to our house one morning...
Of course, little girls have to play dolls! And live dolls are so much more fun!
Hmm - Sandvlakte was good for the soul.
We finally packed up and headed home down the long and winding dirt roads back to civilisation. We stopped for lunch in a dry river bed on the way out and savoured the rock pigeon's call. What a great break with great friends!
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