Visit to Knysna and "The Heads"

Knysna is a neat village a few hours east of Cape Town, known mainly for its beautiful forests and oysters. Although we didn’t partake of the seafood, we did enjoy a few hikes in the area as well as the local beaches. (Some of the hikes have been posted below.)

The town of Knysna is situated on a lagoon which is connected to the Indian Ocean by a narrow water passage between two hulking cliffs, known as The Heads. Some years ago the British Navy considered this the most dangerous port in the world…but once safely past these rocky sentinels, the lagoon certainly offered ships a safe and secure harbour.

This boat is sailing between The Heads into the Knysna lagoon

The Heads viewed from across the Knysna lagoon; through the gap you see the Indian Ocean

Hike along Jubilee Creek (in search of gold)

This hike, near to Knysna (see previous post), followed Jubilee Creek to several gold mines that were excavated during a brief gold rush in the 1880’s. Although the gold lasted for less than a decade, we hoped that we’d find the world’s largest nugget in the creek somewhere along our walk. That didn’t happen. But the walk was nice!

Jim is standing in front of a tree fern. And oh wait, what's that gold nugget next to your foot?!

Good times with Randy and Heather

Recently Randy and Heather moved from their apartment on the horse farm in Noordhoek to a new place in the winelands. Noordhoek is located on the Atlantic side of the cape and a solid 45 minutes drive from the University of Stellenbosch (where Randy is pursuing a D.Litt). They now live in an equally beautiful location that is only 10 minutes from campus. We enjoy chilling with Randy and Heather – and their awesome, quirky dogs – regularly.

Heather is artistic and super good at decorating. She reupholstered their second-hand furniture herself, and designed and painted all the wall ornamentation.


Randy is holding droerwors, the South African version of American slim jim’s, invented in the 19^th century for long-distance travel in the warm South African climate. Yummy. Also very popular is Biltong, the South African version of beef jerky.

Can You Translate This Please?

Recently received this sms (or, text message via cell phone) from a friend here. Can YOU decipher it?

Hi friends pls join me on sun 2 celebrate my bday. braai frm 1pm@ 12 PittStr, Plumstead. bring your cozzy&an odd pair of socks. pls RSVP 4catering purposes. thx. T:)

hints:
braai = cook-out/grill/barbeque
frm 1 pm = from 1 pm = beginning at 1 pm and continuing, but don't arrive too close to 1 pm
cozzy = swimming costume = swimsuit
odd pair of socks = no idea what she means by this! some kind of game?

A Day in the Winelands with Mark and Blanche

Jul and Blanche in Tokara Winery, near Stellenbosch

Boschendal wine estate est. 1685; manor house in background built 1796

Lunch at Boschendal. Yes, those sandwiches and the homemade lemonade were Very Tasty.

(above and below) Located on the western slopes of Table Mountain, Groot Constantia is considered one of the most beautiful vineyards in the western cape. The manor house was built the same year the vineyard was established by Simon van der Stel, in 1685.

Enjoying a wine tasting at the estate. (do we look like we know what we're doing?!)