It was a rather cold and overcast morning again, but stayed dry. After a hearty South African breakfast we were going on a wild game drive. Pieter took his gun for emergency reasons, I chose the big caliber too, my extra large zoom, ready to shoot. A game viewing bench was mounted to the bakkie, for myself and 7 year old granddaughter Anke. Also joining us were ‘Vlooi’ the long haired Dackel, or sausage dog, and 11 months old, solid built Rotweiler ‘Rommel’. Vlooi is Afrikaans and means flea, he couldn’t have a more suitable name.

He took seat on Anke’s lap for most of the journey, Rommel was running behind the bakkie as we made our way through bush and plains.

Vlooi got dropped of for some exercise now and then too. We saw a lot of antelope, zebras, a few warthogs and a giraffe family.

Most impressive was the Kudu bull not far from the track.

Vlooi got a bath on our return to the house. His legs are just so much closer to the muddy ground.

Margarete said, that this bath has seen and washed plenty of mud and dirt off. I can imagine that. 

Rommel was very tired and thirsty, still cheeky enough to enjoy some petting. With that size, a bit of a push over. Oldest dog resident Boerbull was watching from a safe distance. A colossal dog with the temperament of a mountain. He sure has had a adventurous life and is enjoying his semi retirement. Good for him.

The sun was out, good time to check out the flower garden.

I don’t know the names of most plants, but colours or formation are impressive. Aloe Vera thrives here to massive plants. 

I went for an afternoon sunset walk downhill from the farm, where I noticed some large Aloe Vera plants, perfect settings for a sunset.

At a dam nearby a couple of Inala cows quickly disappeared in to thick bush. Never the less, the reflections of the sun over far away Drakenberg Mountains was still breathtaking.

Margarete was busy cooking and baking bread. I offered to help earlier, but she declined.  I think she felt a bit intimidated. Next time we’ll have a wee baking session, I am sure.

There was lots to talk about at the dinner table. Politics and current situation in South Africa is on every farmers mind. The uncertain future must be as frustrating as uncertain for every one. These farms had been handed down for generations. Hopefully they will be in times to come.

A calm and chilly night covered the plains with thick fog. Horses made the most of this extra juicy grass, as well as a herd of impala, standing in the mist not too far. They were keeping a good eye on my exploits. Fair enough, I can’t blame them. 

We had breakfast together, knowing this is the last time we will do so for a while. I had a lovely time here. I am still amazed about the lengths people go to, to make me feel welcome and help me out in dire situations. People I didn’t know before, people that will remain friends for a life time. Thank you so much. I couldn’t leave without saying goodbye to my three four legged friends. How cute they are. Stillerust, I know you will always be tranquil and peaceful.

It became a calm sunny day as I was cruising back towards Newcastle. Not being quite ready to face busy street life, I parked Zimba at the side of the road and chilled with a nice cuppa coffee, reflecting on this fab weekend. I hadn’t even been sitting, as a few cars were passing, beeping their horns, drivers with their thumbs up. That went on until I left. Ha ha, kept me amused. Zimba sure knows how to show off.