Struisbaai was everything that we expected - up before dawn most days so that Linda could do her yoga on the beach with the sun rising over the Indian Ocean.
Back for breakfast and a shower and a stroll down to the harbour as the fishing boats docked. Lunch in the shade on the deck before a short siesta and then time for the afternoon beach walk.
Of course we also managed a couple of local excursions - 50 km round trip on dirt roads to see the second oldest Moravian Mission in Africa at Elim was adequately rewarded by lunch and some wine tasting at the Black Oystercatcher winery next door.
Being here out of season means that it is quiet but all of the restaurants and bars are still open. Managed to avoid the local Irish Pub - The Michael Collins. We had stopped by for a drink in 2013 but decided we would wait another year or two before we went back. Did find a local craft brewer - Frasers Folly - who make a stunningly good Pale Ale - a welcome change from the fairly ordinary lagers turned out by SAB Miller or whichever conglomerate now owns all the local brands.
Finally getting used to cooking on charcoal but still surprised by the size of their meat cuts - popped into the butcher for a couple of steaks, She cut me the first one - which weighed 24 ounces - and then asked if I wanted a second the same size! We got dinner for two and a lunchtime snack from the just one.
Last time we were here, they were refurbishing the lighthouse so it was great to find the work finished - although they seem to have missed some of the paintwork - so that we could climb to the light deck and watch the two oceans meeting.
We also enjoyed some great walking across the limestone terrain amongst the Fynbos - must come back when it is all flowering at the end of winter - bet it is just as stunning as the Burren in Spring.
Slight mixup with the agent over our booking meant that we had to spend our last night at our favourite B&B before heading off to the De Hoop Nature reserve.
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