It seemed like a good idea in September

So the time has arrived - the eve of the race.

I've done a bit of cycling over the last month or so, carbo loaded with a very mediocre Lasagne at the V&A waterfront, hydrated with a glass or two of Bosuns Pale Ale, and a drinkable Spier Chenin Blanc along with Grilled Calamari and Tuna Tacos at La Parada on Bree, and my healthy breakfast is waiting in the fridge.

All I have to do now is make it to the start, cycle the 109km course and get to the beer tent in the race village in good time.

Unfortunately, while the temperature looks comfortable, the South Easterly wind is forecast to blow at 28km/hr at my start time and to be above 40km by the finish so the challenge may be staying upright in the wind.

Anyway I'm sure it will be an interesting experience, I may make a friend or two along the way and there may even be a few stories - watch this space and thanks for all the messages of support.

A Harvest Festival and Sunday Brunch

On Saturday, the Paarl Harvest Celebration was hosted by 9 different wineries. We managed a late breakfast at one - Domaine Brahms - which delayed our first tasting till 11.00 and then squeezed in a tasting and a bit of shopping at a couple of others before we headed home. We could have availed of the free shuttle bus service like some groups who clearly planned on making a day of it but decided that our morning's effort should be rewarded by an hour or two by the pool.

Linda was waiting at the Tokara Deli for us on Sunday morning as Ally, Cam and arived back from our morning ride for a well earned brunch. We were tempted by a glass of fizz but had to decline since we still had to ride home.

All we have to worry about now is the weather next Sunday, the South Easterly wind, a few tall hills, the ride itself and the 36,000 other competitors.

Benguela

When we were looking for a restaurant in De Kelders, we almost skipped past Benguela because it seemed to have a number of dodgy reviews. However, we then realised that they were all from 2011-2015 and that for the past 2 years there were nothing but 4 & 5 star reviews.

Interesting concept, Jonathan - the chef - and his partner Handre serve dinner to as many as 16 guests in a dinner party setting and rely on the interaction between the guests to make the party work. Of course, they served some excellent food and wines in a very comfortable setting and Jonathan was always on hand to introduce each course and to join in the chat.

There were 11 of us on Thursday evening and we had a great time - next time we will have to stay with them. Interesting mix of dinner companions - a group of 5 young Austrians who were a little concerned about being seasick on the Great White Shark trip the next morning, a local travel agent - who had a fairly loud and vociferous opinion on almost everything - with her husband who was very different, and an Anglo-Iranian couple who worked in Riyadh but had just bought a home in Knysna.

A different tasting

While we were not tempted by the KWV Wine Emporium, we were intrigued by their Sensorium which combines a variety of tasting programmes with a visit to their gallery of South African Art.

On a very warm afternoon, we spent an hour or two visiting the gallery and of course doing a bit of tasting. Linda settled for the sweet wines, and port matched with a variety of cupcakes while I opted for the brandy and chocolate tasting.

As a change from other tastings, each of the pieces of art had been assigned a matching wine.  I couldn't manage a glass for each picture - but maybe I'll go back and try again.

It's great to have a guide

I'm sure the path is there. 

Well, actually it's over here

On the road

On our way south to De Kelders we drove through Franschhoek Pass which had been closed the previous week by a bush fire which had burned out of control for 5 or 6 days before they managed to contain it. We saw the evidence of the fire for about 15km as we drove up and over the pass - about 6000 hectares was burned in the fire but thankfully no homes or people were affected.

Therafter we headed across country towards Caledon with its huge grain fields - all harvested now and a dusty brown colour - to Stanford for a quick lunch before we checked into our apartment in De Kelders.

We'd planned on a hike along the beach at Walker Bay but the whole bay was affected by a Red Tide algal bloom which made it a less attractive idea. We hiked along the cliffs above the bay instead and noted the absence of almost any seabirds along the coast.

Christoff showed up bright and early on Thursday  morning and we headed back through Stanford to the Phillipskop reserve. It was a bright but cooler morning so perfect weather for our hike around the mountain. It makes such a difference to be in the company of a professional guide who knows the plant, animal and birdlife of an area.

Everlasting

Erica

A very pleasant 5 hour hike and a stop at the bakery in Stanford for coffee and baked cheesecake on the way home.  Have to admit that the rest of the afternoon was devoted to relaxing - although we did manage a walk along the cliff top path before it was time to prepare for dinner at Benguela.

Three men in a boat

When there is a build up of weed in the lake, the estate employ a team of suitably qualified professionals;

Do you think we can take any more?

who had obviously carried an appropriate health and safety assessment of the work before they started;

Sure, it'll be grand! 

See, there was definitely room for some more. 

and, thankfully they made it safely to the shore to unload and start all over again