DECEMBER 2010 GAU FS NW NC WC EC KZN MP LMP
CONCERTS COMPETITIONS FILM FESTIVALS eXTREME Rated e
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RATED e for eXTREME Adventurous Fun Festive Concer ts May lead to travel addiction w w w.love4adventure.co.za
Hermanus & The Quarters L4A visited Hermanus for the Wine 2 Whales MTB race and spent the evening at the 4 star Quarters Hotel.
The 2nd Issuu 3 crashes, 5 days without internet (thank Telkom) and 1 move to Sea Point later and we’ve finally released our second issue. Nothing goes entirely to plan - much to my annoyance. Despite the mountains and mole hills we’re happy to present Issue 002.
Things To Do in December Festivals, concerts, horse races, beach competitions and more promise to make this the most fun-filled, action packed summer since the summer of ‘69
We’ve had a ton of fun researching it and getting out there doing things. We hope that it will inspire you to get out there and do stuff too. If you do and you’d like to share your experiences please write to us and we’ll try include you in the next issue. Thanks again to all our supporters and friends who are helping to make Love4Adventure awesome!
Gauteng
Editor: Steve R Producer: Deidré R Design: Steve R subscribe@love4adventure.co.za www.love4adventure.co.za © blank creative cc The opinions expressed in Love4Adventure are not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system. We would like this digital mag to be Liked, Shared and Joined via social media by you and all your friends. Share it!.
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“Do you know a good place to get pizza?” I asked mischievously. “Right here!” replied the waiter standing outside Paradiso Pasta & Pizzeria, not missing a beat. Looking me square in the eye he added “You’re standing outside the best pizza place in Hermanus!” But I’m getting ahead of myself. Our journey begins 8 hours earlier as the wife and I raced towards Onrus Caravan Park, eager to arrive before the awards ceremony for the Wines 2Whales Mountain Bike Race. After riding for 3 days, crossing 13 wineries, 26 private farms, 6 mountains, historic roads, nature conservations and mountain passes the riders were finally reaching the finish line. Families and friends cheered them on from the side lines. The top riders completed all three days in a approx. 10 hours, while for many it was an olympian effort, cycling up to 10 hours each day. After the awards were handed out, the beers drunk and the boerie rolls eaten it was time to check in at The Quarters in Hermanus. The luxuriously appointed rooms feel spacious and homey. Designed by Carol Cornwall from Cornwall International they exude a contemporary elegance
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that makes you feel at ease. Despite being fairly new the hotel has an excellent level of service, due in no small way to the experience and leadership of GM Elizma Gerber. After settling in and freshening up we took a leisurely stroll, window shopping and following our noses from restaurant to bistro to see what they had on offer. We were drawn by the sounds of live blues at Cubaña and decided to enjoy some late afternoon drinks and a starter while deciding where to eat. The view from our seats was great and soon we were enthralled by the antics of the whales breaching in the bay. Nachos gobbled and drinks finished it was time to find a dinner spot. We were unsure where to eat, but walking past Paradiso and seeing their customers heartily enjoying pizza’s we were pretty much sold. Which is where we started. It’s no secret that I am difficult to please when it comes to eating out. Especially when I know exactly what I feel like. And what I felt like at that exact moment was pizza with steak on it. Alas there was no steak pizza on the menu. After interrogating the waitress I discovered that the Paradiso Surprise pizza was meaty and contained no
seafood. I know I’m going on about this a bit... but I got a pizza with steak on it, which is EXACTLY what I felt like and it was GLORIOUS! The food was amazing, the wine was good and to top it all off we made some new friends so we had good company to boot. After dinner we returned to our suite at the Quarters to share a relaxing bubble bath before hopping in to bed to watch some satellite (we don’t have TV so it was a treat). The problem is that the bed and duvet are so comfy that I was soon sleeping like a rock (no offence to Gautengers intended). Well I guess that’s not really a problem at all. If you’d like a similar experience check out the great competition on page 19. The Quarters is offering 1 lucky couple a 2 night stay and Paradiso are sponsoring a meal to the value of R300!
We waited excitedly at the Wines2Whales finish line at the Onrus seaside caravan park! Most of the cyclists had been on the road for over 6 hours at this stage. While the athletes pushed themselves for the honour of placing in the top 3, I really respect the endurance of the chubby not-so-fit guys spending hours in the sun, aching and cramping but not giving up. Well done to all of you!
One of my favourite photos. The winners for stage 1 Erik Kleinhans & Oliver Munnik The race was limited to 1000 riders (500 entries – teams of 2), so most of their families and friends were at the finish line eagerly awaiting their arrival. The whole camp was buzzing with congratulations, hugs, laughter and camaraderie! The awards ceremony was prompt & well supported. We love it that the local wine estates which the
riders rode through sponsored the prizes, not to mention the great community support.
even for 2 of us (whether or not you think that’s a complaint I’ll leave for you to decide).
After the ceremony was over we made our way to Hermanus. I was so excited to see the whales. The wind was strong & the sea a bit rough but the gentle giants did not disappoint as they breached & splashed. We felt safe walking around Hermanus, from the Quarters Hotel along the boardwalk, whale watching and windowshopping.
Our suite at the Quarters felt more like a plush version of home than a hotel room - it really was a treat to stay there. Steve ran a bubble bath (what can I say I love warm water, bubbles & at least you know we’re clean) and we relaxed before tucking ourselves into a gloriously soft bed where the duvet gently snuggles you into a deep sleep. Even if you can only manage to stay one night it’s worth the trip – we stayed on Sunday night and drove straight to work early on Monday morning. Not the ideal. But the feeling of relaxation managed to stay with us all through the traffic back home.
We discovered a great little gem called Paradiso. The staff were good humoured and efficient. Steve was in his element with his steak pizza, we made new friends and they played great music. The Tiramisu we ordered for dessert was way too big,
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FRIDAY 03 - SUNDAY 05 NC
NOW - SATURDAY 05 FEB 2011 WC
SATURDAY 04 - MONDAY 13 LMP
Namakwa Festival
Saturday Supper Concerts
Mapungubwe Arts Festival
Springbok's annual Namakwa Festival celebrates the indigenous culture of the people of Namakwa. This year's programme includes snake and bird displays, art and craft exhibitions, sport races, tribal dances, The Miss Namakwa competition, kookskerm storytelling, theatre and dance performances, potjiekos competitions, a fun street carnival and various local and country-wide artists. Springbok is known as the Heart of Namakwaland and is most famous for its spring flower displays. Contact Ben Similani m: +27 (0) 84 956-1865 e: namfest1@hotmail.com
The Rural Cape Music Saturday Supper Concerts at Solms-Delta is a collection of informal outdoor early evening live concerts that bring the best of the rural Cape music and dance culture together on a weekly basis during the festive summer months.
Formerly called The Melting Pot, the festival includes an exciting display of genres of the arts. This includes a vibrant mix of theatre, kwaito, jazz, fashion shows, film and video, and cultural displays showcasing an assortment of traditional foods and performances. Limpopo Tourism and Parks t: +27 15 290 7300/55 e: info@golimpopo.com
WEDNESDAY 01 - SUNDAY 19 GAU
THURSDAY 16 WC
Mzansi Fela Festival
Hot Water live at Backsberg
The 19 day festival begins with a march from the Union Building to The State Theatre on 01 December. All will be entertained by the music of Chomee, and dancing by Pantsula, Gumboot, Hip Hop and traditional Tswana and Zulu dancers. Contact Lindelwa Mahlabe e: lindelwa@statetheatre.co.za www.statetheatre.co.za
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Thousands of arts lovers and enthusiasts are expected to converge on Polokwane (Pietersburg), Limpopo for the annual Mapungubwe Arts Festival. The 8 day festival offers visitors an allencompassing thrilling encounter.
Spend a Saturday evening soaking up the sun, scenery and sounds of this magical concert series while indulging in a glass of Solms-Delta wine and a hearty Fyndraai Kaapse braai buffet. Contact Fyndraai t: +27 21 874 3937 EXT 115 e: restaurant@solms-delta.co.za www.solms-delta.co.za/events/ summer-concerts/
Hot Water incorporate several elements of traditional South African music with folk, blues and indie-pop rock to offer a truly unique musical experience. Backsberg invites you to relax and enjoy a delicious picnic while listening to Hot Water live at Backsberg. R85 - R150p/p facebook.com/BacksbergConcerts for the full line up...
and concerts in December 2010 SUNDAY 05 - FRIDAY 31 KZN
TUESDAY 07 FS
THURSDAY 16 - MONDAY 20 MP
Margate Summer Splash
Fly Fishing Film Festival
Dullstroom Festival of Art
Hordes of students descend on Margate for the Summer Splash, a month of summer madness. This year the highlights are definitely Locnville and Goldfish who will be playing on 09 and 10 December 2010 respectively.
Watch massive brown trout engulf cicada patterns in the crystal streams of New Zealand. Laugh along with one of the world's most eccentric fly tyers and his crazy patterns. For salt fly aficionados there are large yellowtail on poppers and other adrenaline pumping action in the best fly fishing films in the world today. Loch Logan Nu Metro Cinema, Bloemfontein.
From December 16 to 20, Dullstroom will come alive with the Festival of Art, Culture and Environment, a 5 day festival and showcase of visual arts, sculpture, pottery, food, wine, music and environmental awareness.
http://www.gomargate.co.za/ eventscalendar2009.html
Dullstroom Info Office t: 013 254 0020
FRIDAY 10 - SUNDAY 12 GAU
East Rand Summer Festival
Contact Nick Reygaert t: 086 110 0220 SATURDAY11 GAU
Sonic Summer Concert
3 days of fantastic food, top South African Bands and 150 exhibition stands, offering a variety of products from the craft, home and kid industries. With the likes of Watershed and Gerhard Steyn this promises to be the biggest event East Rand has ever seen! Contact Kelly Craytor t: 0860 383 689
MONDAY 27 - SATURDAY 08 JAN WC
Summer Sun Festival Get ready to rock! It's time for the 2010/2011 Summer Sun Festival at Diaz Beach. Prepare yourself for the best sun, sand and sizzle that the Garden Route has to offer. The festival will be jam packed with shows, concerts and plenty of beach activities. Contact Adele t: 082 332 0479 www.summersunfestival.co.za
Grab your mates and get to the ZEF side this December for South Africa's hottest live acts, Goldfish and Die Antwoord, who will be performing with Jax Panik and Locnville at Emmarentia Dam. Gates open at 13:00 and the show starts at 15:00. www.sonicsummer.co.za
If you attended any of the festivals, concerts or events on this page please let us know what you thought of it. Email us on love@love4adventure.co.za MEH AVERAGE COOL FUN AWESOME HEART BURSTING
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06h45 SATURDAY 01 Armed with a DRIFT HD170 video and stills camera mounted on my shoulder and wearing my Inov-8 FLite 320’s (trail running shoes) I arrived at the base of Platteklip Gorge. I was among the 300 odd looneys there to compete... well compete may be too strong a word, perhaps participate is better... to participate in the Platteklip Record Attempt.
soon my lungs were burning and my legs protesting the sheer madness of what I was forcing them to endure For those who don’t know what that means - it’s about a 3km trail run UP Platteklip Gorge, Table Mountain. Why would anyone run up Table Mountain you ask? Simple, we’re awesome and we can! The DRIFT HD170 Camera was kindly sponsored by Action Camera’s. It retails for R3799.00
www.actioncameras.co.za
The race briefing started at 06h45. The more serious contenders huddled away from the group, no doubt discussing tactics, techniques and psyching themselves out for the race ahead. 5 minutes to go and we start to get into position. I made some last minute adjustments to
the camera. 2 minutes to go, the leader pack moves to the front. 30 seconds and I’m starting to wonder at my foolishness. 07h00 and we start. I fell into a comfortable trot in the middle of the group but soon my lungs were burning and my legs protesting the sheer madness of what I was forcing them to endure. Less than half way up and near the back of the pack I realised that I wasn’t going to make my 45 minute goal due to my lack of training, fitness and reduced lung capacity after a 3 week bout of nasty flu. By the halfway mark I met the first member of the record contenders. Unfortunately he was pretty wrecked and had decided to pull out. With 3 people behind me I decided to pick up the pace again, thinking I could catch up to the next group. Bad idea, as it turns out... I almost lost a lung and there was steam coming off me. By the time I reached the top I was alone, most of the participants having past me on their way back down. I managed a cool 63min03sec a far cry from my old 38min record. Hopefully next year, with plenty of training I can try for a sub 40.
Explore strange new places, seek out excitement and new adventures Boldly go where few have gone before
WEDNESDAY 01 - SUNDAY 19 WC
Wavescape Surf Film Festival
be auctioned on behalf of the Ticket to Ride Foundation’s surfing development programme.
The seventh annual Wavescape Surf Film Festival, presented by Save our Seas, kickstarts the 2010 summer season in Cape Town with a bumper crop of adrenaline charged surf movies. WEDNESDAY 08 Twelve surfboards decorated by artists will go on auction at Depasco on Kloof Street. Proceeds go to ocean charities, including the NSRI and Shark Spotters, with a special board decorated by township kids to
The festival, supported by Quiksilver, Pick ‘n Pay, Men’s Health, Cape Times, and 2oceansvibe Radio, begins with the Wavescape Surfboard Art Exhibition from December 1 to 7 at the trendy Cape Town restaurant Depasco Cafe. Twelve surfboards decorated by artists will go on auction on December 8. Proceeds go to ocean charities, including the NSRI and Shark Spotters, with a special board decorated by township kids to be auctioned on behalf of the Ticket to Ride Foundation’s surfing development programme. FRIDAY 10 - SUNDAY 19 The film section of the festival begins with the open-air free screening of Scratching the Surface on Clifton Fourth Beach on Friday December 10 after the
sun goes down. The film includes cutting edge camera technology in use by pioneering surf filmmakers. Thousands of like-minded people gather on the beach with picnics from early in the evening to enjoy a long, languid summer evening. Indoor films will be screened at the Brass Bell in Kalk Bay from 12 to 15 December and at the Labia Theatre on Orange from 16 to 19 December. Prize giveaways from official surfing sponsor Quiksilver will be randomly handed out to members of the audience throughout the festival, as well as three Sector 9 surfboards, a surfboard, a wodge of meal vouchers from Kauai and surf lesson vouchers from Learn 2 Surf. www.wavescape.co.za
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WEDNESDAY 08 - SATURDAY 11 WC
TUESDAY 07 - FRIDAY 10 WC
Jesse Clegg on tour
Alfred Dunhill Championship The South African leg of the PGA European Tour, the Alfred Dunhill Championship takes place once again at Leopard Creek Golf Club in Malelane, Mpumalanga.
Jesse, son of world-renowned singer-song writer and political activist Johnny Clegg, is on tour promoting his debut album ‘When I Wake Up’. He will be playing a 4 night stint at The Purple Turtle starting on the 8th December, with opening acts The Windy City, and The Jack Mantis Band. Contact Talitha t: +27 21 424 0811 thepurpleturtle.co.za
With over £1,000,000 prize money there's plenty to play for. The PGA European Tour and its American counterpart, the PGA Tour, are the richest and most celebrated golfing competitions in the world. For the European stars on the Tour there is more at stake than money: the top 10 players are automatically selected for the European Team to play against the US in the Ryder Cup. Save winning one of the majors, competing in this competition is the pinnacle of a golfer's career. Contact Michelle van Eyden t: +27 11 347 1304 alfreddunhillchampionship.co.za
NOW - JANUARY 01 WC
Strawberry Picking Strawberry picking at Mooiberg Farm is a great way to spend time with friends, young ones and family. You can spend as much time there as you like and they really don't mind if you taste in between. Strawberries charged/kg. t: +27 21 881 3222
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SUNDAY 12 - SATURDAY 18 WC
SA Paragliding Winelands Open With the strong traditions of the All Africa Open Paragliding competitions to live up to, the SA Paragliding Winelands Open promises to exceed the expectations of competition pilots from around the world.
There will be two take off options as well as a separate staging area as the event takes flight in Porterville, Swartland. Pilots need to be ready to fly between 10 and 11 to take advantage of the areas ideal conditions. Contact Mike m: +27 83 645 1516 TUESDAY 14 & MONDAY 20 WC
Wine Basics & Tasting Can you tell we love wine! Learn about something you enjoy at Dornier Wine Estate, presented by My Wine Space. This is a great option, whether you want to go for fun with friends or to actually learn the basics about wine (to impress the cute guys or girls with your mad skills about winemaking, reading wine labels or sniffing & splurping!) It only costs about R395 per person. Call Chris m: +27 79 016 1132 e: events@mywinespace.co.za
THURSDAY 16 - SUNDAY 19 MP
Sabie Experience MTB Challenge
THURSDAY 16 WC
SATURDAY 08 JAN 2011 WC
All Bike Race Day & Festival
Totalsports Challenge
Whether you are a petrolhead, biker, spectator or participant you won't want to miss out on the All Bike Race Day and Bike Festival. Join the WPMC Motorcycle Section at Killarney in Cape Town on 16 December to experience this moto-rrific (oh yes we did) event. Contact Glynis Coetzee t: +27 86 657 2112 bikefestival@eversonscider.com allbikeraceday.blogspot.com SUNDAY 19 EC
Hansgrohe Masters of Water Summer is here and that means it’s time to gear up for the tough four-day Sabie Experience mountain bike challenge. Organisers tried to flatten those hills for the seventh annual race but those hills just won't cooperate. There are some promising new routes this year and lots of pedals will be grinding! For the less than superhumanly fit or experienced, you might consider the Sabie Experience Lite. This is also a 4-day event but covers distances of between 20-40km. Teams and individual riders will receive a finishing time and memento. Enter online! Contact Fiona Coward t: +27 11 462 0016 e: fiona@sabiexperience.co.za sabiexperience.co.za Photos © Kelvin Trautman
Reigning Champion, Dan Hugo is excited to defend his title at one of his favourite events, starting in Gordon’s Bay on Saturday, 08 January 2011. The Totalsports Challenge is a fun event that can be enjoyed by athletes of all skill levels and is more doable than most people would expect. Go on! Be a man or woman for that matter... enter the challenge. Contact Jacky t: +27 21 883 2413 e: jacky@stillwatersports.com stillwatersports.com SATURDAY 08 JAN 2011 WC
L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate
Bring along your beach towel and sunscreen to Kings Beach, PE and join us for an afternoon of lifesaving fun as The Hansgrohe Masters of Water Stage One makes it’s opening splash. 31 top lifesaving athletes and 40 junior ‘Nippers’ (aged between 12 to 14 years) from across the country will compete in multiple beach and surf events including beach flags, sprints, swim, board, ski and the iron man challenge.
Hob nob with the who's who at the prestigious L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate. Classic vintage cars will be on display during the day, by night some of SA’s top musicians and DJs to entertain the crowds till late.
Contact Nikki t: +27 21 448 2020
Book online at Computicket www.lqp.co.za
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C
ome quickly I am tasting the stars! These famous words spilled from Dom Perignon when he discovered Champagne. Legend has it that Dom Perignon was the first to make Champagne. The truth is far less romantic and somewhat boring so lets stick to the legend. While Champagne is traditionally associated with celebration there are those who believe otherwise! Madame Lilly Bollinger famously remarked “I drink champagne when I'm happy and when I'm sad. Sometimes I drink it when I'm alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I'm not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise I never touch it unless I'm thirsty.” If I had the budget I would fall into this category. Most people need an occasion to open Champagne but I say Champagne is the occasion. Or as Napoleon Bonaparte once said “I drink Champagne when I win, to celebrate... and I drink Champagne when I lose, to console myself.” Broadly speaking the difference between Champagne and South African Method Cap Classique is the length of time that the wine spends on the lees in the bottle, although the French will tell you that it is the Terroir that makes Champagne superior. There is something about Champagne that puts me on a little “high” when drinking it, could it be the price that was paid? Not likely as there are quite a few South African MCCs that are now priced at the same level as smaller, unknown
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Champagne producers. The difference there would be that the South African MCC would have spent 3-4 years on the lees whereas the Champagne possibly only 2 years on the lees. Give me a good bottle of bubbles any day French or South African, when made well, it can't be beat. Call me a wine snob I don't care, but there should be mandator y Headache Pills that accompany some bottles of fizz on the market so beware the choice you make this Festive Season. It is the Season to be jolly but please drink responsibly and don't drink and drive...
Cheers Happy Holidays!
Rainbows End Rosé 2009 Made from the juice of the 6 varietals produced by Rainbow’s End namely Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Petit Verdot and Malbec, this Rosé is a “rainbow” of flavours from black berry to stoned cherry and a drop of tropical notes, with a strawberry nose but a long dry finish. A great way to finish a day with a serious Rosé in the height of Summer as a prelude to an evening with fine wines and great food. R42.50 per bottle
Steenberg Nebbilolo 2007 Elegance and opulence comes to mind when tasting this Nebbiolo from Steenberg, a gentle medium bodied wine with a light plum colour has notes of strawberry preserve and all spice. Picture a scone with a smidgen of strawberry jam and sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg – savoury with pockets of underlying fruitfulness. Great match with Italian cuisine and wild mushroom risotto. R154.50 per bottle
Genevieve Brut 2008 100% Chardonnay grapes (Blanc de Blanc) from the Overberg with a minimum of 18 months on the lees before degorgement with the last batch being degorged this week at 30 months on the lees. This extended lees contact giving the Method Cap Classique complex rich flavours and note of pears and apple that would complete any celebration. 12% Alcohol and dry, only 5500 bottles produced of this gorgeous wine. R168.50 per bottle
All wines available at Wine Concepts on Kloof Lifestyles on Kloof, 50 Kloof Street www.wineconcepts.co.za
FRIDAY PM: The hubby, his folks and I decided to shoot off to the countryside to visit some old friends in Napier, just near Bredasdorp. We love stopping at the deli at Houw Hoek Farm Stall which is stocked with such yummy treats, freshly baked home-made pies, mosbolletjies (Mark’s favourite), fruit and vegetables straight from the Elgin Valley. The “pad-kos” sorted we were on our way again. The 30 km drive from Caledon to Napier is so beautiful that I try to stay awake so I can see the harvested fields, the odd falcon or Blue Crane taking flight and the flocks of sheep grazing in the fields. 176km outside of the city, located under the Soetmusiberg, this once sleepy “Afrikaans Dorpie” has become a perfect little get away. Wolly and Pat along with the Baroness von Toffee and Mr. Baker (who looks exactly like the Fantastic Mr Fox) welcome us warmly to their home. Napier quietens down to a whisper after sunset. After dinner, laughs and stories about the good old days its time for bed. SATURDAY AM: We are awoken by a loudspeaker
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blaring in Main Road, announcing that Sunday morning the electricity will be off from 5am-3pm. Breakfast, consisting of corn- flakes, watermelon, home made fig and kumquat jam, gruyere cheese and mosbolletjies, was interrupted by the Farrier who arrived to shod and file the two equine male residents Johnny Boy and Banjo (who Mark renamed Wookie because of his Cushing’s Disease). After nipping some figs in the gardens to make jam while trying to avoid the hissing, grumpy geese we decided to head off to Bredasdorp to the newly established Checkers to restock our supplies. Wolly tells us that the lift in the underground parking of the 1st floor, which can take maximum 4 people, burned out in the first week. After an afternoon nap it was time for some horse riding. Exciting, because Mark’s mom would be riding a horse, solo, for the 1st time! Johnny, the old thoroughbred with his perfect shining coat and obedient temperament, obliged. Mark hopped on Wookie and Pat on an Arab named Riesling. I was left with the only mare, a Fresian – Midnight aka Nightmare. Her name says it all. Once saddled and mounted we head up to the gate for an outride, but Midnight
spooks. I’ve been riding many times, but I was taken aback by Midnight’s “woopsy” (bucking, kicking, biting) so we decided to leave her behind. In the ravine ‘mom’ was confident and having a good ride on Johnny Boy. We trotted around town, admiring the old cottages with their pretty gardens. The town is so peaceful that you can cross the main road and dash in and out of streets at your own leisure. Even the townsfolk are friendly and relaxed, everyone greets each other kindly and respectfully. SUNDAY AM: We have only just begun to unwind and relax and the pressures of Monday morning are calling. Freshly baked bread comes out the oven at 12h00 (once power is restored 3 hours ahead of schedule) and we enjoy toast and coffee while lazing on the “stoep” watching the light rain. By early afternoon we are on our way home. No one likes to say goodbye, especially to such dear friends who have helped us, once again, to appreciate the wonders of nature and the incredible comfort found out in the countryside. We promise not to wait so long for our next visit.
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meeting Buddy of Toyota fame was a real highlight for the kids and I
Collie from the SPCA ourselves, the stands devoted to Husky Rescue, the Cape Town Sledding Club (deserved gold medal winners for their informative and interactive display) and Dog Carting were highlights for us. We discovered the sport of dryland sledding (only recently introduced in Cape Town) with its noble aim of getting this active and often misunderstood breed ‘out of the backyard and into the open’ - it’s a wonderful way for the humans to get their exercise too! The various shows and displays in the arena had us laughing and clapping in delight and awe at the talent of the dogs. As one onlooker put it though, “Unless you are a Collie, you just don’t seem to get it right!” But this did not stop the German Shepherds, a Poodle and even a Whippet from giving the Flyball Team Event their all.
World of Dogs and Cats Expo Two little people and I had been looking forward to WODAC, without really knowing what to expect. Staged in Cape Town for the first time in 2010, it is a showcase of household pets (including the more unusual choices), their talents, their potential and products and services geared for their wellbeing. There were so many beautiful, healthy and happy pooches for the kids and I to stroke and feed treats to that we never even made it to the Birds, Fish, Reptiles or Cats. Being home to an adopted Husky x Border
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A highlight was meeting Buddy – the lovable, wise and extremely well-trained Boxer star of the Toyota advertising campaign. He might have been a little overwhelmed by the attention from all his fans; though we never did hear him speak. We know now to plan to attend the entire three-day programme if we are to get anywhere near to experiencing all the attractions – and next year we will!
The Barnyard Invited to a five-year old friend’s farewell party one Friday afternoon, we set off to The Barnyard – a kidfriendly restaurant that seems to have been around forever, but also constantly evolving. There is nothing quite like having the greedy pigeons tamely feeding at the tips of your toes, playing hideand-seek with the goats, going for pony rides or taking the unsuspecting guinea pigs for numerous adventures around the play area to keep already tired and hot children (they had exhausted themselves at their school sports day in the morning) happily occupied for an afternoon. The service was friendly and unflappable considering that this was a rather disorganized, informal kids party afterall. The choice of a toasted sandwich, fruit juice, bag of bird seed and a pony ride for R55/child is excellent value considering the entertainment options on offer in a safe, outdoors environment. As a ‘grown-up’ I am still a little disappointed at the nature of the ‘farm stall’ having visited on separate occasions I find it unbearably hot (clearly the cashier does too), and nothing is really appealing about the layout or produce on offer. So hopefully this area will continue to evolve as the rest of the establishment does.
L4A Wine Concepts Competition Congratulations to our December Wine Concepts Competition winners:
2 Nights in the 4 star Quarters Hotel Hermanus
East Rand Summer Festival Friday 10 - Sunday 12 Dec 10x double tickets to be won Enter online
Please visit Wine Concepts on Kloof (Lifestyle Centre) to collect your prizes. There are 3 more wines to win this month. Be sure to get to Wine Concepts on Kloof for the daily tastings to enter the competition.
The Quarters Hotel Harbour Road Hermanus is offering 1 lucky couple the chance to win a 2 night stay in their luxurious 4 Star Hotel. To really spoil you Paradiso Pasta & Pizzeria offers the winners a dinner to the value of R300. To enter the competition visit our website and click on the Competitions button and enter... simple as that.
Hot Water live @ Backsberg Thursday 16 Dec 1x double ticket to be won Enter online
T&C’s Apply.
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FRIDAY 10 DEC - 05 MAR 2011
TROPHﾃ右 ANDROS France The Andros Trophy is the French national Ice Racing championship. With the likes of ex-Formula 1 drivers Alain Prost and Olivier Panis it promises to be an exciting series. www.tropheeandros.com
SATURDAY 11 - SUNDAY 12 DEC
PHOENIX TEQUILA FEST Phoenix, Arizona Phoenix, known as the Valley of the Sun, is home to the Phoenix Tequila Fest. Tequila experts and mixologists showcase hot trends in tequila, from tequila infusions with mango, coffee, guayaba, habanero and pineapple to watermelon margaritas. www.phoenixtequilafest.com
SUNDAY 26 - THURSDAY 30 DEC
INTERNATIONAL TANGO FESTIVAL Amsterdam, Holland Share in the intimacy, tradition and avant-garde of tango. Tangomagia offers exquisite locations and the best line-up of tango dancers from Buenos Aires and Europe. www.tangomagia.com
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TUESDAY 21 - WEDNESDAY 22 DEC
RED BULL HUT RALLY St Anton am Arlberg, Austria St. Anton hosts the craziest ski race since the White Thrill, the Redbull Hut Rally. 24 international freeski scene pros have been invited to join the race. Freeskiers, ski instructors, hobby racers, freeriders and other ski sport enthusiasts are all welcome to register for the race on the Red Bull homepage. www.redbull.at/huettenrallye
FRIDAY 10 - WEDNESDAY 15 DEC
ABU DHABI ADVENTURE CHALLENGE United Arab Emirates
SUNDAY 05 - SUNDAY 12 DEC
GOLD COAST KITESURFING PRO WORLD TOUR EVENT Queensland, Australia
The Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge is a gruelling 6 day multi-sports team racing event. Teams will take part in running, swimming, kayaking, mountain biking, mountaineering and desert orienteering. Live race coverage and information at: www.abudhabi-adventure.com
One of the most exciting pro kitesurfing events is underway on Main Beach, Gold Coast in Queensland. Catch the action on: www.prokitetour.com
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