South Africa - 3 0f 11 - Table Mountain - Cape Town 2025

 Table Mountain - Turning the Tables - no tablecloth today

Our spinning lift to the Table top

Cape Town with Robben Island

We had to delay our trip to Table Mountain by one day. High winds stopped play! When the lift is closed, you have to walk up to the table top, and that's not for us. The wind dropped, and the clouds cleared for our day on the Table. We waited for the morning rush hour to disperse before getting in our little car in Somerset West and heading to Cape Town on the M2. The traffic was okay initially, but then it slowed to a stop, and we were diverted through Mitchells Plain and some less than savoury areas. Eventually, we rejoined the M2 and took a convoluted route to our Kloof Nek Park and Ride on the Table Mountain hillside. Well, it's supposed to be Park and Ride but became 'Stand and Wait'. Roadworks meant the shuttle buses were being held up. We took a taxi with a couple from Sussex who were also short of patience in the burning midday sun. Once at the lift, we discovered a mammoth queue estimated to be about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Far too long for us. We opted to upgrade our standard pre-booked fare to the Fast Track option; it meant paying an extra £50, but hey-ho. With the extra payment, the queue shrank miraculously to 15 minutes, we were soon on our way up on the Cable Car. It has a weird turntable floor so that nobody can hog the best view. Our Sussex taxi mates were on the same lift, having also paid the upgrade fee. A rapid rise to the top and time to take in the view. 

 

Pretty stupendous outlook up there and certainly provides an excellent overview of Cape Town and the locality. The geography is quite complicated around the Cape and it's easier to understand with an eagles eye view. Quite busy, of course. I suppose if you have waited hours to get up there, you are not going to do a quick turnaround. It's also fair to assume a lot of the punters were yesterday's men and women whose visits, like ours, had been delayed by the windy weather. We had a bit of lunch in a cafe up top. Not very exciting but probably our fault as we noticed a better place to eat near the Fast Track entrance on the way down. Once at the bottom we bumped into our Sussex mates again. They were going to drive to Chapmans Peak wheras we planned to go to the V & A waterfront. We decided that as it was such a lovely clear day we should do something similar and save the waterfront for another day. 

Table Mountain is clearly not as flat as it looks from below

 Lovely - Llandudno Beach

We put Camps Bay into our Sat Nav and headed off on our next adventure. It wasn't far to the Atlantic Coast and we were soon down on Llandudno Beach which was lovely. Only time for a paddle in the clean but icy cold water before heading on to Hout Bay where we stopped at the Chapmans Peak Hotel for a drink. We took a seat in the comfortable cafe only to be tapped on the shoulder by our new friends from Sussex. Unbeknown to us they had also stopped at the same place, quite a coincidence. We joined them and decided to also have something to eat. After a pleasant stop we headed on to Chapmans Peak. This stretch is a toll road and very scenic. Its probably more enjoyable in the opposite direction as its easier to stop although a certain vertigo sufferer probably would not agree, particularly as she had already seen enough steep drops up on the Table! We pushed on, making the occasional photo stop, towards Kalk Bay and then up the M3 towards Cape Town. The sun was starting to go down at this point and we were a bit concerned that if we got lost we might be vulnerable. Our map had recommended a scenic drive along False Bay but we were advised that this might not be safe. There was a horrendous traffic jam in the opposite direction which added to our anxiety. Anyway, all is well that ends well and we made it back to Just Unwind just after dark at 8pm

By the way we spotted the Monkey Valley just above the fantastic Noordhoek beach. We thought it might be a nice place to stay - until we looked at the reviews. What a fantastic location.

Nordhoek Beach

South Africa - 2 0f 11- Vergelegen - Cape Town 2025

 

A view from Stables at Vergelegen

Vergelegen Winery.

Wow, what a place to kick-off with. Vergelegen covers a huge area of parkland in addition to the fields of grapes. 

We had pre-booked a lunch at Stables, a very nice restaurant in the grounds. We ate there three times in total as it became our destination of choice. It's only about 5 minutes from Just Unwind by car. You enter by a long tree-lined road, cross a narrow bridge and then get to a barrier. Oldies pay 10 Rand to visit, less than 50p, but it was free for us on this Monday in January. We felt special. After our first walk in the grounds, past the Sunflowers, we headed for a lovely lunch. We sat inside as, although it was bright and sunny, it was very windy. On subsequent visits we sat outside on the terrace. And so it was we we had our first South African meal!After tasty starters we both had lovely tender Sirloin Steaks. Service was friendly, efficient and faultless. Our bill with tip was about £50. 

We decided we were going to like it here!

Another wander to see the old colonial house and library etc and more of the grounds and gardens followed by Coffee and Cake in the Rose Garden Teashop. What's not to like! We'll be back!

Agapanthus

Living the dream on my tractor

Sun and Flowers

A very genteel cup of Tea

South Africa - 1 of 11 - Heading for Somerset West - Cape Town 2025

  Heading South

It’s supposed to be an easy flight to South Africa. It’s only a two hour time difference and it’s all downhill! We beg to differ. Sitting up all night wishing for a bit of shut eye is no fun. Most of the flights are through the night from UK and we much prefer a daytime flight where you can pass the time watching films or TV programmes. Anyway we made it. TW attempted to introduce a bit of late drama at LHR as she tipped a whole bottle of water into her lap whilst sitting comfortably in the departure lounge. Fortunately, in addition to a kitchen sink, she also carries a change of clothes in her hand luggage. Or, more accurately, my hand luggage. So, with the flight being called, she disappears into a remote loo to change. We should have run for the flight but my legs are gone so we had to take a chance. Happily we made it onto the plane in time for a Prosecco and took off on time. After about eleven and half hours we set down in sunny Cape Town. Virgin Atlantic was very good but the paint job on the wing left a lot to be desired. Hope its not indicative of maintenance issues on their fleet of 787’s. The queue for immigration was not too bad. At least we did not have to suffer the indignity of the slow lane like we do now on the continent. We were trying our best not to look lost as we headed out into the African sunshine. We were quickly intercepted by an AVIS/Budget golf buggy to take us to our rental car. Just as well as its helluva distance on foot. Our Budget Lady was efficient and were soon the proud renters of nice little blue KIA. Not sure why we were give a blue car, most other cars on the road are white. Good to stand out, NOT! So after carefully examining and photographing our little car we headed off to Somerset West. It’s a good road and easy to navigate. The ‘townships’ alongside the road are a reminder of the big gulf between rich and poor here. It was only a 40 minute drive to our little cottage, Just Unwind. We had been promised an early check-in but our host had contacted us the previous day to inform us that we would have to wait. Happily the cleaners sprang into action and the Cottage was ours for three weeks.

Nearly there on Virgin Atlantic

After a quick change we headed to D & D’s for a coffee and then our first experience of a South African Supermarket. Not a terribly relaxed shopping expedition. Checkers is one of the big chains and has a decent selection but it all seemed a bit edgy. Some dubious characters seem to be hanging around. The parking attendants seemed friendly but, as new arrivals, we were not at all sure who’s side they were on. We were expected to give the attendants a reward for their help. This posed a problem as initially we had no small notes or coins, just about all our payments were with a card. We managed to gear ourselves up after a few days and were able to hand over a small note or coin. I attempted to get a loyalty card from Customer Services. The young lady took my driving licence and passport and keyed information in but apparently my ID was inadequate. TW reckoned I was getting hacked so we decided to abort the mission and pay a premium for our goodies.

Some of the grocery prices are reasonable, other items cost more than UK. The quality was good though. We hadn't really come to terms with the currency at this point, when you multiply the price by 23 it makes everything look pricey. The Avocados were our best purchase, very tasty.

We did make a couple of further visits to Checkers but we were not comfortable. We opted instead to go to the local Woolworth stores which seemed to be in much safer locations. We also started to eat out more as the trip wore on. Restaurants and Cafes meals are very reasonably priced and it was nice to interact with the staff. Another factor was that our cottage was a bit basic with just a microwave and stovetop and sadly no dishwasher, apart from me! 

England - Carbis Bay, Cornwall in January 2025

Sunday Drivers to Cornwall

An offer of an inexpensive week in Carbis Bay was too good to miss. We managed to make it down to Cornwall before the storm hit. We even managed to load up at the local M&S in Hayle on the way. We picked up a good variety of goodies to load into our capacious American Fridge. 

It was a wild night with rain beating, waves crashing and wind gusting. Things were much quieter in the morning and a rainbow welcomed us to North Cornwall.

Carbis Bay

The beach at Carbis Bay - after the storm

Porthminster Beach

Monday morning walking

Our first excursion was a traditional wander down to the beach and then along the Coastal Path to St. Ives. Not much has changed since our last visit but a few new buildings have sprung up. We are still getting used to the wooden structures next to the Carbis Bay Hotel. None of the new buildings are very attractive but they are probably practical with optimum glass and flat roofs. The coastal walk to St. Ives is still a pleasure though. We stopped by at Nautique on the way back to make sure the new owners were looking after the place.

Penrose NT on a Tuesday

Penrose Footpaths 

TW by the Loe Pool

In the walled garden

Loe Pool

Loe Pool

Loe Bar

Penrose is a National Trust property near Helston. We had not been there before and were disappointed to find the Car Park was very small and packed full. We opted to drive down towards the coast and found a free car park at Highburrow. We set out on foot back along the road and luckily met up with a Lady walking her dogs. She gave us excellent instructions on where to walk to reach Stables Cafe at Penrose and recommended that we walk back alongside the Lake (Loe Pool). We followed her instructions to the letter and had a great walk. Our guide was obviously doing the walk in the opposite direction and we were able to thank her when we passed her some hours later. There is a large country house on the Penrose Estate but it’s privately leased so we couldn't go there. We had to eat in the Stables! They only serve simple fare but my Bacon Bap and TW’s Cheese Toastie were perfect for us. The walk from Stables alongside Loe Pool was exceedingly pleasant with great views. When we reached the coast we found lovely beaches, it must be a great place in Summer. We joined the Coastal Path and ended up back at Highburrow. We had good fortune today as, the Car Park being full meant, we learned of a lovely circular walk. We will happily do it again in Spring or Summer. One of the conditions of the gift of Loe Pool to the National Trust was that it be kept as a place of great beauty for people to enjoy without distraction. Boating, swimming and fishing are not allowed! It’s the largest natural freshwater Lake in Cornwall.

The view to Porthleven

Wetness on Wednesday 

Rain didn’t quite stop play today but it did limit our operations. Not too much of a problem as we have a lovely comfortable place to stay. We did manage a couple of walks on Carbis Bay Beach and also a wander to Porthkidney Beach, TW’s favourite. The Carbis Bay Hotel additions on the seafront are actually quite impressive from the sand. It’s not obvious from behind, on the coastal path, but they look to offer several storeys of impressive accommodation. Bit pricey though at about £6k per night in June. But they do sleep eight!

Cliffs at Carbis Bay Beach are leaking water

TW hits the beach

Which way is North

At the going down of the sun

A stream springs up at the South end of the beach

Porthkidney Beach 

Thursday Coving

We took the half hour drive to Sennon Cove today. It hadn’t changed but it was definitely a sleepy old place in January. The pub was open but that was about all. It has a lovely Ocean Beach and is just to the North of Lands End. We wandered to the end of the beach and back and then walked back through the village and a walk towards Lands End.

TW on the beach at Sennen Cove 

Lands End in the distance

Sennen Cove Harbour

Friday - fridge and final footing

Activities started late today because of the visit of the fridge repairer. We had to wait in for him. And he was very late. He seems to have fixed the American fridge that was leaking onto the floor so it was probably worth waiting. We did have a quick walk on the beach first thing, for us anyway, at about 10:30! After lunch we had a good walk to Porthmeor Beach, the surf beach in town. It was quite a calm day but we did get some nice gentle rollers hitting the beach. Happily 11St. Ives was nice and quiet, in the season it can be burtsting with tourists. Most of the restaurants looked to be open apart from the Porthminster Beach Cafe as it’s getting a refurb. 

We would normally eat out and have multiple coffees stop on our Cornwall adventures. On this little trip we ate mostly at home. Too many post-christmas bugs in circulation!

Rolling in - Porthmeor Beach St. Ives

Sweetheart Cottage St. Ives

TW hits the sand, Porthmeor Beach on a calm day

Austria 2024 - The Gastein Valley - a home for all seasons

End of year - Advent Market

 Second-Homing in Bad Hofgastein

Another multi-visit extravaganza to Bad Hofgastein in 2024. Two weeks in May, seven weeks in July and August, a week in October and then seventeen days in December. We had a plan to give the flat a bit of a refurb whilst enjoying the valley. This resulted in repeated visits to Lutz in Zell am See and Bischopshofen.

One of the issues arising from getting new stuff is disposing of the old. We can't just take it to the local dump. When we wanted to get shot of our sofa we had to book a team from the Council. Two chaps turned up and we thought they were going to throw it over our balcony, we are on the 4th floor! Happily the boys took it down the lift after pulling it apart. Great to see the back of it. I did manage to retain my favourite item, the Farmers Cupboard.

Doing DIY does come with risks. TW decided to help me disassemble an old bench in July. Unhappily, a very heavy piece of wood fell directly, and painfully, on her big toe. As you can imagine, this put quite a dampner on our Summer. Various visits to Hospital, local Doctor and Physios resulted as she healed from her nasty fracture. The nail had to be removed to help the toe mend itself. We were fortunate to have the shared e-car to get us around. 

One of TW's favourites in the Annen Cafe which sits above Bad Hofgastein on the eastern side and is a regular walk in a normal year but an easy drive in 2024.

Blood sausage in Dorfgastein in May

Walking between Bad Gastein and Bockstein in May

Aproaching Bockstein

Cafe culture in Bad Hofgastein

Our apartment view in May

Out on the bike in Summer

My favourite activity in Gastein is riding my e-bike up to the various mountain alms. On the Schlossalm I have a selection of favourites. The Baersteinalm, Fundneralm, Haitzingalm and Aeroplanstadl come to mind. The RatstotzenAlm is a good lungbuster, much easier now I have an e-bike. The Feldinghutte up at the Gadauner Hochalm is a favourite venue for chocolate cake whether on the bike or on foot. In Dorfgastein my favourites are the GrabnerAlm and the Steiner Hochalm. On the other side of the valley the Praau Hochalm at 1800m is a wonderful spot. I had my GoPro with me on this years visit. It was in a pouch on my handlebar until the bumpy track intervened and, unknown to me, we parted company. I was dead lucky as, after a phone call to the hut, I discovered that an Austrian couple walking with a dog had found my treasured camera on the way down. I arranged to meet them in the valley at the Farm an hour or two later. What a relief and what luck! The huts have their differences but all are hospitable and every one is a treat. The Schattbach Alm is in lovely scenic location and is definitely on my list as are the WiednerAlm and the BiberAlm above the Railway Station. A new addition for me this year is the Riedl Alm on the route up to BiberAlm. I will definitely be back there. Oh, and I also enjoy the Kogeralm. I didn't get there this year but it serves good food and gives an out of valley experience!

Looking forward to a beer at the RatstotzenAlm

On the way to the Steiner Hochalm

Footsore - TW and her toe

A new corner

Oma's Chocolate Cake at the Felding Hutte

Crossing the pylon run to the Schattbach Alm

Party time at the end of July

We had a big part to attend in July as TC reached 70. An opening celebration at Blu, a walk in the mountains with stops at the Haitzingalm and Baersteinalm followed by a big evening event at the Gamskar were only parts of the plan. All great fun although TW woke up in the morning after the Blu event with a sore throat. She stayed home after that and missed the remainder of the festivities which was wise as she tested positive for Covid! Debilitating post-viral fatigue added to a broken toe was not great. She had bought a special Dirndl to wear to the Party, hopefully we will find another opportunity for her to wear it.

At the Lake above Goldegg

Cake - a must on any bike ride

The new sofa has arrived

Whoops, roof leak

Baerstein Beertime

The path behind our place

The e-cars in BadHofgastein are fairly new innovation. After downloading a couple of Apps and registering you can take a nice electric car for a spin. We used this facility a lot. With TW unable to walk any distance we could go on day trips and to a few favourite restaurants. We also jumped in the car to get to the numerous medical appointments the injury necessitated. It is a good system but the only drawaback we found was that when we picked up a car that was not fully charged we were responsible for not only the battery time we had used ourselves but the shortfall in charge as well. Happily they are changing the charging model to overcome this.

e-car riding and sharing

TW's favourite tree

Beer time on the Fulseck

Cheers

Apartment view in August

Out of the mist and into the sunshine on ski day

Cake at the Herzweiss - lovely

A walk in the park in December

Christmas Ball

Our view in December

The Grabner Alm in Dorfgastein - a favourite

Volke 7 above Grossarl - a new addition

There is a new lift in Grossarl and they have built a lovely Restaurant and Terrace Area at the top. Its called Volke 7 (Cloud 7). Our equivalent is Cloud 9. There was not much skiing open in December in Grossarl but we had a good ski. I just had a 3 hours pass which was enough to do a few runs and have a hearty lunch at one of my favourite huts, the Grabner Alm.

The Hirschenhutte getting ready for opening day

One of our favourite walks in Winter takes us along the Anger Valley. We get the bus up to Angertal and then take an idyllic wander along the river. On this sunny day the trees had their winter coats on and there were very few people so it was very quiet. We had lunch at Herzweiss. It used to be called the Felding Hutte, not sure why they changed the name but the welcome was just a good as ever. 

Idyllic scene in the Angertal Valley

TW walking in the Angertal

Snow Family in the Kur Park

Haitzingalm and my new ski's

My old Kneissl skis are too heavy, they are beautiful to ski on but I can hardly carry them to the Bus Stop. I invested in another pair, this time I went for second-hand Rossignol Hero Limited. They were much lighter and seem a bit easier on my knees and hip. I did not buy a season pass this year. I just bought ad hoc 4 hour passes. Had some nice ski days, mainly on the Schlossalm.

Haitzingalm - valley view

Lunching at the Berglift

TW at the top of the mountain

Advent in the Park

Messages for Father Christmas on the Advent Tree

Hans and his mates on the Alpenhorn

The Advent Market

Advent Market after snowfall

Lunching at Blu - very pleasant view