Our life at the Cape

South Africa Teil 2, 6.8.22 - 23.04.23

The latest post is a loose collection of experiences and excursions following our blog post "South Africa Part 1. We have already reported quite a bit about the construction of our catamaran. Under the title Najuma you will find the latest information and pictures about the construction of the boat. Our trip to Tanzania at the beginning of March and the road trips to Cape Agulhas and Cape Town get separate articles. At the moment we are hiking in KwaZulu-Natal, more precisely in the Drakensberg. On 3 May we travel back to Knysna, which actually means today. We are sitting at the airport in Joburg, busily writing our article. Sometimes there is almost no time to stop, sit down and just write.........

but we keep at it! A big thank you to all of you who send us your comments, you motivate us again and again.

What's going on with us......

Since our arrival in South Africa last year, the weeks and months have flown by. First in the sometimes cold southern winter, then in spring with wonderful weather and very sunny days, and now autumn is already here again. You might be wondering what we actually do all day long? That's no secret, actually nothing, ha ha ha. No, of course that's not true, but we take a lot of time to do things and plan accordingly. Being on the journey also means changing your perception and being open to new things. It is also important to bring the willingness to experience the new environment and to get to know the people in a different environment. That is part of our journey. When we are back on the ship in July, a lot of routine work will be done again, then the time will be filled with maintenance and repair work and of course with a lot of sailing! We have already described what happens next in our article "Fancy a sailing adventure with us". Now it's time to finish planning and completing the catamaran.

Najuma

The last few weeks we spent a lot of time in the shipyard for planning discussions and to work through the endless lists (Gottfried hasn't changed, wink). We have put together the entire interior and equipment according to our taste and added a few smaller and larger things that we would not want to miss later. Experience has taught us that it is better to invest now than to upgrade later for very expensive money. It takes a lot of interaction with the yard owners to really get to the point. Building a catamaran is like building a house with two engines and a lot of technology. The experience of the last 1 1/2 years of boat life comes in handy. Outside in the boatyard, many busy hands are driving the construction forward. Every few weeks we inspect the progress and always have the opportunity to take a look at the other construction numbers in front of us. This is like a 1:1 model for us to take measurements and discuss details. Before we returned to Switzerland, we had completed most of the planning work. Most of the plans have been drawn and the bulk of the costs are available. Now, until the end of May, we have to do some fine-tuning, such as ordering sails, canvas and other accessories. End of May, beginning of June 23 is the expected "launch" of the ship; let's be surprised.

11. und 12.April

Measuring the rails for the cockpit fairing and making the templates on a daughter ship, together with Steve Meeks from Northsails. He is "the address" for canvas work in the Eastern Cape.

14. April The work is in progress. The honeycomb system is clearly visible. Main structural elements and stiffeners are laminated tightly together with the cabinets and ancillary components. This system guarantees high rigidity and strength of the ship. Spray painting in the interiors has already begun.

The coachroof is laminated and grouted. Crossbeam and torsion bar are mounted.

A visit to "our container". We take the fender delivery from Fendertex in France for in-spection. No, the container is not the shipyard's warehouse but the rest of the components for the Najuma.

Knysna, Leisure Isle, Robberg, Noetzie Beach and many other places in the area.

Besides all the planning, there is also time for excursions in the surroundings, walks, hikes, sports, dinners in nice restaurants and last but not least meeting new friends and acquaintances.

Leisure Isle

Just outside Knysna, still in the lagoon, is Leisure Isle. Sandra always laughs and remarks that it is the retirement home of Knysna. It's quite something, with its country and tennis club, a small marina and many villas with beach access. Like almost everywhere else on the Cape, it is well guarded. On our walks, we probably bring down the average age considerably. The dog community also uses the island extensively. While jogging, I get to know some dogs and inevitably their owners. So far, my trousers have remained intact. Due to the somewhat cold winter days, we have already done a few rounds on sunny Iceland. We also spent a few nights after our arrival here in a nice hotel.

Besides a small nature reserve, the island is densely built-up and criss-crossed by a narrow network of roads. Houses of all sizes and designs, from new to old, stand close together according to the development plan. Living spaces of 400 m2 are not uncommon. At the current exchange rate to the South African rand, the prices, not only on Leisure Isle, are almost tempting.

Besides the jogging tracks in Paradise and the Heights, the island really offers ideal conditions to do your laps. It gets a bit hectic at times during peak dog time, but otherwise it's ideal. The views , the trails and beaches are just phenomenal!

Leisure Island

Noetzie Beach

Not far behind Knysna, at the end of the road leading through the township of Hornlee, lies the beautiful beach of Noetziebeach. In spring and autumn it is quite lonely and deserted. The bay is surrounded by castle-like villas that are now used as guesthouses. The slopes are densely wooded and lead down to the water. A small lagoon with a tributary completes the idyllic picture. A place to linger.

Noetzie Beach

The Robberg near Plett

Our first short hike into the surrounding area took us to Plettenberg Bay, called Plett for short, more precisely to the Robberg, the peninsula off the coast. The Robberg is not only a nature reserve, but also a World Heritage Site. Rock formations in this region from the prehistoric era date back more than 120 million years, at a time when Africa, India, Australia and Antarctica still formed one continent; Gondwanaland. Various artefacts from the Stone Age have also been found.

The peninsula is a paradise for seals, as the name suggests. They can be seen from the beach surfing and enjoying themselves in the waves.

Various paths lead over hill and dale to wonderful bays and sandbanks. The experienced hiker takes the steep climbs over the cliffs, the others walk along the sand dunes and on the ridge. Spectacular views of Plettenberg Bay and out to the Indian Ocean rewarded us at the various vantage points during our circular walk. Back at the information centre, we had refreshments from the coffee truck.

The Robberg, a special nature experience.

Brenton on Sea

Not far from Knysna in a westerly direction lies Brenton on Sea on a breathtaking sandy beach. The beach is six kilometres long and leads to Buffelsbaai. The place is named after Sir Jahleel Brenton who declared Knysna a harbour in 1818. The seaside resort is also home to the endangered Brenton blue butterfly. The actual village is elevated above the cliffs and offers wonderful views of the beach and out into the Indian Ocean. Near the centre of the village, a steep staircase leads down the cliffs, the "Fisherman Walk". This path leads to various small bays and beaches, some of which are only accessible at low tide.

The beach walks are impressive. The sea hits the cliffs with all its force and runs wave after wave onto the sandy beach. A paradise for surfers. Once down in the sand, the houses of Buffelsbaai are visible in the distance through the spray. It's a long way to get there. Several times we have taken the path under our bare feet and walked across and back. Once away from Brenton, one is soon lonely on the beach. The surf drowns out all sounds and it seems as if you are moving in a cosmos of your own. Again and again we are drawn back to this wonderful place for long walks and to relax.

Brenton Beach

Fisherman Walk

Buffelsbaai

Once we have walked across the beach from Brenton, we are on the outskirts of Buffelsbaai.

About twenty kilometres west of Knysna, this small village lies between Buffelsbaai and Brenton on Sea Beach on a headland. The village is named after the bay to the west. Just outside the village is the "Wildside Beach Bar" directly on the beach. The spot to enjoy the sunset and fish and chips. Feet in the warm sand and the wind in your hair, what a life!

Behind it stretches the Goukamma Nature Reserve with the river of the same name, a beautiful area for canoeing and hiking.

Wilde Side Buffelsbaai

Seven Passes Road

About 60 km west of Knysna is the next bigger town, George. From there, the old country road leads in the hills along the coast to Knysna. The Seven Passes Road is the oldest direct road connection between George and Knysna in the Western Cape.

The road, which crosses seven passes, was constructed by Thomas Charles, John Bain and Adam de Smidt. It was completed in 1883 and lies south of the Outeniqua Mountains. An adventurous drive without Four Wheel Drive over hill and dale. Afterwards, our little BMW was dusted and we were one experience richer. An exciting drive with many views over forests and fields, through hamlets and past remote homesteads. Always worth the trip.

Impressions from our off-road trip over the Seven Passes

60 years Mark, 13.2.23

Last year at the beginning of August, we moved in with Mark and Liz, i.e. into one of their studios on Greenhill Lane. Since we both moved in, Mark has aged quickly and we got to celebrate his 60th birthday with him (hahaha). We're forgiven for joking, 60 is the new 40 and we're all still feeling strong, healthy and full of beans!

Mark celebrated his birthday before, with and after, what a party week. We were allowed to be there in the front row and were spoilt rotten. Thanks again to Liz and Mark, it was a great pleasure to celebrate with you and all your friends and acquaintances.

Visitors from Switzerland and the USA

Michael "Michi" was only associated with my work until more than two years ago. For over twenty years we worked together on various projects and then lost track of each other. As chance would have it, we met again in Knysna. Not quite pure coincidence, but a surprise nonetheless. Together with Michael and Renate we were able to experience a wonderful day around Knysna. The crowning finale was a dinner at the ""Freshline Fisheries in a cosy tent. Many thanks to both of you, it was a super nice day!

Dating friends of friends is like going on a blind date; it's either right or it's wrong. We had a lovely evening with Bree, Steven, Finn and Ronan at Blend with lively conversation and good food. Too bad they all had to move on, we would have loved to get to know you better. But for sure, we will visit you in Florida!

Brunch at Candlewood Lodge

Hello, are you Swiss? That's about how we were addressed by Matthias while shopping at Food Lovers. I hope we weren't too loud and embarrassing? hahaha.... Matthias runs Candlewood Lodge (www.candlewood.co.za) in Knysna, a beautiful guesthouse above the lagoon, about 10 minutes by car from us towards Plett. We were spontaneously invited to brunch at the lodge. There we also met Urs, the owner. The guesthouse is situated directly on the green belt that leads up into the hills. Finally we could see the Velvet-Monkeys gymnastics one to one over the tables. One man's joy is another man's sorrow. No monkey would miss such a delicious breakfast!

Braai, the ultimate South African experience

Braai is the South African's favourite meal!

Dear family and friends at home, barbecuing, or for the Swiss, grilling is a must in South Africa! A braai is a true experience without gas and charcoal but only with the best wood; Rooikrans. Acacia cyclops is, next to Applewood, the best hardwood for a braai. There is always plenty, in fact enough to eat again the next day at breakfast or lunch. The quality is great, the steaks are juicy and tender, all kinds of sausages and bacon are not to be missed.

There are also many stories about the braai. The fire is started at six o'clock in the evening, people wait for the first charcoal and then put more on. People drink and watch the fire, "Bush TV". Wood is put on again and more drinking takes place, and at 11 o'clock at night the host calls into the kitchen: you can slowly get the meat out of the freezer now! Braai is actually a social solution: work - Brasai, beach _ Braai, hiking - Braai and so on....Not to forget all the Braai kings, real and self-appointed, actually it doesn't matter. Every time it is a highlight and a wonderful experience together with friends!

Braai at the Candlewood Lodge

Braai at the Greenhill Lane with Monique, Matthias and Urs

Sandras Birthday

Back from Tanzania, it was Sandra's birthday exactly on the day of arrival. We were allowed to celebrate a bit, but I was not allowed to organise a big party (wink). We found a nice place to celebrate with Tsala Treetop Lodge. It was a wonderful evening with a very good meal and together with our friends Liz and Mark.

Gill and Adrian our neighbours

Since our return to Knysna we have had very nice neighbours; Gill and Adrian from good old England. Shortly before they left, they found a beautiful house in Paradise. The name says it all! We will surely see them again soon. Last but not least, we had a great farewell party, so we'll have to get our act together before we head off to the Seychelles.

Farewell party at Gill and Adrian's, with Mark, Liz, Mike, Peter and Wendy. It was super yummy!

Our life in the Cape continues. There is still so much to tell and the photo material is endless, smile. Soon we will report again "from Knysna and surroundings" in addition to our travel articles. Despite the fact that everyday life is also taking hold of us, there is still plenty of time for discovering the surroundings, besides shopping, washing, writing the blog and going to the gym.