Cape Town 2024

First time back to Cape Town in 25 years, a very long overdue visit! With a lot of emotions and a lot of tears, solo trips are always hard. Was great to see my sister Samantha and high school friend Nikki again after such a long time. Thanks, Nikki and Sean for a wonderful snoek braai dinner followed by a day out to Kalk Bay. Had a delicious lunch at Beira Mar Portuguese restaurant followed by a pit stop at the Aegir Project Brewery in Noordhoek. Oh, and don't forget the SCRATCH PATCH!  

Spent most of the days that followed with Mom, ensuring she had what she needed. The home feeds them well, I can finally vouch for that, and it's tasty!

Also managed to cram in a lovely lunch with the in-laws, Karl and Jacqui at On the Rocks in Blourberg, followed by ice cream and a walk by the beach. Plus a trip to the Waterfront and enjoyed a traditional lunch at Karibu restaurant, I was craving waterblommetjies! Had a great final dinner at the Hassar Grill, just downstairs from my hotel, Crystal Towers, both of them, highly recommended. Might see you again Cape Town, but not on my own. (Dad's note; it won't be with me).

Cape Town 2024

Mont de Lancey

While Karl Jnr was at work we went to Mont de Lancey in the Yarra Valley to give Martin some driving practice. It's a historical homestead with many fantastic features, structures and buildings. The best 'feature' of the trip was the German Blacksmith who sounded like my dad who told me how a man with a passion enjoys life.

Monty fun

Daylesford Part 2

We enjoyed our time in Daylesford but missed out on a few things last time due to holiday closures. This time, we stayed in Hepburn Springs and had great weather. We had a wonderful time trying different beers and herbal liqueurs, as well as eating and sightseeing. We are looking forward to another visit but this time; staying in Daylesford.

Daylesford Part 2

Martin relives his childhood

Today we went to the Melbourne Steam Traction Engine Club which held their annual exhibition. We had always driven past and said we'd someday go there and today we did. It was way more than I expected and we started the day with a mini-train ride and then continued to look at the rest of the site. They had hundreds of working steam, diesel and petrol engines on display some dating back (and working) to the 1800's.

Toot Toot

Fishing for Rainbow Trout

Before you ask, NO; the Trout do not identify as LGBTQI, it's just the name given due to their colouring. We decided to drive to Marysville today but before that, it was time to have a fish at the Buxton Trout and Salmon Farm. Junior caught all the fish today and made us look pretty ordinary when it's like shooting fish in a barrel. After a couple of hours, we drove to Marysville for a bite at the Duck Inn and visited Bruno's Art and Sculpture Garden where we were greeted by the quirky fella and enjoyed the wonderful world he created. We are all looking forward to going back to see more.

Shooting Fish in a Barrel