May Day and Sis's birthday!

It’s May Day! Workers Day in some countries and a public holiday here in South Africa. But more importantly, its my lil’ sister’s birthday! 38 years ago today, the most thoughtful, caring, kind, considerate, generous, hospitable and loving sister I know was born into the Gifford family – and I’m forever grateful! How I wish I could climb in some instant transporter and find myself in Dubai (even if just for the day!) to be with her, to spoil her …. And eat some yummy Chantelle-made scones with a cup of Lemon and Pepper tea. Today, my body is in George, but my heart, my mind is in Dubai!

And my body knows it is in George! Just after Oupa’s coffee time this morning, once the math and chores were done, we headed out to the Witfontein forest station just 3km from our house. (Ryan and the men often go cycling in the forest!) Armed with a picnic of hotdogs and crisps we had the most wonderful time walking through the forest. Stopping at the Witfontein waterfall (which was much smaller than waterfalls we visited in Cyprus), we then climbed a rather steep trail up to the Little dam which sits atop the waterfall. We were huffing and puffing rather wildly by the time we got to the top – it was a good challenge for those of us that were unfit! Jed was challenged too, but it didn’t kill his adventurous spirit! He LOVED every minute of it! We continued along the Forest Buzzard Walk completing the entire 2.2km trail, but in much more than the suggested 1 hour time limit. That time limit, we have decided, is for those who don’t stop to inspect the half-a-dozen varieties of wild mushrooms, or the Raucous Toad and pine cones galore. The boys all picked up a variety of sticks, but the older boys were looking for particular sticks which they could whittle away on with their pocket knives after lunch.

We stopped at a small ‘park’ area so the children could swing and play and were delighted to find a semi-obstacle course set up with a variety of physical challenges. Aimee, Ethan, Ryan and Jed had so much fun!

By now we were all well-ready for our hotdog lunch! Aimee had 2 and half hotdogs, the most she’s ever eaten! We had a relaxing lunch on the lawn outside the Reserve Office before the older boys began whittling and the younger two found an old stump to climb on and pretend was a ship. The children could have spent the rest of the afternoon there if  it had been their choice, but an afternoon nap tempts the older folk who prefer to lie horizontally on their own beds, LOL! I’m sure we’ll be back there again soon!

That was our introduction to the Outeniqua Nature Reserve which hosts a variety of walking trails, from the short 45min Emeral Cuckoo trail to the 8 hour hike up to the Cradock Peak. Walking through the pine plantation and indigenous forest was food for the soul and we’ve all come home with our cups running over!