While we were at Kosi Bay we met some farmers from Empangeni who were there for the Christmas holidays. We spent a pleasant evening with them at their camp’s communal dining area and parted ways with an invitation from John and Gillian to look them up when we pass through Empangeni later along our route. Roger therefore phoned John on the day before we left Cape Vidal with the idea of popping in for a cup of coffee. John would have nothing of it; we were invited to stay the night and nothing less.
John and Gillian Reedman’s farm is about 9Km out of Empangeni. We were warmly welcomed and instructed to park on their lawn. The guest facilities were offered, but as always, we made use of their bathroom while still sleeping in Ufudu.
Besides sugar cane John also has a very beautiful and healthy herd of Nguni cattle which he keeps in order to supply live-stock to the local market. Needless to say I see rugs, couches and ottomans…
John and Gillian invited us to dinner and after their two children, Rebecca and David, went to bed we spent a very pleasurable evening with them, enjoying good company and good food; Zululand hospitality at its best!
After breakfast the next morning John took us for a tour around the farm and we came away much more knowledgeable about varietals, milling, propagating and irrigating of sugar cane. I even tasted raw sugar cane for the first time!
By mid-morning it was time to say goodbye with promises to keep in touch and perhaps connect up again at the Grahamstown Festival in July. We had a really good time, thanks again John and Gillian.
Next stop Mtunzini.
The pleasure was ours. It was wonderful to meet two very inspiring individuals who make a good team. Good luck with the foot and may share a bottle or two in Grahamstown! No pressure, but it would be great to see you guys and even maybe take you to house rhino in PE. Travel safely wherever the Fudu takes you.