We were excited! This would be the first get-away in Ufudu since returning from our one-year trip. We had a few day’s off and planned to make the most of it.
A few months ago Marion Mengell, a friend of ours, on behalf of the Friends of Smuts Museum, contacted us with a request to do a presentation on our trip. Roger organised some days off so we planned a trip to be inclusive of the visit to the Smuts Museum in Irene, Pretoria.
We fetched Ufudu from the hangar at Silver Creek Gorge, where he lives with Buzz, and travelled to Marion and Ron’s house on the 22nd May. We had a lovely dinner and evening with them and spent the night in their driveway. The next morning after breakfast we went to the museum where there was a gathering of Friends for their AGM. Our presentation was well received, albeit a bit long, followed by very enthusiastic questions and inspections of the truck. It is difficult to pick highlights to talk about when to us most of the year was a highlight!
After the presentation and social we first paid our friend Leni Hamilton a visit in order for her to see Ufudu. It was about 4pm when we eventually headed out on the N4 towards Dullstroom where we planned to spend the rest of the weekend.
The Municipal Campsite seemed rather rundown, but then again, it is winter and we had no other options. The view of the dam was spectacular though.
The next day we walked the estimated 3km to town in search of coffee and also to have a look around. We ended up doing some shopping after coffee, and then had lunch at Mrs Simpson’s.
On Sunday I went on a short hike around the dam while Roger tried his hand at Fly Fishing.
We left on Monday morning after two very cold but enjoyable nights in Dullstroom. We decided to take the back roads, as usual, instead of the freeway. There is a farm stall in the Tonteldoos District called The Cow and The Cat where we had breakfast (we booked the previous day after it was recommended to us by someone in town). It was an interesting place indeed. The owner produces everything herself, from growing what she can, making the preserves and other goodies, being the chef and also the waiter! After the most delicious omelette Roger went down to the veggie patch with her and we ended up leaving with a basket full of organically grown veggies. What a pleasure and what quality of life…
All too soon the weekend was over and we made our way home again. But not for long; we have a week’s leave coming up in June…
