Rest & relaxation in Clarens

Jen's uncle Phil is in South Africa at present, therefore it was a perfect opportunity to escape the busy and vibrant Johannesburg and visit the quaint and scenic town of Clarens. Whilst Clarens is only a 3 hour drive south of Joburg, the contrasts between the two cities could not be greater. Clarens is a small town (population <5,000) nestled amongst the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. The town is centred around a square which is lined with shady trees, cafes, gourmet food shops and art galleries. One notable difference between Clarens & Joburg is the security, or lack of requirement for security. No houses have high imposing perimeter fencing. Strange to get used to, but nice ....

Quasi tour agent Jen found the Troll Cottage and booked it for our stay. It is a lovely little sandstone cottage with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. After the hectic few weeks we have had (including a quick trip to Australia) it was so nice to relax on the verandah, enjoy the views and read the newspaper!

Phil was yet to visit the Drakensberg Ranges, nor Golden Gate Highlands NP, therefore we spent Saturday driving through the scenic countryside. We enjoyed a leisurely picnic and stroll at Royal Natal National Park and Phil got to test the capability of the Audi (for those who care easily got to 190 km/hr before Jen complained!!). We had a braai at Troll Cottage on Saturday night, and then tested the night life at Smokey Joes with don pedro's. One thing we love about life in South Africa is the weather. We eat outdoors nearly every meal- hopefully the warm weather continues for a little longer...

Sunday was spent wandering through the shops and art galleries prior to enjoying a yummy lunch at a quaint barnhouse style restaurant.

The Troll Cottage

Breakfast a la Phil on the verandah

Ahh... what a life!

Even better when a random local arrives at your doorstep and wants to wash your car for R20 (>$3)!

Golden Gate Highlands NP

Picnic lunch at Drakensberg Ranges

Pete at Cascade Falls

Sterkfontein Dam

Phil & Pete taking care of the braai

Luxury 'camping' at Toorfontein

The Little Karoo is a broad valley stretching east to west hemmed in by the Swartberg mountain range to the north and the Outeniqua mountains to the south. Whilst the environment appears very vast and arid, the windswept plains are broken by mountains with deep ravines and breathtaking passes. Jen put on her 'travel agent' hat and found stunning accommodation at Toorfontein tented camp which would offer a completely different African experience for Jackie & Stu. To break the drive we stayed at The Fernery on Friday night- the only hotel at the base of the Tsitsikamma Mountains which has views of the rugged coastline, deep gorges and surrounding forests. Our lodge was nestled against a small waterfall of the gorge which made for pleasant background noise as we braaied on our patio. On Saturday we meandered along the Garden Route, breaking for coffee at a French cafe in Plettenberg Bay and a picnic lunch in Knysna. We continued over the spectactular Outeniqua Pass from George...

Camping at Monks Cowl, hiking the 'Berg

Due to this weekend being a long weekend in SA (and also to celebrate our birthdays), Pete & I along with British expats Gareth & Sophie decided a weekend getaway trip was required and the Central Drakensberg Ranges was chosen as the destination. We camped at Monks Cowl which is nestled in the picturesque Champagne Valley at the base of the Central Drakensberg Ranges in Kwazulu-Natal. In training for the Mt Kilimanjaro hike that we all hope to hike whilst we are based in Africa, we ventured off on Sunday for a long and hilly hike. We first headed to Blindman's Corner, an 11km return route from the camp. This route takes you steeply up a berg to The Sphinx and then along a flat and meandering grassy plateau to the base of the summits. However, upon arriving there we felt like a further challenge so subsequently climbed 1/3 of the way up Sterkhorn Mt. And up we climbed... at times the hill we were climbing had a gradient of >55 degrees! We rested for lunch perched precari...

Harrison James Chandler - born 9 June 2009

Harrison James Chandler arrived at 14:30, Tuesday, 9th June 2009. Weighing in at 3.86kg and 55cm long, he was delivered via c-section surgery. Both Mum and boy are in great health. Dad is besotted with them both even after changing the 1st nappie!! Amazing, Amazing, Amazing! Tipping the scales at 3.86kg (8,5lbs)

Chandler's Overseas

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