From Europe to sunny South Africa

Holger Grebert and Petra Flassig from Germany landed at Cape Town International Airport on the 25th, which meant a Christmas Eve of a different kind, considering that Europeans celebrate the night before. Exhausted, they indulged in an hour or two’s lie-down before dining by candlelight overlooking Britannia Bay. What more could they ask for than sunny skies their first morning - no wonder Petra’s laughing so much!
Now headed for the Cederberg and then onto De Eike on a wine farm outside Tulbagh where they’ll see the New Year in, this pair spent two days walking the beaches of the West Coast and had much to relate of their estuarine experiences. From there via Beaufort West to Port Elizabeth and then a meander through the Garden Route – if the rain would only stay away!
Thanks for sharing the festive season with my Mom and me and be well in 2008.

Septembers in December

Newly-weds (well, in my book, 14 April makes them still on honeymoon!) Ian and Michelle September spent two nights at Dolphin B&B unwinding from their stressful careers and the build-up to Christmas Eve, returning revived to the hubbub of the city and all it entails. Writes Michelle in the visitor’s book, “It was just what the doctor ordered”. I do hope that you had a truly spiritual time with your respective families and I wish you both well for the New Year.

Seasonal good wishes

On this the eve of the Eve of Christmas I would like to wish all guests past and those (hopefully) to visit St Helena Bay on South Africa's West Coast - and me at Dolphin B&B+S/C - all the very best for the festive season, a well earned break (for those of you who get to have one - and I'm not snivelling, see!) and good health and personal happiness in the New Year (Oh yes, Prosperity too if he's not too busy to drop by).

Martin and Tanja marry

His first trip to the West Coast was in December 2004 and in October 2006 Martin Moser brought fiancé Tanja Kaestli to meet me and to see the sights. They tied the knot on 8/09/07 and say they will be returning to this part of the world next year as a married couple. I look forward to that indeed.

Scientists have a whale of a time

Colleagues Dawn Grebner, Susan Parks and Sally Mizroch from the USA attended the 17th biennial conference on cetaceans (whales and dolphins) in the Mother City at the conclusion of which fellow colleague Desray Deeb, who had worked the area as a member of Dr Peter Best’s team some years ago, led the group to the West Coast specifically to see Southern Right whales and the endemic Heaviside’s dolphins.
Experts in their chosen fields, these scientists allowed only 48 hours to locate and delight in the highly social behaviour of the Southern Rights, the dolphins sadly eluding them and a seasonal southerly offshore wind preventing them from taking a boat trip. Perhaps another time.

Proudly South African

Dalene du Preez from Proudly SA and Hannelie Theron from dti (Dept of Trade & Industries) attended an award ceremony and overnighted at my establishment. They had this to say, "A sincere thank you for the great time spent at your B&B. It will only be a pleasure to recommend your facility to other guests. I have already mentioned our stay to my Mom and Dad and they will contact you in due course should they be in the vicinity!" I was interested to learn about some of the projects i.e. wind farms - we've got plenty of that here! Keep me informed and thanks for the chats at breakfast and, yes, I realise only too well what a special corner of paradise I live in and thanks for enjoying it with me.

The Buzz about Birding

WEST COAST BIRD CLUB INTO ITS NINTH YEAR

The West Coast Bird Club (of which I am a founder member) held its ninth annual general meeting on November 24th. Jan Kotzé was voted in as chairman, Jenny Edmond secretary and Anna Dernier the treasurer, all for a second year. Club member Keith Harrison manages the conservation portfolio, acting as watchdog on behalf of the Club on matters developmental. Some of the areas that are being closely monitored are at Trekoskraal en route to Paternoster from Vredenburg and it is disturbing to learn that the numbers of African Black Oystercatcher have declined by 63% since the start of the survey while nationally there has been a 24% increase; also Baja Sardinia, the Saldanha Ore Handling Facility Expansion, Vlaminkevlei “A” (where it is proposed to build a boutique hotel and residences), St Helena Hills, home of 2X 18-hole golf courses and St Helena Heights. In all cases the Club has registered as an Interested and Affected Party. So you can see that our little club is involved in much more than ticking up ‘lifers’ – although that’s important too! – so why not join today? Contact Jan Kotzé, chairman at 022-7830808 email him at kuifkop@telkomsa.net or call secretary Jenny Edmond at 022-7720623 or email her at royce@yebo.co.za

Cornwallians come visiting

Charlie and Cindy have bought property in Britannia Bay and begin building soon. He and lifetime friend, Perry, spent seven nights here during which time Charlie fine-tuned the strings wot pulls the plumbers and builders into his web. What did Perry do during this time? As little as possible - that's what life on the waterfront is all about. Great meeting you guys. Thanks for the dinner at Sunfish and for the message in the visitor's book, Charlie, which read, "The point of this email is to thank you for all you did for us to make it such a memorable time. You went well beyond they call of duty and I just want you to know how very much both Perry and I appreciated it. All the very best, Charlie….and Perry too, of course." I reciprocate the good wishes and look forward to April 21 next year when you return and I get to meet your better half.