Magalies Park

Yesterday was a public holiday in South Africa - Womens Day. Quite a crowd came out to the resort and the road past our chalet was continuously busy.

Chalet 53, Magalies Park

We are only 45 minutes from home so Peter was able to join us after work on Monday and commute back early this morning. Mike was supposed to join us for a round of golf yesterday but the pro shop had no record of our booking. It turned out that they had a golf day organized at our time (10h00), what a mess. They were fully booked all day and could only offer us a late afternoon time behind the golf day field - this meant that we would probably not finish in daylight. We threw a wobbly and they relented and gave us the first time of the day at 6h40 just as it gets light. However it meant that Mike wouldn't be able to get here on time. In compensation they offered us a free game and cart for later in the week but with Peter leaving and no space for the clubs in my boot we wouldn't be able to make use of it.

Peter and I played golf - a few years ago it was my favorite course - a good variety of holes and scenic with the Magaliesburg mountains all. around. They've made a few changes and added quite a bit of water now. I think it was the course on which I first went around and managed to complete every hole without a blackout (4 or more over par). Anyway we both played pretty badly but I managed to beat Peter - or perhaps he let me because it was Women's Day.

George and Edward chilling

Mum, we told you it was a waste of time to iron before packing!

Back at the chalet we watched all the afternoon golfers struggle to get over the small pond at the 12th hole. Later Ed and George scored more than 75 golf balls from the water and became very muddy in the process.

As it became cooler we went in search of possible bass fishing spots and found a quiet place close to the dam. Alas no bass but Peter and I added another lifer - Great Crested Grebe. And then just to go one better Peter added the African Olive Pigeon which is the new name for Rameron Pigeon.Unfortunately I already had it in my list.

Hartebeesport Dam - Ed & George each lost a lure and neither caught a fish!

An email arrived from Barrie & Sue inviting us to a "300 birds" party - date to be supplied by us - an excuse to visit Uvongo which we still hope to do this year.

Peter cooked us magic tasting ribs for supper and we resumed our Black Maria cards game which George won once more by going back to zero points on the penultimate hand. How does he do it???

To be continued.... Must get ready for our hike as we have to meet at the cheese farm before 8h30....