Twenty and twenty-one are happy numbers. Days of old. Carefree, key-of-the-door kind of numbers. Life was sweet, responsibilities non-existent and we just rolled from one day to the next. We’re almost being bullied back to that way of living. An 18-month Covid pandemic has left us shattered at times, scared of the what’s-next and angry
The weather was real summer, sunny for morning walks, stormy in the afternoons. The birding was excellent. The cuckoos – Red-chested, Black, and Klaas’s were in full voice. The White-rumped Swifts did their best early morning swirl over the lawn before following their insect prey ever upwards as the air warmed. A couple of Alpine
On the way to the Cavern we passed several fresh burns. Plenty of birds recognise an opportunity for freshly roasted insects spread out on the dining table. On one, where the smoke had barely cleared, and it must have been still warm underfoot, were at least 30 Black-headed Herons. They are always first on the
with Lee Fuller Lee Fuller camps are usually 2 to 3 days in duration. The small groups of fully supervised kids are afforded the freedom to be kids outdoors. We safely teach them the skills needed to stay safe, warm and dry outdoors. The themes of conservation, resilience, responsibility and accountability, run strongly in our
Dear Friends The ups and downs have us in perpetual flux but we are so grateful to have a lovely busy August. Thank goodness for 3-term schools! Last month was unsettling but we are thankful that our area and community remains peaceful and that keeps us hopeful. And, there is good news! See latest blog
This past month has been nothing short of dreadful. Inter-provincial travel from Gauteng was banned then came unrest in KZN and suddenly a lovely winter season was no more. Obliterated. Coupled with this; the spaniels took on a puffy, our old man was suddenly man-down with a lurgy and our eldest celebrated her 18th birthday
The weather report said horrid rain and cold: reality beamed bright and clear. The birds said thanks, and we managed 54 species in the weekend. Early winter is the best time for Aloe arborescens and Leonotis leonurus. Best birding is from the balcony nearest the bar, and that suits many of the audience. Gurney’s Sugarbird
Our Northern Drakensberg valley is such a treat to live-in. We pinch ourselves each day; we have the freedom to hike the mountains, swim in the natural pools and run the trails at any moment. It truly is glorious. Three generations have thrived in this Northern Berg valley. Each generation has brought a unique offering
Oliver Wendall Holmes Sr put it so eloquently when he said: “The morning cup of coffee has an exhilaration about it which the cheering influence of the afternoon or evening cup of tea cannot be expected to reproduce.“ We at The Cavern, purchase as local as possible and welcome suppliers who craft magical potions that
We are celebrating local crafters and making March marvellous with a few wonderful local giveaways and I am normally on the back-foot, doing things as they happen rather than planning months ahead. I prefer a little bit of chaos and at times I wonder if this is what I attract… but, normally things do work
