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The coastal wind gently blew our hair back as we strolled along the sunny promenade. The weather was perfection, the roar of the
waves and the sea gulls just a gentle background drone. Our minds dwelled solely on peace and reflection, and the only
appointment to rush to was a leisurely lunch. We breathed the salty, moist air deeply, and then heard the dulcet tones of the
whale crier. We glided to the edge of the esplanade, gazing regally out onto the ocean twenty feet below the steep precipice.
There, shoulder-to-shoulder with travellers from all over the world, we watched the whales dance.
For those who don’t know of it, Wynberg’s Environment Society is an unique organisation devoted to the experiencing and
conserving of South Africa’s wildlife, both flora and fauna. Very few South African’s fully appreciate our natural world’s beauty, or
fully realise the locations we have right on our doorstep. Tourists the world over flock to our sunny coast every year to witness it’s unique magnificence, while we think to see a great beach we have to go to Miami or Greece.
A group of twelve lucky girls visited Hermanus on this year’s second official camp. A set of happy accidents resulted in us staying,
not in the scenic (but rather rustic) mountain bungalows of Salmonsdam reserve, but the ideally situated and fully equipped Lakeview
chalets just outside Hermanus. With a stunning and unfettered view of both the towering mountain and the lagoon, as well as
TV’s and all the other comforts of home, we were really living in the lap of luxury, at no extra cost!
We whale-watched, ate, swam in the lagoon, ate, spent time on the beach, ate, saw the old harbour and explored the town’s large flea market, ate, and had very interesting days while still being able to sleep in AND have afternoon naps. And, of course, had
some of Ms Wilding’s famous braaing. With marshmallows under the stars, naturally. Did I tell you we ate a lot?
Every one involved had an amazing weekend. The camps are a unique experience to visit some our country’s greatest locations
with your best friends, and maybe some new ones. And the fact that you are out of the house all weekend is a factor. There is
nothing that rivals the camps for complete destressing, lots of sleep, a whole lot of fun and brand new experiences. And did I
maybe mention the food? I should of.
A whale-sized thank you to Ms Wilding and Ms McCallum for taking us and putting up with our awful singing. You couldn’t have made the weekend more enjoyable for us. |
