We awoke to a fairly overcast day but somehow the sun in Africa still manages to make a spectacular appearance and today was no exception, as it cast its red and orange glow over the calm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Over breakfast of fresh tropical fruits, freshly baked jam croissants and cinnamon buns and eggs, we chatted to the Comic Relief Team. They seem to have the charity thing in Africa sussed. They sponsor development projects at grass roots level in order for the local people to make use of and expand their existing skills as well as assisting in educational projects.
With tummies full we ambled the couple of feet down to the beach. The water is so warm and calm at this time of the year (apparently January and February sees huge storms and high winds). The low tide sees the sea ebbing right back and you can walk for ages, in ankle deep water, out to sea; with high tide the water gentle flows back in. This is not exactly a surfers paradise in terms of big waves. Robs spent hours snorkelling around but saw very little. Kirst, having escaped the Cape Town winter, spent a good deal of the day sunbathing.
The beach is empty and besides the odd couple walking past from the neighbouring lodge, we had the beach to ourselves. I love taking long walks on the beach and collecting shells. As a child, on our family holidays, Gareth would always join me as we ambled from Sheffield Beach up to Tinley Manor, on the Natal North Coast. As I set off to explore the northern tip of the island I found my son walking next to me, just like old times, we ambled along talking about everything and nothing, stopping every few steps to pick up a shell that had caught our eye. What a special time. We walked past a few lodges, one particularly fancy and one pretty awful. As we rounded the final bend, there was a lighthouse and the local village. It was low tide at this stage and most of the wooden fishing boats were lolling on the sand. Further out we watched fisherman catching fish in nets. Some of the local children came to chat but our lack of Swahili tongue was a problem, so we were limited to Jambo – Hello.
There are thousands of little cowries of different colours but most of the nice shells are inhabited by hermit crabs. It is fascinating to watch these little shells whizzing around the beach. As you pick them up, the crab retreats back into its shell, with patience we watch them slowly creep out again.
After another lazy day at the beach and laughs after tipples off the hammocks, we were treated to a barbecue (braai is not a known word in these parts) – of prawns, octopus, red snapper (the biggest I have seen), chicken and beef, along with salad, veg, local spiced rice and chapatti (another local favourite, a bit like a roti). Pudding was crème brulee made with coconut. Not bad for an island dinner.
The highlight of the day, much to the excitement of the kids – Captain Haddock shaved off his beard. He does look a whole lot better.
Caught in the act of shaving
Knew you could do it Kirst! Hahahaha! Well done!!
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