Hoo-Ray It's holi-Yay!

There were a few weeks to go before the summer holidays would break the monotony of 8 months under house arrest, as we continued to endure the lockdown. Like a bolt of lightning on a summer’s day, a nephew and niece took over our holiday home for three weeks. They were determined to make it to Onrus, where good wine flowed, restaurants were waking from a long slumber, and hikes in Fernkloof were beckoning.

That meant we were free to spin the Honey Badger's wheels in any direction, albeit at President Ramaphosa's pleasure, while keeping COVID rules in mind. We could do a road-trip staycation with whistle-stops along the way. The country was see-sawing between levels, like everyone else globally. We were punch-drunk after almost a year in isolation. South Africans were mentally and physically exhausted, and we suffered from all the social dilemmas, including Zoom fatigue. We were mourning the deaths of two family members, yet thankful that so many friends and family had survived.

My grandmother always said, "Judge a man by the way he treats his mother." Butch adored his mother and his beloved sisters, who still hold him in high regard. Legend has it that they worshipped him and made sure his feet didn't touch the ground for his first three years. The Robertsons are a close-knit family who deeply respect and value one another; the five siblings contact each other regularly and visit as often as possible. I admire his unfailing love, respect, and compassion for his family. (Quite unlike the Royal who-ha we’re having the displeasure of witnessing.)

With shock and deep sadness, he learned that two of his brothers-in-law had passed away. Naturally, we were unable to attend their funerals. Although Butch assured his sisters he'd help in any way, he regretted not supporting them when they were most vulnerable.

The decision to go on a road trip was easy; the destination was to see his family and our friends along the way. The Honey Badger was our home, and theoretically we'd still be confined to our quarters. The Dr. ordered a change of scenery, and we eagerly set off on an adventure that took us up the East Coast to Pongola in Natal. When our heads turned after New Year, we'd return along the eastern edge of the Orange Free State.

We spent our first evening in the picturesque village of Swellendam, nestled at the foot of the Langeberg mountain range. We dropped in to visit a friend who, with her partner, has committed to restoring a large home on sprawling land — single-handedly — an enormous task for retirees.  

We dined on hot and spicy Tom Yum broth, Vietnamese spinach wraps with Thai dipping sauce, Satay chicken skewers, cucumber ribbons, and homemade ice cream at the kitchen table, where we chatted well into the night. We could tell by their enthusiasm that their ambitious dreams would be realised. 

After a tour of the vegetable garden, fruit trees and ornamental garden, my friend gathered fresh eggs laid by her Bantams (I think that's what they were!) and then we set off for a meander in the nearby National Park and forest, their dogs' favourite hunting ground. It was a sunny day; we would've loved to stay, but we had a way to go. 

While driving through the 16th-century village to join the N1, I made a mental note to return to Swellendam, with its beautiful architecture, restaurants, and interesting shops, preferably on a Market day. There are numerous B&Bs to choose from, including a Boutique Hotel. There are many walks and hikes, and for cyclists, interesting single-track routes to follow. Being only 90 minutes from Worcester, Swellendam’s temperate climate makes it the perfect weekend getaway. 

Our next stop is a night's sleep in Plettenberg Bay.

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The Garden Route always lives up to expectations, and this year was no exception. One of South Africa’s most iconic routes, it showcases our magical landscape perfectly. This year, the roads were less busy, and we made good time, reaching Plettenberg Bay in the early afternoon. The streets were so quiet that we noticed, then realised, the beach ban had taken effect. Holidaymakers were in for a gut-wrenching surprise—no swimming, surfing, kayaking or sunbathing. Sales of buckets, spades and flamingo tubes were set to plummet. The Eastern Cape beaches were off-limits as a new strain of COVID-19 began its devastating sweep across our country; the Cape Province would be the hardest hit.

It took a moment of silent contemplation before we could alight from the truck.  In trepidation, we thought about Butch’s friend’s health, a reminder of our own fragility and the resilience needed to recover and stay strong. 

Oh, our delight upon seeing our friends, their big smiles and the healthy timbre of his voice brought tears to our eyes. Recovery takes time and a strong will. This man had everything going for him. We spent a delightful afternoon catching up and dined on “the best curry I’ve had in years,” Butch said. It certainly was deliciously flavoursome, hot and spicy, and the poppadoms were crispy. Good conversations with old friends surpass all that, as we laughed until we cried.

We retired as the tide ebbed and flowed, relieved that our friend was in both good spirits and great health. For the first time in weeks, Butch slept without waking until the sun poured into our windows.

After a scrumptious, healthy breakfast, we rolled down the Plettenberg hill and resumed our journey towards Hogsback. The mood was altogether lighter. The Honey Badger was back on track, and we were zipping along at a steady pace. We were free to roam and find the famous Magic Mushrooms everyone raves about.

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