High Seasons Farm in the Hemel and Aarde Valley

The smoke, set free from the braai fire, bolted from the chimney to join whispers of clouds cavorting in the moonlight. Thus, heaven and earth connected in this valley of beauty. It’s as if God practiced in a bunch of places on earth, took out all his lessons on what worked, and created this valley of perfection.

The mountains are gentle and inviting, funneling the cool breeze from the sea up to sun heated meadows. Green from the streams that feed lakes sprinkled with ducks, frogs and water lilies. Gum trees, architectural statements in the landscape, their bark constantly changing light mirrors in air of spectacular clarity.

Polly friendly suspended decks under gay umbrellas, enjoying chilled champagne from one of the numerous speciality wineries that line the snaking valley road from the sea. The boot of the mobi-kennel holding boxes of unknown wines to try while watching the fire and counting the minutes before the steak needed turning.

Old oak trees, strategically placed in the fields for leprechauns searching for a home. Nguni cattle, mobile art forms and hours of entertainment for Polly.