Dew drops glistening in the morning sunshine. First rays of sunshine waking the silent forest. Flowers of gold. Rivers of silver foliage. Above Simola, the contour path allows for easy walking, restricted by our unfamiliarity of the routes and legs unaccustomed to the hills.

Alongside the Old Cape Road, tin houses merge into the forest. Infused by the shadows of elephants. Paintings waiting.

Breakfast at Cafe Throb, where Polly is allowed on the deck. The service, friendly and the food, invitingly moreish.

Next to the studio, a new Dallas Smith art gallery has opened. With the studio, the first part of the Harbour Town district will have four galleries. Each one, with dramatically different styles.

Lunch at 34 South, for their $3.00 special, of gurnard espetada. A colorful skewer of fish chunks, lemon and peppers. The fish was over cooked which was disappointing. Service was friendly if slowish. Not unexpected given that the tables were packed. To accompany the free glass of wine, we selected bits of sushi as well as an Ernie Else Chenin. Sitting at the waters edge, on a stunning early summers day, there was the concern that we would never leave.

Low tide and calm seas found us charging through the Knysna Heads, riding the swells in search of whales. The passage through the Heads is perilous to the ignorant, as the sudden thrust of the boat diagonally across the entrance and around a rocky outcrop proved. Exhilarating! The whales, elusive, giving us short sightings as they were moving quickly in their family groups.

Wet walk on the beach at first light. The sun hidden by leaden clouds so at odds with the pink sunset. Easthead for breakfast looking out to the Heads, and the seemingly gentle swell.

Discussions with the architect and spacial designer for the apartment and studio. Ideas tossed around within the constraints of practical realities. A journey started.

Quick lunch with Dad and Mary before an easy drive back to the vineyards through the Robertson valley, still resplendent in the last of the jacaranda flowers.

A special time, with special friends.