Sights of Swellendam

Today was a really chilled day in Swellendam. Mike and I went for a couple of walks and we ate leftovers from last nights celebration for Stacey’s 30th birthday, which is tomorrow.  We had a wonderful evening celebrating with Stacey and Adrian, Julian and David and Adrian’s Dad, Ron. There was lots of chatting, laughter and food.  One of the activities which was entertaining was the creating of a ginger bread house. I had bought a pre-made pack and assembly was only required!

This morning Julian and David left early, while we stayed on.

The first walk took us through the streets of Swellendam. Tree lined streets…

Beautiful lush gardens…

Mike in front of a “prettyish sort of Wilderness”.

We visited Adrian’s Dad and admired the changes he had made to the garden and house since we were last here. It’s great to see.

One of the joys of being in Swellendam is that there is ample water. Just three hours out of Cape Town and the treat of not worrying about every single drop of water is very enjoyable.

#496 of my 1000 thanks is for TWO showers today!

This afternoon we all slept and then this evening Mike and I went for another walk. This time it was along the dirt roads above the house. The bird life here is amazing.  I didn’t have my cell phone on me to take a photo. So sorry I didn’t because there were a couple of spectacular shots that are fixed in my mind’s eye. One was a long-tailed sugar bird that was settled on a small tree just above the path warbling enthusiastically to a fellow bird that must have been close by. Even though we were just metres away, it didn’t flinch or fly away – just continued singing at the top of its voice.

We continued down the valley and up the other side until we came to a sizable pond. Walking around it, we crossed over a small river and followed a path up to what we thought was another track. But before we could get to it, we were interrupted. There was a flutter of wings and a large eagle flew across our path and settled on a tree about  4 metres away from us. There it sat, one wing half raised, just looking at us….keeping an eye on our next move. We stood there a few moments in awe at seeing such a bird so close and yet fully in the wild. It didn’t move. We didn’t either. I looked towards from where it had flown, but couldn’t see a nest, but there must have been something there. It clearly was blocking our way. We weren’t going to argue. I wouldn’t like to test its patience! So we turned around and left it in peace and returned to the house. Next time, we will go further AND I will be sure to take my cell phone!

It’s always great to see an eagle.

Isaiah 40:31

Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

What a wonderful promise and a great one to take into the week with us. Mike has two eye procedures this week. He will have his strength renewed.

These are the days!

Keep the smile going.

God bless you!

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂

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