Their first week

I think it was the Monday we set off to The Baths in Citrusdal. There were a surprising amount of people there and I think eventually it dawned on us that it was still during school holidays hence the many families around. Somehow we always seem to go mid-week with friends or family visiting on holiday so we've always managed to get in - some friends seem to think that it's always fully booked - I guess we've been lucky?

With all the camping equipment - two tents, 4 plastic chairs and cooler box, etc. we decided we'd better take the bakkie and so Sanna drove for the first time in ages and took us over the Piekenierskloof pass in style - with the guys at the back trying to talk above the howling wind and with beer in hand. I was afraid it would be cold so I even packed my entire duvee and two pillows which gave Alec and I the most comfortable sleep we've had on a camping trip ever! The seasoned campers declined and opted for their Thermarests instead.

We stopped off at Shoprite in Piketberg first for some supplies and then it was off to the wild. We love camping at The Baths so it had to be one of the first places we took them. We set up camp as soon as we got there and then went off to enjoy the warmth and comfort of the hot swimming pool. I think we all at some point also braved the cold pool if only for a second.

Later in the evening we had a lekker braai and eventually went to sleep just in time for the rain to start pit-patting on the roofs of our tents. All our constumes and towels which were draped over the bakkie got drenched, but luckily shoes and cameras, etc. were tucked away and avoided ruination. It also cleared the next day so we were able to swim and walk around some more before heading back to the mutts to dry out the tents on the lawn.

On the way back it was the girl's turn to sit at the back of the bakkie so we put on a brave face and braced ourselves. We got some ice-creams and cool-drinks for the drive back. Unfortunately, Sanna realised she'd left her purse including passport, money, everything on the ledge we'd just been sitting on before getting ourselves comfortable on the back. She felt so bad and was amazed that she could forget something so important, but luckily - with this being friendly, honest country - it was right where she left it. We'd driven for about 5 minutes before she realised it, so it was probably 10 minutes in all it was there. We all think if someone had found it they would have handed it straight to the receptionist and we would have retrieved it from there. Could have been a very different holiday so we were all relieved and went on to enjoy the rest of the day.