That is how it must feel to a South African Fur Seal as it slips into the water with barely a ripple or splash, unless of course it has been barracked and pushed into the water by a temporary adversary. We have never seen them draw blood on each other but, boy, do they squabble, …

We were lucky with the weather for our visit to the Kirstenbosch Gardens with Christina and Werner; the mountain tops cut sharp clear lines against the clean blue sky. Nor was it too hot, so chatting on the elevated walkway while standing in the sun looking up to the mountains and down the valleys to …

I awoke to a fishy smell that pervaded our cabin, it was just as bad in the saloon. The source was yet another upside-down cormorant, floating in the water, a large chunk of its anatomy now in the belly of a seal. Poor creature. After breakfast Mohammed drove us in his cherished white Toyota Corolla …

I’m not sure but he certainly was loveable and a pleasure to walk for the few minutes we were allowed with him on the fourteenth of Feb. This four-year-old wire-haired boy had only been in the rescue centre for a week and they did not expect him to stay long because of his quiet, well-mannered …

In the photo of Rob as a small figure top right by a low wall facing right you see a plaque with the four cardinal compass points on it. I have taken the photo to show our route from Cape Town northwards to the left of Robben Island when we eventually leave. The black bird …

Lines ashore and we were soon downing a cool glass of non-alcohol beer, quickly followed by a lengthy walk around the V & A Marina to the office, past the canal weirs, ‘lawns’ being laid on the brand-new Leopard Cats. Apologies for any confusion but while trying to keep a story line going through this …

The Leaving of Buffalo River The river water was like a mirror as I disturbed the peace by starting the engine at 5.15 on the 28th January. We tied together the mooring lines and dropped them over the side as I motored us slowly away from our place, we had occupied for 19 days and …

The birds are increasingly happy with us here. The terns preen themselves on our handrails, a wagtail tries to come in and say ‘hi’, and this morning a goose was standing on the cockpit coaming wondering when I was going to get up! A pair of mystery birds we cannot find in our books or …

He flew low over the green water, dipping beneath the gangways that led to shore from the floating pontoons and with a loud triple “Wark, wark wark” alighted on a branch in a thickly foliaged tree. Against the green he stood out with his white spotted charcoal back, white shoulders and chestnut waistcoat, an unlikely …

An Indian Takeaway to take one’s Breath Away There is no shortage of eateries and bars around the International Dock to entertain and nourish the new visitor and I watched the vervet monkeys playing on the roof while Rob sat inside K N K Curries awaiting our order. Back on board we unwrapped the goodies …