Early on Thursday 31 September, Gordon and I flew out of Lanseria en route to Cape Town International. Our aim, to see the wildflowers of the West Coast. Little did we know what a wonderful IPA experience we would have!

Upon our arrival, we rented a car and, thanks to Google Maps, found our way to Kirstenbosch Gardens. It had taken a bit of arm-twisting but thankfully Gordon enjoyed the experience, including the canopy walkway known as the “boomslang”. We spotted some lovely birds, took some gorgeous photographs and in true “Vaalie” fashion, did some shopping in the gift shop. After a cream tea and a beer at the tea room (no prizes for guessing who chose what!!), we took to the road and headed out of the city.

“Salty Crax” is the name of Carla Ferreira’s establishment in Table View. Carla is an active IPA West Coast member. This five star “backpackers” accommodation near Blouberg Strand is a haven for wind and kite surfers, but it’s so much more than that. We were shown to a splendid room with a full en suite bathroom, before joining our hostess in the lapa for a drink. Many drinks and a scrumptious braai later, I headed to bed, leaving the party animals to continue long into the night. Our thanks to Carla and her team for a fabulous stay. We highly recommend this spot to IPA members.

On Friday morning we drove up the west coast, a little worse for wear, towards the village of Paternoster. This picturesque fishermen’s hamlet with its white and blue homes on the Atlantic shoreline, is an artist’s dream. From there we meandered to the nearby Cape Columbine lighthouse and nature reserve. Vibrant flowers abounded but the sign “Tietiesbaai” somehow drew Gordon’s attention (wonder why??), so we drove down to one of the most beautiful beach campsites I’ve ever seen. The azure sea, snow white sand, peaceful isolation and influx of bird life kept us there, until hunger pains eventually drove us back to Paternoster for a delightful seafood snack on the beachfront.

Taking a detour via Vredenburg towards Saldanha, we drove past a multitude of wildflowers until we arrived at a favourite haunt on the … dock of the bay (with apologies to Otis Redding). There, overlooking the harbour, we shared a delectable little mussel pot. Before we knew it, it was time to head back down the coast to Yzerfontein.

Once in Yzerfontein our hosts Alfie ( West Coast Treasurer) and Tilly van Litsenborgh very kindly accommodated us in their home. We had our own private upstairs room (little did we know how we would come to dread those stairs!) and a bathroom we shared with a fellow visitor, Jakes. Dinner that night was a communal affair and a number of IPA friends arrived at the van Litsenborgh family home to partake of their hospitality.

Early the next morning Gordon and I set off with Jakkie, Alfie and a group of their IPA friends to do a “walk” (an IPA West Coast event) along the beach. Were we in for a surprise! We were looking forward to the 16km walk, of which 14km’s were to be on the beach and 2km’s were to be in the West Coast National Park. I imagined a gentle stroll, during which I would be able to pick up shells and photograph wild flowers. What a rude awakening when the route march started! No time for dithering! Gasping and plodding along I was about a kilometre behind the rest of the pack. Needless to say I needed a helping hand or two (and a push from below!) before I made it up the sand dune into the Park. Eventually a combi was sent to fetch us as the rest of the group were tired of waiting. I am eternally grateful to Gordon for not deserting me – thank you sweetheart. Compliments to the ladies training for El Camino de Santiago – the Spanish pilgrimage walk. You are going to ace it girls!

After freshening-up we went for an exciting drive with the van Litsenborgh brothers. There are some fascinating developments down under so keep watching the West Coast closely. Dinner that night was at a lovely cosy local spot where we enjoyed scrumptious seafood. With great difficult Gordon and I slowly climbed the stairs to bed that night.

The next morning we could hardly move but the summons to breakfast had to be answered. Soon afterwards we left for Postberg, the flower reserve within the West Coast National Park. After waiting over an hour to enter the Park we drove into Postberg to seas of colour. Pink, white, orange, purple fields with bees buzzing and the sea crashing in the distance. Absolute heaven! On our way back out of the park we stopped off at a bird hide and had the privilege of seeing the very rare African Rail. Folks were dashing there from all over with their massive lenses to capture this phenomenal sighting. Talk about the right place at the right time!!

We left the Park on a high and drove through to Darling where we ogled Evita se Perron and had a glass or so (hic!!) of Darling Brewery’s finest. Feeling a little fragile from the day before we took a slow drive back to Yzerfontein.

The next morning we sadly said goodbye to Alfie, Tilly and Jakkie and took off to Riebeek Kasteel where we munched on delectable garlic stuffed olives. We then went on to Tulbach with its world renowned restored architectural street and had lunch at the only non-alcoholic restaurant – poor Gordon giggle. This was followed by a trip through the challenging Bainskloof Pass and here we saw a 4X4 more than 3 metres off the side of the road down a steep precipice so Gordon went sniffing for dead bodies! Once a policeman, always a policeman – hey!! Fairview Wine Estate was next, and there we enjoyed a cheese-taster lunch while watching the baby goats perform on their various platforms.

Finally, we set off for Cape Town and the IPA house in Plumstead. Timour Hall is under the loving care of Deon Huysamen and his wife Chris. Deon welcomed us and accompanied us into their thriving bar where Gordon took root. Meanwhile I went to our room that was in the spacious converted stables. That night we slept like the dead after a cozy dinner at Groot Constantia – the wine had NOTHING to do with it!. Next morning, after saying our farewells, we managed to fit in two quick wine tastings at Klein Constantia and Buitenverwachting before heading to Cape Town International for our flight home.

What an astounding, whirlwind trip! Thank you to all our friends for ensuring we had a glorious time. Hope we can reciprocate some day when you visit Jo’burg – IPA ROCKS!!