Easter in Southbroom

We took a two-week spring break to visit our families in South Africa for Easter. I headed to Southbroom where I caught up with my parents and their new border collie puppies, Jinx and Jess. My brother, Debby and their daughter Penelope flew out and I got to meet my darling niece for the first time! She is perfect :)

Jinx the puppy with The View

Penelope's first Easter Egg hunt with Swiss chocolate eggs!

Fun at the MacBanana Adventure Golf

Aunty V and Penelope bonding over books and Duplo

We visited the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve for a day, where we saw zebra, wildebeest, bontebok and impala. Oribi Gorge is a canyon in southern Kwa-Zulu Natal, cut by the Mzimkulwana River. We bravely crossed the suspension bridge on quite a windy day, enjoying the spectacular views over the gorge 400m below us.

The suspension bridge

Beautiful view over the Mzimkulwani River

It was a lovely family trip and a wonderful catch-up with everyone from around the world.

Overall Winner - Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon

Daniel participated in his first ultra marathon in South Africa and he won the race in a course record of 22:02:57! His dad and brother also ran the race and the family in luminous green were the first father-and-sons team to finish the race.

Looking strong!

Daniel in action on Stage 4

The Rowland family at the finish line

Penguins!

Boulders Beach is home to a colony of African Penguins. From just two breeding pairs in 1982, the penguin colony has grown to about 3000 penguins today.

Cape Town

We spent a lovely few days in Cape Town, revisiting old haunts and soaking up some sun and sunsets along the coast.

Our favorite beach, Llandadno 

Table Mountain from Signal Hill 

Table Mountain from the Waterfront 

The Waterfront at sunset 

The Waterfront at sunset 

The Waterfront at night 

Hout Bay from Chapman's Peak 

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Walker Wedding

On 16 December, my brother Gavin married Debby in a beautiful, fun ceremony in Cape Town. The groom and groomsmen were dashing, the bride and bridesmaids were gorgeous, and all the guests had a wonderful time. Here are some pictures of the special day.

Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Walker!