Destination Unknown - February 2011 By Kerry Van Der Spuy Travellers: RUSSELL, NIEL, KERRY, AMBER, GEORGE, LOVING LOUISE, ARIE, REECE, IMMO, MICHELLE, JOHN, JACQUIE It seems to be that it's always the simplest things that brings the most pleasure. On Friday afternoon, under very strict instruction, we met at Melkbos to head off to our mystery destination up the West Coast. We went through Elands Bay and picked up the keys in Lamberts Bay and were treated to Russell's first smile that afternoon. On the toll road again and shortly turned off into.......the beginning of what was to be the key to unwinding and relaxation. The short track took us down to the beach. The campsite is spectacular - right on the waters edge - heavenly, absolutely heavenly. Unable to temper my delight, Russell was the recipient of a myriad of hugs. The sun was almost on the horizon when we arrived, so we needed to hastily set up camp, and the children leapt out the vehicles to move rocks and explore. Tents were erected in record time, and Russell had already started the fire and dinner was soon sizzling away above the coals. A fairly early night was had by all - I think, let me rephrase that, an early night was had by my family, but not before a very firm friendship had been forged between Amber and Russell. The sound of the roaring ocean in the silence of the night proved to be nature's lullaby and we all slept well. We awoke to a misty morning - the strong salty fragrance permeating every porous substance. Kettles boiling, children already collecting shells and rock climbing - everyone was happy. After morning coffee, an exploration walk was called for - or was it that the children needed to run off some of the new day's energy? Arie, Reece, Niel, myself, Amber and Russell ambled along the rocky part of the coast, whilst John and Jacquie decided to go walkies along the beach. Arie pointed out a shy shark in one of the clear rock pools. We picked it up and watched as it curled up, covering its eyes with its tail. When put back into the water, it unfurled v e r y slowly, then shot off under a rock. Climbing and clambouring over the smooth rocks, exploring rock pools or just contemplating life whilst looking out to sea - one allowed the ocean to do it's magic and the stress of city life ebbed away. Michelle and Immo then appeared and joined us. Rumbling tummies seemed to be the determining factor in turning back to the campsite. A quick brunch was rustled up and then...........much to Reece's utter dismay, Amber curled up and went to sleep. He couldn't understand why she would do that. After a little siesta - some in chairs, some in tents, some even on the back seats of their cars.......we watched George gallantly carrying the paddle ski down to the water and go for a paddle. John and Jacquie lay on the beach soaking in the West Coast rays, and Jacquie cooled off by having a good swim. Niel and Arie primed their rods and optimistically (fishermen must be the most optimistic buggers on this planet) wandered off down the beach with the two children hot on their heels. Arie was the first to reel in a fish, artistically draped in kelp. Not being the kind of fish to tempt our taste buds, it was 'coaxed' back into the water. The fish seemed to love the sardine bait, and Niel, Amber and Reece caught shy-sharks. The bait was changed to white mussel and redbait, the latter being presented by John, who had also joined the fisher folk. The children swam and played and generally accumulated heaps of sand in undesirable areas of the body. With the sun setting, the brave fishermen returned to camp. Russell's folks arrived to join us for dinner, bringing with them two deeeeelicious milk tarts, that were devoured in a short amount of time. The fire was roaring and a festive feel was in the air. Russell did Greg proud by cooking ribs and distributing them round for all to taste and enjoy. Immo was very doting and attentive in making sure that Michelle's glass was topped up constantly - that's what I call service!! Now, it has been said that what happens on camp, stays on camp, however all I will say is - under the stars, some things are not what they seem and affection was misdirected (and quite gladly accepted, I might add!) The new morning was bright and beautiful - how fortunate we were to be able to experience it - until Arie had an unexpected visitor nestling in his shower cubicle, a fairly big, black scorpion, who became really annoyed at being picked up and moved. Slowly the packing up began, as the mist rolled in, closing off a wonderous weekend. To Russell especially and all our fellow travellers - thank you for a memorable trip.