Close to the eastern most part of the Langeberge, in the Southern Cape, lies Riversdale.
Having spend many a happy day on my grandparents farm near Novo, every time I get close to Riversdale and I get the clean, almost antiseptic smell of the various types of Agathosma (aka buchu) shrubs I’m instantly transported back in time and recall drinking still warm milk, fresh farm bread and warm carefree days.
I hoped to inherit the farm one day but my hopes was squashed when my grandfather called me, then around 11, out onto the veranda one sullen summers evening. We had just eaten lamb chops and he was stuffing his pipe and squinting like me in the way he used to. A leathery old man of about 70 with piercing blue eyes and a milky white ring around his head from wearing a hat in the cruel sun, I remember him vividly today, 30 years later.
Anyway, this little talk came on a Sunday, a day where we kids got in trouble more than once for causing a racket around the house while the grown-ups were trying to sleep off their mid day-binge. My granddad must have heard I was dreaming of inheriting the farm because he called me over and said he had a matter of grave importance to discuss with me. It turned out he would have loved to pass on the farm to me once I was big enough but in his considered opinion I would make a lousy farmer.
I was flabbergasted and asked why he thought I wouldn’t be a good farmer and he replied to roaring laughter of the other adults:
“Son, you can’t sleep after lunch so you won’t make it as a farmer!” Well, that was that.
Where ever you are in Riversdale or even along the N2, when you look towards the mountains, assuming you know where to look, you need little imagination to see “Sleeping Beauty” - a stunning part of the mountain and famous landmark:
While in the vicinity recently, I took careful aim with my TyTN and got some more photos. The TyTN also has a 2mp camera and I know they’re old hat but I still prefer the pictures I take with the W800i or the N70 (both also have 2mp cameras).
I’ve almost gotten used to having to carry 2 phones (one work and one private) with me. It’s a schlep so when the Sony Ericsson was due for an upgrade I decided on a TyTN. At present the N70 stays home and the TyTN gets the nod because if it’s pocket PC capabilities.
If you’re one of those people who could never quite make out the shape, I hope these pictures help!
Tags: CCK1019, DR650, Riversdale, Sleeping Beauty
Leave a Reply