I wake in the weird little campsite to the sounds of the beautiful hadeda. It’s David’s birthday and we have a lovely long call catching up on things.
I hike using the bathroom I foolishly leave some breakfast things out and when I return the monkeys have entertained themselves throwing things around.
In the attempt to fix my earphones I break one. Whoops.
I’m on the road and driving to Durban. Jess has pointed out that there should be waves at the piers with this east swell and I’d love to surf there again. When I arrive there is some swell in the bay and the wind is offshore. I park off and take a walk down the promenade to investigate further.
The waves are messy and there are many peaks on the beach. I’m on the fence but think it would probably be best just to paddle out to get hungry for a bunny chow.
Someone learning to surf gets sucked out and two lifeguards come to the rescue. Some homie called Eugene tunes the person for being silly in the ocean.
I chat to Eugene who is selling homemade fish tanks in tequila bottles.
I paddle out and it’s an ok surf. Pretty all over the place but some fun ones. I exclusively go left and love it. I fall on a little grab rail reverse but it feels nice.
The wind starts absolutely howling and it’s time to get some bunny chow. I go to the rather mainstream place in Florida road because there is a Paul’s ice cream spot and I want to get a present for the Magrobis.
The wind is howling here. Branches are falling from trees and it’s general chaos. I somehow sit amongst it all, read my book and eat a delicious broad bean bunny chow with one hand.
The drive to Hilton is hectic. Easily the worst driving that I’ve done so far. It’s raining and there are road works. An accident brings everything to a stop, and upon passing the truck that had crashed everyone starts speeding to make up for lost time. It’s chaotic and people are overtaking one another in dangerous positions. Suddenly cars are swerving off the road to avoid a pileup when the lane begins to merge - the rain not allowing them time to see it. Luckily I had a big following distance.
I arrive in Hilton and have a cup of tea. I catch up with Kathy, Erin, Bruce, Florence and Kitty. Slowly unpack the car and being to feel quite exhausted but relaxed.
Erin and Aaron go off to work and Bruce makes amazing chops, baked potatoes and reheats a “mustardy cauliflower cheese” Ottolenghi dish. We drink a bottle of wine that I have brought, but it hasn’t enjoyed being neglected in the back of the car for a month.
An early night beckons for Leo and Florence.
