Regular Contributors Beth Hunt, Albert Peter, Leigh Bouwer, Percy Heywood, Sally Carter Wicus Leeuwner, Pieter Schoombee, Beulah Liebenberg, Dr Jeannine McManus & Mark de Wet.
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Hello and welcome to this very exciting edition of Whale Talk Magazine, where we are celebrating the return of our beloved Southern Right Whales; the Hermanus FynArts Festival (6 - 16 June); Father's Day (15 June); the mid-year school holidays (27 June - 22 July); winter and of course everyday life on the Cape Whale Coast
It is insane to think that we are already half-way through this year – and what a crazy roller-coaster of a ride it has been so far. Since our previous edition of Whale Talk came out a few weeks ago, our Executive Mayor, Dr Annelie Rabie stepped down and has been temporarily replaced by Acting Overstrand Executive Mayor, Alderman Lindile Nstabo, while a new mayor is being chosen (he very kindly wrote a message for our readers which is on page 4). Katy Perry and a bevy of billionaires and celebrities embarked on Blue Origin's eleven-minute allwomen suborbital space flight, which was met with praise from some and hysterical laughter from others. Donald Trump's tariffs antics on the world stage have embroiled half the globe's governments in unsought after trade wars and we are all watching with bated breath to see what will happen next. Sadly Pope Francis, who has been head of the Catholic Church since 2013, passed away on 21 April at the age of 88, which plunged a huge portion of the population into mourning. Within a few short weeks, white smoke billowed from the Vatican, signalling that Cardinal Robert Prevost (his papal name is Leo XIV) had been elected as the new pope on the second day of the conclave. Let us hope that the remaining six months of 2025 are a little less dramatic than the first
Winter is a glorious time of year on the Cape Whale Coast and is happily our whale season, when the Southern Right Whales swim all the way from the icy waters of the Antarctic to the welcoming waters of Walker Bay to mate and calve. However, over the past thirteen years, winter in Hermanus has also become synonymous not just with whales, but also with the wildly popular Hermanus FynArts Festival, which is best described as a fusion of Art Fest and Winter School and is the brainchild of the fabulous Mary Faure. Culture vultures and bon vivants will once again have the opportunity to revel in a smorgasbord of cultural delight at this year's Hermanus FynArts, which boasts a ten-day, jam-packed programme of exhibitions, recitals, workshops, demonstrations and shows. For more information on the FynArts, please turn to pages 8 and 9.
We hope you keep warm this winter, enjoy this edition of Whale Talk Magazine and have a whale of a time at the Hermanus FynArts Festival
Leigh
Contents
written by Alderman Lindile Ntsabo
written by Albert Peter
written by Mary Faure
written by Wicus Leeuwner
written by Beth Hunt
written by Percy Heywood
Mayoral Message
Text by Acting Overstrand Executive Mayor, Alderman Lindile Ntsabo
As the days grow shorter and the Overstrand embraces cooler days and misty mornings, we welcome a new season filled with natural wonder, vibrant community energy, and plenty to enjoy along our world-renowned coastline.
his time of year marks the much-anticipated return of the gentle giants to our shores – a seasonal spectacle that draws visitors from far and wide. While Bryde's whales, Humpbacks, sharks, penguins and dolphins can be seen in our waters throughout the year, it is the arrival of the Southern Rights that truly signals the start of whale season along the Cape Whale Coast. With exceptional viewpoints along the cliffs of Hermanus, De Kelders, Gansbaai, and Kleinmond, the Overstrand offers some of the finest land-based whale watching in the world. Whether you're walking the cliff paths, enjoying breakfast with a sea view, or hearing the distinctive call of the Whale Crier, the experience is truly unforgettable
For the next few months, we've got a packed schedule of events for everyone From Saturday park runs to the the Trail Series in Kleinmond and the thrilling Race to the Sea cycle — there's something for
Photo by Brendon Vice 8 June 2025
T ALDERMAN LINDILE NTSABO MESSAGE FROM OUR ACTING MAYOR
everyone to enjoy. Add to that the Hermanus and Onrus Kalfiefees in August and the Whale Festival and Fynbos Celebration in September and there's hardly a quiet weekend on the calendar
Rounding out the season, Stanford's Wine & Cheese Festival in October promises to tempt the taste buds of food lovers from near and far
A special highlight is the Hermanus FynArts Festival, which draws growing audiences each year with its rich programme of visual arts, music, talks, and performances. The Sculptures on the Cliffs exhibition at Gearing's Point is a particular favourite –free to the public, it blends art with nature in the most scenic setting imaginable.
We are proud, too, that Overstrand has been recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. From our awardwinning wines and artisanal cheeses to local markets, the Overstrand offers an
authentic and memorable culinary experience
The festivities across the Overstrand are designed to be enjoyed by everyone: mums, dads, grandparents and children. We hope you'll come out, get involved, and help make these events unforgettable
Let's care for our shared spaces: dispose of your waste responsibly, keep beaches and neighbourhoods clean and help preserve the natural beauty that draws us here. Look after your belongings, keep valuables out of sight and please drive with patience and mindfulness, especially around cyclists, runners, and pedestrians. Let's all make sure we arrive alive.
Whether you're a visitor or a resident, may your time here be filled with great memories. We hope the Overstrand becomes your favourite winter destination, not just this year, but for many years to come!
ART, ANTICS AND ASTRONAUTS
written by Albert Peter
As our rocky home drifts further from the sun, we buckle up for another year that has been about as smooth as a dirt road through the Karoo. The seasons shift, and as we brace for colder weather, we find ourselves savouring the fyner things in life –see what I did there?
Good company and cosy evenings are not only synonymous with the Walker Bay winter, but also a much valued feature of our annual Hermanus FynArts Festival – a unique celebration of talent and vision So does life imitate art, or is it the other way around? The events 2025 has provided us with so far suggest the answer lies in their mutual celebration, a dance of chaos and creativity
In South Africa, the year delivered some moments of triumph While our boys in green and gold are yet to thrill us with their obvious superiority on the field, rugby fans had plenty to cheer. The Ikeys outplayed the Maties in a nail-biting Varsity Cup final, igniting roars of pride across at least one of the Western Cape campuses Meanwhile, our fearless leaders played a high-stakes game of fiscal chicken, narrowly swerving to avoid another VAT hike The collective sigh of relief from even Mzansi's bravest was palpable – mothers, in particular, surely
appreciated the extra few bucks to make their special day shine
Across the pond, the United States kept the world on edge, with global markets wobbling like nitro-glycerine in a cocktail shaker President Trump, ever the cowboy in chief, fuelled endless debates with his tariff wars, turning geopolitics into a 'he says, Xi says' saga. My knowledge of markets may be as thin as the zeros on my pay check, but the drama is undeniable In the middle of this, Luigi Mangione emerged as an unlikely folk hero after allegedly assassinating an insurance company CEO. A musical about this modern anti-hero is reportedly in the works – a fitting twist from a nation where 'pew-pews' tend to outnumber pages read. Art, it seems, thrives on life's absurdities
In a dazzling display of ambition, Katy Perry and her crew of brave besties boarded an Amazon spacecraft, launching girl power to the stars While some saw it as a triumphant spectacle, others argued that it wasn't exactly a giant leap for mankind To be fair,
labelling the ladies as 'astronauts' may have stretched credulity – after all just because I dabble in a bit of writing, I am certainly no Shakespeare Nevertheless, the boldness of the endeavour echoes humanity's knack for dreaming big, even when the execution fails.
Loss, too, marked the year. Catholics around the world mourned the passing of Pope Francis, as the pearly gates rolled out its red carpet His gentle wisdom and warm humour had lit up hearts, guiding millions with a shepherd's quiet strength. Yet, in this grief, we find connection, a reminder of our shared humanity, and in his memory, we hold fast to hope, imagining him chuckling softly in heaven's glow.
Perhaps the question of whether life imitates art or vice versa is beside the point. What's clear is that they celebrate each other, weaving a tapestry of triumphs, tragedies, and absurdities As we navigate this choppy ride, we hold fast to the moments that make us laugh, cry, and dream – proof that the human spirit endures, no matter how bumpy the road may be
HERE TIME IS YOUR OWN
Stay for 2 nights and save 20%. Valid from May to Aug 2025. Terms & Conditions apply.
Afternoon Tea by the Sea - R 335 per person. Served Thursday to Saturday between 14h00 & 17h00. Fish & Chips Friday - R 195 per person. Available every Friday for lunch. Roasting Sundays - R 285 per person. Every Sunday for lunch. +27 28 313 1000 bookings@themarineco.za
SPOTLIGHT ON SOLO PERFORMERS
FynArts celebrates theatre with Janice Honeyman receiving the FynArts Legacy Award in recognition of her remarkable national and international career, spanning drama, comedy, Shakespeare, musicals and, of course, her cherished annual pantomime Don't miss Janice's informal discussion with the audience or other powerful solo performances, musical and theatrical
In Classical Accordion, Loren Ehlers demonstrates the versatility of this oftenoverlooked instrument, while One Person, One Note by Pedro Espi-Sanchis offers a joyful, interactive introduction to traditional African instruments and rhythms This is a not-to-be missed opportunity for young –very young – and older festivalgoers to make music together and learn more about our musical heritage
Two acclaimed one-handers bring personal stories and exceptional performances to the stage:
Blonde Poison, starring Fiona Ramsay, has been widely praised as a tour de force Round of Applause Reloaded, by comedian Marianne Thamm, takes a witty and insightful look at the contradictions and resilience of South Africa.
BOLD AND CONTEMPORARY
FynArts is proud to welcome rising force Cape Ballet Africa. The company will perform Extracts of Salt, a striking work that brings together the distinct styles of three acclaimed choreographers: Kirsten Isenberg, Mthuthuzeli November and Michelle Reid. Each brings a unique voice, promising a powerful and memorable performance
CONVERSATIONS AND IDEAS
Since 2014, the Strauss & Co Series of Presentations and Discussions has been a festival favourite The opening weekend includes a headline conversation between Minister Gayton McKenzie and Dr Ismail Mahomed, a veteran cultural leader.
On Sunday, the spotlight turns to visual arts with Meet the Festival Artist, featuring Mary Sibande in conversation with Nkgopoleng Moloi, editor of ArtThrob, followed by Meet the Artists on the Cliffs, with Sandra Hanekom highlighting the women behind this year's signature exhibition.
Themes across the week include nature and flowers in art, books, film, and music. Evening sessions invite debut authors to share the stories and challenges behind their work
FOCUS ON ART
The festival showcases a rich variety of visual art From established names to emerging talents, there's something to inspire every art lover Mary Sibande, renowned South African artist known for her powerful work and her exploration of identity, race and
gender, is this year's Festival Artist Sculpture on the Cliffs takes a fresh turn, showcasing ten female artists under the theme Echoes from the Edge The popular ceramics group exhibition returns to the Windsor Hotel, while the small sculpture show is at The Wine Glass The Art of Thread exhibition is back – now at the Overstrand Education Hub (formerly the old synagogue). Along the Art Route, fourteen galleries will present curated shows, accompanied by the Hermanus Art Circle, the Hermanus Photographic Society, and Artists@the Quay
FRESH VOICES, FRESH PERSPECTIVES
A standout addition to the 2025 lineup is the “Wake Up with Daily Maverick” series. Held early each morning, this five-part talk series features respected journalists and thought leaders delving into the big issues shaping South Africa today Topics range from economic resilience to grassroots activism, with coffee and breakfast snacks available to start your day informed and energized
LEARN BY DOING
For those who want to engage creatively, the programme offers a broad selection of hands-on workshops From painting and photography to clay work, mosaic, writing, and even fire painting, these fun and inspiring sessions not only teach new or hone existing skills, but are also the perfect place to meet friends, old and new Movement-based workshops in dance with Cape Ballet Africa are presented for teachers and senior dancers, while an improvisation workshop will encourage positivity, spontaneity and teamwork in a fun environment
A FEAST OF FLAVOURS
The Food and Wine series includes cooking demonstrations, interactive workshops and expert-led wine tastings “Wines to Know and Celebrate” sessions highlight standout local vintages, while curated lunches and dinners provide opportunities to savour the region's flavours in a sociable setting
MORE THAN JUST ART
At its core, the FynArts Festival is about connection – between people, disciplines, and ideas With its inclusive and thoughtful programming, the festival continues to offer a space where culture, community, and creativity thrive together
Grand concerts or intimate discussions, hands-on workshops or inspiring theatre FynArts 2025 promises a rich, welcoming experience celebrating the power of the arts to inform, delight and unite
FULL PROGRAMME: hermanusfynarts.co.za TICKETS: webtickets.co.za
Hermanus Tourism Office, the Festival Hub, or admin@hermanusfynarts.co.za
Text by Beth Hunt
AND ALL THAT JAZZ!
Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought.
Albert Einstein
What is a good life? With our utilitarian mindset, creativity is a skill that often gets deprioritized. Yet, it's so valuable. A vital ingredient for inspiration is daydreaming. Ray Charles puts it like this: Dreams, if they're any good, are always a little bit crazy! The creative catnap is not a waste of downtime. Creativity and dreams make good bedfellows!
Research has shown that personal growth can begin at the end of the comfort zone
Many of the most iconic novels, songs, and inventions of all time were inspired by significant life challenges. Hard times can help people grow their long-term contentment, emotional strength, and resourcefulness. When our view of the world as a safe place has been skewed, we can be forced to reboot our perspective and see things with a new, fresh set of beginner's eyes
However nemesis for creativity is taking our six senses for granted
Being thoughtfully reasonable and doing something because it is what ever else is doing Hallelujah to the mavericks whose minds shape the world around them
Salvador Dali – there was just nothing this surrealist artist could not do! Creative greats
make marvelous mentors! Passion is one great force that unleashes creativity, because if you're passionate about something, then you're more willing to take risks!
In his book, The Art of Creative Thinking, Rod Judkins writes: A creative mindset can be applied to everything we do and enrich every aspect of our lives. Creativity isn't a switch that's flicked on or off, it's a way of seeing, engaging with, and responding to the world around us. The creative are creative when filing documents, cooking, arranging timetables, or doing housework ause the Electrolux switch and give that some thought!). Try to develop an alternative way of thinking that can be applied to any challenge or project, no matter how far out of your comfort zone. , creativity knows no borders – it does not come packaged in a box!
Imaginative vision is about finding the inner guidance of the authentic self. A wacky
and wise artist, Maira Kalman's take on what often seems an absurd life is: How are we so optimistic, so careful not to trip and yet do trip, and then get up and say OK?
Although in our moments of What's it all about, Alfie, we can be emotionally moved and mystified by the exceptional gifts given to the human spirit. A Russian American figure skating champion on ice comes to mind. Ilia Malinin, performing his iconic Raspberry Twist, transforms us with exhilaration and enthusiasm, instilling in us the belief to flourish and thrive at being alive!
Once again, taking place in Hermanus, is the annual festival of FynArts. May we come away from this creative and cultural collage inspired and brimming with ideas! And then, when thinking about our own creativity, let's make a mark with I Did It My Way!
On that Ol' Blue Eyes note, wishing all dads out there a great, creative Father's Day!
written by Alyson Guy
Everyone is aware that Hermanus has become a sought-after venue, expanding daily – my impression since 2000, when I joined the Hermanus Art Society.
e had our meetings in the old station warehouse behind the Tourism Bureau
W ARTISTS AT THE QUAY
The latter is still there, but now a new mall consisting of shops and restaurants has been built behind it. Nevertheless, you will still find small groups of artists & teachers in the area to cater for all
Several well-known artists have been living and working in Onrus and the surrounding area for many years, so it is not surprising that new generations of artists have been drawn to the Whale Coast. The sea, mountains, fynbos and diverse population is enough inspiration for anyone.
Numerous galleries are filled with amazing creations of every kind, but we must not
forget the vast group unable to exhibit there.
With its plethora of artists, Hermanus has become the "Mecca of Art" in South Africa. In recent years, artists who do not own their own galleries have banded together under names like the Hermanus Art Circle, Art in The Park and Artists under The Sun. In the past year they have been using the magnificent, once dormant and previously dilapidated Multi-Purpose Centre at The New Harbour as a wonderful venue for exhibitions. This group of artists produce a widely varied selection of artwork in a myriad of sizes and styles, as well as ceramics, pottery, wood carving, sculpture and every other medium you can think of.
Our energetic, innovative and forwardthinking team of voluntary organisers, all
themselves accomplished artists, have successfully curated three very successful exhibitions in this venue, under the name Artists @ the Quay
They will be participating and exhibiting their local art during the upcoming Fynarts Festival (6 to 16 June) under the theme 'The Language of Colour' and then again during the popular Kalfiefees from 1 to 10 August. Artists will be exploring 'A Visual Journey' to wow art audiences and art lovers at the MPC Venue in the New Harbour.
The organisers are Debbie van Vuren, Gilly Shreeve, Alyson Guy, Riesa Maree, Alicia Maasburg, Peter Southworth and Jenny Bowes Meyer. For more information, visit our Facebook page: Quay Artists at the New Harbour – Hermanus
HIDDEN GEMS OF HERMANUS
F AND THE OVERBERG
written by Mark de Wet
Hermanus and the Overberg contain so many little hidden gems of places and things to do that one could never get bored here.
or example, there is the 19 km of incredible Cliff Path to explore, and it is expanding!
Small restaurants, like Theo's with the most delicious Greek food and Molteno's, serving delicious traditional cooking and has portions to match. Down the road, BROOD in Onrus has the freshest bread and other delights
The Frosty Whale bar is straight out of the hit series Cheers. The Quayside Cabin arguably serves the best seafood around. Biga with its quaint little outdoor restaurant
For lovers of wild cats, there is Panthera Big Cat Sanctuary just beyond Stanford with its many quaint houses and shops. The Brewery and Beer Garden at Gansbaai serves lovely draught beer to complement another attraction – shark diving
Back in Hermanus, many shops include art displays, while the Farmers' Market on Saturdays, where the locals meet, has an impressive range of offerings. The Saturday Market at White Rabbit in Fisherhaven is also a growing attraction.
Milk on the Beach restaurant in Onrus has a
beautiful view of the lagoon and Onrus Beach. Grotto Beach on the other side of town is famous for its miles of white sand, good swimming, taking one's doggies for a romp or taking a long walk on the beach Dutchies is nearby with its fine cuisine
Rotary Way for avid mountain bikers Dassiesfontein on the way to Caledon that has EVERYTHING for sale. De Kelders for its prehistoric cave as well as Walker Bay Nature Reserve’s 4x4 road, that will tax the best of drivers, but is well worth the drive and the scenic sunsets.
Fernkloof for lovers of hiking has some of the most impressive walks one could imagine. The area is home to brilliant artists who display their wares once a month at the Amphitheatre. Art shops abound. The restaurant called Hame specializes in the rare Scottish whiskies that Anthony Bourdain loved
Creation Wine Estate has been rated among the world's Top Three Vineyards There are many like it on the local Wine Route. If you take a drive down the Hemelen-Aarde Valley to visit the wine farms, De Postkantoor in Tesselaarsdal has burgers to
die for as well as other delicacies
Hermanus has been home to 50 plus famous artists and writers, like Monserrat, who wrote The Cruel Sea that went on to become a movie blockbuster on top of selling over 11 million books. He was joined by Wilbur Smith, Stuart Cloete, Uys Krige, Jan Rabie, the poet Ingrid Jonker and artists such as Tinus de Jong and Gregoire Boonzaier.
At the second-hand bookstore called Hemingway's, the owners will not let you leave without a chat. The Book Cottage is where you will find John, always with a smile on his face
Oh, and by the way, it has whales! The best land-based whale-watching in the world Pop into the Sky Bar to enjoy a tipple whilst you scan the ocean for Southern Right Whales. All this within an hour and a half from Cape Town
I haven't scratched the surface yet in this little piece of Heaven where potholes have a lifespan of 24 hours! It should be on everyone's Bucket List, preferably at the top
TRANSFORMER CAMPER VAN
CAMPER CAMPER VAN RENTAL Your Freedom To Explore
BENEFiTS
The freedom to go anywhere & explore
EXAMPLES:
The Kruger National Park (South Africa) Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (Botswana) Etosha National Park (Nambia) AFFORDABLE
Accommodation & transportation combined COMFORTABLE & FEELS LIKE
The interior of the camper van is luxurious & comfortable enough to feel like
Motivational Feature
Text by Annale Krogh
Finding Light IN DARKER MONTHS
Seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), occurs during specific seasons and is most commonly diagnosed in autumn and winter months. This is a result of less sunlight and usually lifts again during the spring and summer months.
SAD is a recognised condition that affects mood, sleep, appetite and overall optimal functioning. Common symptoms may include persistent low mood, sleep, fatigue, difficulty in concentrating, changes in sleep patterns (especially oversleeping) and a general sense of heaviness or sluggishness While anyone can be affected, those with a history of depression or a family history of mood disorders may be more vulnerable
As the days grow shorter and the light fades earlier, many people notice a dip in their energy, mood and motivation For some, these changes are more than simply “winter blues.”
Psychologists are not sure of the exact cause as SAD is not fully understood but research points to a few key factors
Reduced sunlight can disrupt the body's internal clock (Circadian rhythm) and low exposure to natural light can lead to drops in serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood These biochemical changes can trigger depressive symptoms in susceptible individuals
The good news is that seasonal depression is treatable and there are practical steps to
reduce its impact If you live in a coastal town like beautiful Hermanus, you already have a powerful tool at your fingertips –nature The seaside offers a unique and therapeutic environment that can help lift mood and restore balance.
Here are some evidence-based strategies that might assist in overcoming seasonal depression:
Seak NATURAL LIGHT and make it a priority to get outside during daylight hours, even on overcast days Aim for at least 20 to 30 mins every morning Research says that the optimal intake of Vit D is between 7 am and 10 am during winter months A walk along the beachfront or even just quietly sitting on a bench watching the waves can assist in resetting your internal clock and boost your serotonin levels The oxygen in the air at sea level is optimal and good for your overall health, so breathe slowly and with purpose
Exercise is a proven mood enhancer so MOVE YOUR BODY through a brisk walk, yoga or Pilates in a sunlit room or even just gentle stretching exercises in the sun to make your body more supple More importantly, live in higher awareness and mindfulness of your physical existence Movement helps to release endorphins and reduce stress
Cold water immersion, such as a winter ocean dip has been linked to improved mood and energy increased blood flow and even an anti-inflammatory effect. For others, simply spending time near water has a calming result
Try and keep a CONSISTENT ROUTINE in your daily life See that you maintain regular sleep and awake times and eat nutritious meals. What a privilege to eat vegetables that have stood with open arms in the sunlight during the day and moonlight during the night, growing… to be picked and then to feed us with all that goodness accumulated
Stay socially connected with friends as isolation can worsen depressive episodes.
Living by the sea and in nature offers a natural buffer against many of the challenges that seasonal depression might bring Lean into the beauty and rhythm and healing quality of your surroundings. Take intentional steps to care for your mental health Live with gratitude and appreciation of the wonderful concept of being alive…
And always remember: just as the tides rise and fall, difficult seasons too shall pass…
TheTree
of my life
My tree was no more. It was cut down, and all that remained was a decaying stump with roots that still held the soil. This sad sight greeted me when I revisited my childhood home grounds.
My boyhood tree Each time I pulled myself up to the next branch, I felt myself rising above the pressures of school, above the confusion of a brain being rewired by changing hormones It had a special crook where I could sit and lean against the trunk. I would hold my head against its trunk and hear the tree breathing When the wind was strong, I joined it in a slow dance It always accepted me, made a place for my presence and tolerated my silent meditations
Up in the top of the tree, I felt closer to the sky and the movement of the clouds I could survey the whole horizon, which taught me to look for the bird's-eye view of things Up there I knew that I was connected to something greater than myself It was a humbling experience
My love for trees and nature stayed with me, and I was privileged to meet some wonderful specimens I still think of them as friends I met along the way A big Camelthorn tree in the Kalahari inspired me. Its knurled branches spread wide, it supplied shade and nutritious pods to anyone in need These gifts were given unconditionally
and without any questions It was an old tree with some branches already dying off
The next year, I was devastated This beautiful old tree gave the impression that it had given up life with a sigh and collapsed Only a ragged stump was still standing, with all the branches scattered by a wind on the dry riverbed around it I visited it two years later and was overwhelmed with joy when I found a profusion of new growth between the dead branches All the droppings of the birds and animals looking for shade, the fallen leaves and the nitrogen-binding bacteria on its roots created a fertile soil for the next generation.
To supply Luderitz in Namibia with water several boreholes were sunk in the ephemeral Koichab River at the southern end of the Namib Desert This water extraction affects the condition of the river's Camelthorn trees. They get very little rain, harsh desert winds and high summer temperatures The underground water for their long taproots is no longer there, and they are fighting for survival. Their persistence and courage to face every desert day are a wonderful inspiration for me With only a few leaves left on their ageold trunks they still greet every new day with
a splash of green
When I scratched the top of the stump of my boyhood tree, I could faintly see all the growth rings, and it was fun tracing them back to my boyhood years Good years from the tree's point of view, create wider year rings than bad ones
Dendrochronologists use this information to establish growth patterns for each area They can then pinpoint the exact age of any piece of long-dead wood up to 10'000 years
I could see my own life's story as my growth pattern The leaves and branches the tree sheds during its lifetime enrich the soil for the next generation. This continues until its final offer Similarly, when all we do, feel, and create finally falls, it continues to feed those it has touched and still touches Our life story does not end when we become like the remains of the former tree. Like the stump, our roots will still hold the soil for others when we are gone
PS I wrote this piece for my two granddaughters in Paarl Although in their late teens, they still climb trees for the enjoyment of being held in the embrace of the branches
