Correction...

... our bird sighting was not a snake eagle but the very special Migrating European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus).. at least that relieves the worry of having snakes in the garden!! Thanks to Michael and Sanet for the identification

Fab Feb news...

Sitting at my desk this morning when suddenly a big branch of the fir tree outside dipped and swayed. No wind in evidence, and on further investigation, I discovered a very large brown eagle sitting there. Much bigger than our resident Gymnogene (African Harrier Hawk), Celvin decided he was probably a brown snake eagle. Then I wasn’t sure whether to be happy he was hunting the snakes or worried that I could have snakes in our garden!

 

For those of you who have joined us on fun trips to the river crossing, this picture was taken one evening last week. As you can see, no water in evidence other than splash pools for wagtails.  Maybe we should call the outing the puddle pad until more rains fall!

We have an exciting special running from the 2 – 6 March which is a 50% discount for seniors staying for the four nights and for families, kids under 12 stay free for the weekend. (And yes, they do have to be yours!) Call now so as not to miss out. Go on…. Just do it!!

Well, our grape crop ended up more like raisins… far too hot and we have just picked the peaches so the kitchen is in full swing making jams and preserving peaches for the next year. Our pecan tree has not grown but the good news is that it is still alive! Spinach, rhubarb, carrots, rocket, tomatoes, lettuce and more means we have kept the pantry stocked with wonderful organic fare.

Well done Russell Thorndike, you are our monthly draw winner of a two night stay out of season for two people!   It could be you - head off to the website to enter on www.wyndford.co.za and we will keep you up to date on www.facebook.com/WyndfordHolidayFarm with all the news.

Happy hugs from the Wyndford Team

January news.....

A month into 2016 already, and we trust that it is treating you well! After a long and very dry summer, we have had some wonderful soaking rains, for which we are very grateful (one could almost hear the garden sigh…).  The countryside is now deliciously green and vibrant in growth although many roses and trees succumbed to sunburn.               

                           
     The Beautiful Eastern Free State

February, traditionally the month for love, sees us welcome you with a free bottle of Sparkling Wine over the weekend of the 12^th – 14^th February 2016.  Book now and surprise your other half!

It has been a very mellow month on the farm, no new anyones…. Although the sheep are looking rather rounder than usual so maybe some lambs are imminent!  Ponty (our stallion) fancied a change of colour and after a roll in the red mud emerged as a redhead instead of a blonde.  A fair bit of brushing ensued to get him back to normal. Charlotte and Perry (our tortoises) continue their feisty relationship with the occasional shell banging and circuits around the house.

Charlotte and Perry

On the Wyndford family side, we enjoyed having Cameron help us over Christmas and enjoyed his youthful enthusiasm (our food bill has decreased since his return home!!) and we look forward to having a new young chef Jennifer, join us as Celvin moves to do more outside activities.

There is a trip planned up to Katse Dam in Lesotho, Clarens and more from the 6^th to 11^th March 2016. So, if this is on your bucket list, give the office a call now on 058-2230274 to find out more. Advance notice …. The Spiderman returns! 21^st – 23^rd October – a wonderful weekend of rock turning, scorpion hunting, spiders and butterflies with Peter Webb, a great one for the kids.

Congratulations to Tracy Kent , who is our monthly draw winner of a two night stay out of season for two people!   It could be you - head off to the website to enter on www.wyndford.co.za and we will keep you up to date on www.facebook.com/WyndfordHolidayFarm with all the news.

Warm greetings from the Wyndford Team

Skills!!!