Have twice travelled the road to Joburg and back in the last week via Reitz, Frankfort and Villiers it is our suggestion that the road via Warden is a better option at present.
The potholes on the section from Villiers to Frankfort have claimed many tyres and we would only recommend should you wish to put your 4 x 4 to the test....
for all others, from Joburg continue on the N3 to Warden and then onto Bethlehem.
Happy travelling
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
January News
If you thought you were weary at the end of last year you were not alone…. We were beginning to think Father Christmas had forgotten us, but after a long search we discovered him asleep on the couch in the lounge! Fortunately all his gifts were safe and duly distributed to very happy children and relieved parents.
December saw us with wonderful hot weather, if very little rain, perfect for outdoor activities and fun. We did a couple of bicycle, walking, horse riding and tractor outings to Agate Bank and Ibis Gorge and congratulations go to the four year old twins who push cycled all the way there!
New Year was brought in on a high note and a few off notes but with a lot of laughs and good cheer. I think that the jury is out on whether Wyndford’s Got Talent, but don’t think any of us will be receiving a call from Simon Cowell anytime soon.
Last Saturday saw the river full enough to once again go tubing – actually it was just two brave guests and most of the Wyndford staff! A muddy good time was had by all. We have since then had wonderful rains of 28mm on a number of occasions, and the grass, trees and flowers all breathed a collective sigh of relief. As did the veggie garden, which is now (that most everyone has departed) produced the most wonderful gems, cucumbers, baby marrows, yellow tomatoes, pumpkins, carrots, beetroot and two very ‘watched’ watermelons are on the way.
Talking about things on the way – Celvin and Angelique’s twinkle in their eye is now three months on as a twinkle in the tum! Not just the bunnies and ducks busy around here….
For those of you here at New year, George is making good progress after the clot in his leg (didn’t really think those magnificent legs could actually get bigger than they are) and we are just grateful he is still here. It was a great lesson in patience for him to be immobilized while we had a full house and hats off to all our staff who proved that the Wyndford Team works well.
We also have spotted a new resident at the junction of the driveway with the road to the car port…a small ground squirrel has made the gutter his home, much to the fascination of our husky, Dodge!
Wyndford rates will not be inflated over the World Cup, the only difference is that the Senior Discount does not apply over this period but the 20% discount for a four night stay or longer still applies – bookings are rolling in so don’t leave it too late if you do not want to be disappointed.
Until then, stay well, and we wish you a winning year
Best regards from the Wyndford Team
December saw us with wonderful hot weather, if very little rain, perfect for outdoor activities and fun. We did a couple of bicycle, walking, horse riding and tractor outings to Agate Bank and Ibis Gorge and congratulations go to the four year old twins who push cycled all the way there!
New Year was brought in on a high note and a few off notes but with a lot of laughs and good cheer. I think that the jury is out on whether Wyndford’s Got Talent, but don’t think any of us will be receiving a call from Simon Cowell anytime soon.
Last Saturday saw the river full enough to once again go tubing – actually it was just two brave guests and most of the Wyndford staff! A muddy good time was had by all. We have since then had wonderful rains of 28mm on a number of occasions, and the grass, trees and flowers all breathed a collective sigh of relief. As did the veggie garden, which is now (that most everyone has departed) produced the most wonderful gems, cucumbers, baby marrows, yellow tomatoes, pumpkins, carrots, beetroot and two very ‘watched’ watermelons are on the way.
Talking about things on the way – Celvin and Angelique’s twinkle in their eye is now three months on as a twinkle in the tum! Not just the bunnies and ducks busy around here….
For those of you here at New year, George is making good progress after the clot in his leg (didn’t really think those magnificent legs could actually get bigger than they are) and we are just grateful he is still here. It was a great lesson in patience for him to be immobilized while we had a full house and hats off to all our staff who proved that the Wyndford Team works well.
We also have spotted a new resident at the junction of the driveway with the road to the car port…a small ground squirrel has made the gutter his home, much to the fascination of our husky, Dodge!
Wyndford rates will not be inflated over the World Cup, the only difference is that the Senior Discount does not apply over this period but the 20% discount for a four night stay or longer still applies – bookings are rolling in so don’t leave it too late if you do not want to be disappointed.
Until then, stay well, and we wish you a winning year
Best regards from the Wyndford Team
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Well, here we are nearly to Christmas and the end of 2009.
Our November newsletter got sidelined with the general rush, Cherry festival and jam making. Unfortunately, not with our own fruit which was blown away by an icey wind in September although hopefully we will have some figs soon…
We have two new calves, Ace (yes she is completely black but we couldn’t call her Blackjack…) and Pearl, so named by Hamish, as he was up every morning at 6 waiting for her to arrive, and because of her white drop marking on her forehead.
After the scatty season with the quackers, we had three mothers sitting on eggs but have unfortunately only managed to get two to the teenager stage. Unlike the geese and hens, they are the most dreadful moms.
The ‘Piet-my-Vrou’ has been desperately yelling all morning, and how we would love some rain but unlike a few weeks ago when the garden looked amazingly lush, it is very dry and a little crisp around the edges. We did the bicycle trail and back along the river road this morning and had many gasping guests heading straight for the pool after tea. This afternoon the twin bridges walk is planned and hopefully a little cooler in the shade.
Our November newsletter got sidelined with the general rush, Cherry festival and jam making. Unfortunately, not with our own fruit which was blown away by an icey wind in September although hopefully we will have some figs soon…
We have two new calves, Ace (yes she is completely black but we couldn’t call her Blackjack…) and Pearl, so named by Hamish, as he was up every morning at 6 waiting for her to arrive, and because of her white drop marking on her forehead.
After the scatty season with the quackers, we had three mothers sitting on eggs but have unfortunately only managed to get two to the teenager stage. Unlike the geese and hens, they are the most dreadful moms.
The ‘Piet-my-Vrou’ has been desperately yelling all morning, and how we would love some rain but unlike a few weeks ago when the garden looked amazingly lush, it is very dry and a little crisp around the edges. We did the bicycle trail and back along the river road this morning and had many gasping guests heading straight for the pool after tea. This afternoon the twin bridges walk is planned and hopefully a little cooler in the shade.
The river is so low at present that it seems impossible that a few short weeks ago we were able to take guests tubing, in a rather muddy Caledon River.
After our annual assessment by the AA we have now been awarded the title of Highly Recommended Accommodation instead of the previous Recommended Accommodation. I think that the newly revamped dining room had a lot to do with this decision!
Christmas decorations are up and everything is in place – hopefully, for a great holiday period – trusting that the weather and Eskom all behave. Father Christmas has the address, the turkey is ready (no not one of ours)and we have dusted off the midnight oil for New years when we are going to celebrate the night with “Wyndford’s Got Talent”!! Wish you were here.
There is still place available for the last few days before schools go back for all of you with little people, and for the oldies…the 30% discount will once again be available after the 12th January 2010.
Until then, stay well,
We wish you a special Christmas and a Winning 2010!
Best regards from the Wyndford Team
Christmas decorations are up and everything is in place – hopefully, for a great holiday period – trusting that the weather and Eskom all behave. Father Christmas has the address, the turkey is ready (no not one of ours)and we have dusted off the midnight oil for New years when we are going to celebrate the night with “Wyndford’s Got Talent”!! Wish you were here.
There is still place available for the last few days before schools go back for all of you with little people, and for the oldies…the 30% discount will once again be available after the 12th January 2010.
Until then, stay well,
We wish you a special Christmas and a Winning 2010!
Best regards from the Wyndford Team
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Yes I know it is already October but things move slowly on the farm…
While driving near Jo’burg recently and listening to the radio, it was interesting that the traffic report after the news took so long, that by the time it finished it was nearly time for the next news bulletin (yes, it was Thursday afternoon and three trucks were stuck on the van Buuren Hill – unfortunately all in different lanes!) it made me think of all our guests – past and future – living in the cities and decided that we need give you the gift of peace and quiet and space and fresh air.
This picture was taken from the top of the road to Fouriesburg and shows the fields stretching to the distant Maluti Mountains…and not a car in sight! So take a deep calming breath and inhale the space and quiet!
Spring has sprung and all is green.
We had the most beautiful display of fruit blossoms but unfortunately we also had an icy wind and for the second year in a row have lost most of our fruit. We have had some wonderful rains over the past few days – great for us and the ducks – not such fun, we know, for moms and dads with little people on holiday!
Gratefully, Celvin and Angelique are safely back from leave as we had a few interesting moments while they were gone. A devastating fire swept through the area and George, Shane and Christine were out for about 4 hours as well as Lucas and Joseph with Dermot from Camelroc on his water truck for most of the day. I just had to contend with a Basuto man who insisted he could come through the farm as he had a passport for his cow… Quella our bull in the flower garden along with Buttercup in the veggie patch….. went to fetch Ponty down from the paddock only to realize that I wasn’t sure which way on the headband (halter – that’s the word!) went on -one or two tries later we walked home with him looking at me with a very longsuffering expression on his face ….after that I collected the eggs, all 108 of them and muttered mightily about the person who built the nesting hocks deeper than arm length….fowl poop makes cow poop look good!! Needless to say all of us slept well that night.
One of our calves arrived, and has been called ‘little Moo’
– of course there is great debate as to what she will be called when she is older…..at least our milk supply has improved. Spinach, radish, carrots, beetroots, rocket, broccoli and cauliflower (sorry kids!) are all flourishing in the veggie patch and the roses are ready to pop into full riotous colour. You just have to love spring!
We are also pleased to inform all serious bowlers (and the not so serious) that this year the bowling green is just that! Green! Looking forward to some good friendly duals in the next few months.
Wyndford had a great long weekend with special guests and even a celebratory 60th Wedding anniversary! Can anyone beat that….
October and November (remember Cherry festival time) still has availability so take the proverbial bull by the horn and call Angelique or Patricia in the office to book your pre end of year ‘refuel’ break.
Until then, stay well, Best regards from the Wyndford Team
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Can you just picture this….Ducks freestyle skating! Yes it’s true, this morning the duck pond was frozen. I guess there is a reason we use goose and duck down for duvets! Fortunately the bunnies and horses have fur coats as we have had an exceptionally cold few weeks, with morning temperatures of -5 the norm. The days have been beautifully crisp and clear and walking in the mountains has been both a warming and stunning activity.
This morning is very quiet at Wyndford, most of our guests have gone up to Afri ski in Lesotho to have fun in the snow. Some brave and energetic folk played action cricket twice this week after dinner (a chilly occupation for spectators!) and four square was another warm favourite followed by hot chocolate and much laughter around the fire in the lounge.
Fire, great in the lounge, but a menace on the farm. This week saw us burning fire breaks (superbly aided by some energetic guests) on top by the Tortoise and the Slippery slide and down to the Mast. George, along with the border policeman and the local Chief had an indaba, a two hour session, seated in the cold, while some school boys confessed to starting fire after fire on our side. There were a few hot little bottoms after they were told to report to the cop station with their parents for a hiding! - no fires reported since!
Great news on the ongoing milk producing saga…we have three confirmed pregnant cows! All far enough along to be Bliksem’s offspring, so Quela will have to wait his turn. Buttercup and Daisy continue to grow in leaps and bounds and led all the guys a merry dance round (and out!) the paddock last week as they tried to dehorn them.
I’m afraid that spring is going to be blooming in the tummies of our three resident buck. They have eaten all our spring seedlings, and most other green things in the gardens - roses, violets and spring daisies being the most favourite. Pity one can’t train them to eat the weeds!
The shed is standing up straighter after a new coat of paint and a few tweaks including a fire place that works well. Our ‘new’ piano in the lounge has arrived and sounds fantastic – looks beautiful too! Thanks to Bruce and his assistance in getting it sorted out! – and to anyone who would like to join us for two evenings of gentle piano playing by Bruce, book for the weekend of the 31st August!
Great news for all bird enthusiasts! The Black Storks have come back to roost in Ibis Gorge. The same nests are being used as last year, along the ledge from the Bald Ibis (it would seem that they are happy to sub let their gorge) and it is wonderful to see them each afternoon gliding home, to what has to be one of the most beautiful spots on the whole farm.
The long weekend in August is fully book at present but there is plenty of availability on other weekends!
Hoping to hear from you soon
In the meantime, stay well and warm
Best regards from us all at Wyndford
PS Sarah, Zazoo the horse told me to say hello and sends you her love!
This morning is very quiet at Wyndford, most of our guests have gone up to Afri ski in Lesotho to have fun in the snow. Some brave and energetic folk played action cricket twice this week after dinner (a chilly occupation for spectators!) and four square was another warm favourite followed by hot chocolate and much laughter around the fire in the lounge.
Fire, great in the lounge, but a menace on the farm. This week saw us burning fire breaks (superbly aided by some energetic guests) on top by the Tortoise and the Slippery slide and down to the Mast. George, along with the border policeman and the local Chief had an indaba, a two hour session, seated in the cold, while some school boys confessed to starting fire after fire on our side. There were a few hot little bottoms after they were told to report to the cop station with their parents for a hiding! - no fires reported since!
Great news on the ongoing milk producing saga…we have three confirmed pregnant cows! All far enough along to be Bliksem’s offspring, so Quela will have to wait his turn. Buttercup and Daisy continue to grow in leaps and bounds and led all the guys a merry dance round (and out!) the paddock last week as they tried to dehorn them.
I’m afraid that spring is going to be blooming in the tummies of our three resident buck. They have eaten all our spring seedlings, and most other green things in the gardens - roses, violets and spring daisies being the most favourite. Pity one can’t train them to eat the weeds!
The shed is standing up straighter after a new coat of paint and a few tweaks including a fire place that works well. Our ‘new’ piano in the lounge has arrived and sounds fantastic – looks beautiful too! Thanks to Bruce and his assistance in getting it sorted out! – and to anyone who would like to join us for two evenings of gentle piano playing by Bruce, book for the weekend of the 31st August!
Great news for all bird enthusiasts! The Black Storks have come back to roost in Ibis Gorge. The same nests are being used as last year, along the ledge from the Bald Ibis (it would seem that they are happy to sub let their gorge) and it is wonderful to see them each afternoon gliding home, to what has to be one of the most beautiful spots on the whole farm.
The long weekend in August is fully book at present but there is plenty of availability on other weekends!
Hoping to hear from you soon
In the meantime, stay well and warm
Best regards from us all at Wyndford
PS Sarah, Zazoo the horse told me to say hello and sends you her love!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Hello again from a beautiful brown and frosty winter Wyndford!
Last Monday we woke early (well, some of us did) to a warm morning but by 9am it had turned bitterly cold…with the result our first sighting of snow on the Maluti Mountains. Guests driving up to us from Natal encountered thick snow on van Reenens pass. Sadly it did not stay, however the mountains have been so beautiful in true winter fashion of pink and purple hues in clear blue skies.
We are pleased to report that we now have new family member. We were joined by Quela the Jersey Bull. After three weeks, we were a little worried that he was not living up to his name - Quela means to climb up – but Lucas happily informed us this week that he did work! Fresh Wyndford farm milk and cream seems set to continue. Who ever said country living was genteel…
Wyndford the cat continues to thrive and get up to mischief. Upsetting water all over the telephone systems main computer was his highlight last week – burning smells and dead phones didn’t bode well…..Forty minutes of delicate ‘hair drying’ by Lindy and Angelique under the desk switching it back on with bated breath. All fixed – just a pity about George’s additional grey hairs! Who ever said country living was dull…
We were going to add a picture of our new look dining room to this newsletter but on seconds thoughts decided to let you come and see for yourselves! Dorchester’s new bathroom is operational and approved by guests who have just spent a week with us. Instead we will show you the garden bedecked with Porsches as the car club joined us from Gauteng for the weekend! A garage full of them and Shane’s new camera out of action! – the boys did however get a ride down the ‘S’ bends at speeds we won’t mention in case their mother’s read this newsletter.
Cool crisp FRESH air, fantastic food, peace and quiet, stunning mountain views, great walks, and cozy fireside chats. Time and space to relax and recharge. Plus a four nights or longer stay gets a 20% discount during July. What are you waiting for………!
Hoping to hear from you soon
In the meantime, stay well and warm
Best regards from us all at Wyndford
Last Monday we woke early (well, some of us did) to a warm morning but by 9am it had turned bitterly cold…with the result our first sighting of snow on the Maluti Mountains. Guests driving up to us from Natal encountered thick snow on van Reenens pass. Sadly it did not stay, however the mountains have been so beautiful in true winter fashion of pink and purple hues in clear blue skies.
We are pleased to report that we now have new family member. We were joined by Quela the Jersey Bull. After three weeks, we were a little worried that he was not living up to his name - Quela means to climb up – but Lucas happily informed us this week that he did work! Fresh Wyndford farm milk and cream seems set to continue. Who ever said country living was genteel…
Wyndford the cat continues to thrive and get up to mischief. Upsetting water all over the telephone systems main computer was his highlight last week – burning smells and dead phones didn’t bode well…..Forty minutes of delicate ‘hair drying’ by Lindy and Angelique under the desk switching it back on with bated breath. All fixed – just a pity about George’s additional grey hairs! Who ever said country living was dull…
We were going to add a picture of our new look dining room to this newsletter but on seconds thoughts decided to let you come and see for yourselves! Dorchester’s new bathroom is operational and approved by guests who have just spent a week with us. Instead we will show you the garden bedecked with Porsches as the car club joined us from Gauteng for the weekend! A garage full of them and Shane’s new camera out of action! – the boys did however get a ride down the ‘S’ bends at speeds we won’t mention in case their mother’s read this newsletter.
Cool crisp FRESH air, fantastic food, peace and quiet, stunning mountain views, great walks, and cozy fireside chats. Time and space to relax and recharge. Plus a four nights or longer stay gets a 20% discount during July. What are you waiting for………!
Hoping to hear from you soon
In the meantime, stay well and warm
Best regards from us all at Wyndford
Sunday, May 24, 2009
May update
Greetings once again from a chilly Wyndford!
The most wonderful scenes here yesterday with dark rain clouds and a beautiful full double rainbow over Wyndford. Unfortunately the pot of gold did not land on us – we were once again bridesmaids and not the bride at the AA Awards ceremony in Durban yesterday!
We have therefore had our four weddings and a funeral… Bliksem, our bull up and died suddenly as did one of our cows, so maybe next time …. Be assured that we always strive to give our best service and most memorable holidays whatever the awards might say!
Once again Wyndford guests are stretching boundaries! Yesterday a new minimum age for abseiling went to six year old Stacey Robinson who went down with panache observed by her proud family. This morning, Shane along with two guests did the return from Ibis gorge in 18 minutes…beating the horses on the same trail!
We have recently had special moments watching family groups celebrating landmark birthdays – maybe we should have a new record for the oldest… It is always good to see families spending time having fun and reconnecting without the stresses of everyday life.
For those of you following the upgrade progress, the curtain fabric for the dining room has at long last arrived and maybe by the end of May we will have our new look! Dorchester fans will be happy to know that as of yesterday the old bathroom no longer exists, and that next time you come, you will be able to enjoy a shower in this wonderful old rondavel!
We look forward to being able to give you a warm Wyndford welcome, hearty food and great time round the fire, remembering that at Wyndford there are no strangers, only friends you haven’t met yet!
Hoping to hear from you soon
Have a great day
Best regards from us all at Wyndford
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