New driveway for Pile-Inn

At long last, we have our new drive way!  After 3 years of putting it off, we decided to start…….just as the rains came. We had 100 mls in one day, which I am convinced that we had the lot fall on the newly excavated soil. The result? All our guests cars got stuck in the mud. We laid the green carpet (yes the Savoy London gets the red carpet) to stop the mud from entering the house..

Not an ideal situation, but the day after, the sun shone, and we were able to get the car park dried out. The only thing left for us to do know is the sliding gate, and gate motor.

We were quite surprised to see that the locals stop us, and say ‘what a transformation.’ Well, it is, when you see the pics!!!!

Eland

A group of Pile-Inn guests, visiting from Holland, took a stroll in Cobham Nature Reserve. They were astonished to see a very large buck, grazing in the distant valley. They commented to themselves that it was rather large.  Well it is the Eland, Africa’s largest antelope. It is often seen at Cobham, but we haven’t seen them this season yet.Regarding the lone Swallow, it’s mate finally showed up. The quick fix box that was it’s nest didn’t seem to work, so we made some quick modifications, and all seems to be on track. They are flying in and out, but not roosting inside the ‘house’  just yet. seem to prefer sleeping outside the box, much like Snoopy!

Weather

At the beginning of the month, we had temperatures reaching the mid 30′s. Glorious days, of picnicking, braai;s (BBQ) and plenty of cold drinks of varying description, to keep us alive. The ground was so hard, dry and dusty.

Then a few showers came, just to tease us that the rain to break our drought will soon be here. We took  Ember to Kenmo Lake, quite closeby, and saw the first cuckoo of the season. The Red Chested Cuckoo was hopping from tree to  tree. Actually the first time ever that we have spotted the cuckoo, before hearing it first. Once back at the B&B, the House Martin, tha has been nesting under the garage for the last two years, returned but alone. It’s mate seems to have got lost or worse.

As I type this, the rain has certainly come….pouring down, much to the disgust of our Dutch tourists, but that is just pot luck…

The temperature is an unseasonal 7 degrees, and we have just had word that it is snowing at Sani Pass.

So, what I am really saying is, if you are traveling to RSA over the next month, bring bikini and fur coat!

Ian, Sue and Ember!

<UPDATE>  It snowed on the mountains, and the temp outside got to a chilly 4deg!  Had both fires lit last night.

Spring is in the air

What a lovely time of the year The birds in the garden are really starting chirp with exitement. The area is still VERY dry. we are still waiting for our first rains in 5 months. As Europe still wonders where the sun went, please send some our way, we need it.
Spring certainly got the green fingers going. Lettuce seeds planted, along with rocket and tomatoes. I doubt if any of the produce will ever make it to the table though, as we have no success in this department! Still, no harm in trying.
Our overseas visitors are starting to arrive again. No doubt tired of the rain, you are more than welcome at Pile-Inn. This weekend sees the B&B full with German and Dutch visitors. All parties have so enjoyed their Sani Pass adventure. The weather is just perfect for such a trip at the moment.
Till next time,
Ian, Sue, and Ember of course

Winter Weather

The weather in Underberg, has been stunning. Just like Summer really, with temperatures in the mid 20′s. Sue and I sit out on the verandah watching the birds on the apple tree feasting on the daily treats we provide. They certainly think it is Spring, with the usual courting ritual. The Pin Tailed Whydah

that looses its male plumage in the Winter, is starting to show signs that it’s feathers are starting to change, and getting quite bossy in the process!! The garden is starting to green up. There are shhots of green grass poking through, along with some very healthy new shoots on our many rose bushes.

We had our first rain in 5 months last week. It turned very cold in a second, and we thought it is bound to snow. No snow, other than a light dusting in Lesotho. The following day, we were back into the mid 20′s again, and the snow capped mountains resumed their normal appearance.

We love the Grind Cafe at the moment, with half price Thursday on the food. They serve the best Pizza around, and the pasta is pretty good as well! Not a bad comment at all, coming from a fully trained chef (UK).

Our big  portable Braai (BBQ) has a nesting pidgeon under it! She has laid two eggs, which means we can only offer the smaller portable braai at the mo!!

Till next time,

Ian and Sue Pile.

Well done South Africa!

It’s over. The World Cup organisers can truly pat themselves on the back. Amongst huge negativity, South Africa shrugged off all the bad press, and hosted the biggest event we are likely to host.  A big thanks from Pile-Inn to all the football supporters that stayed with us. We were truly privileged to have met you, and so glad you saw our beautiful Country in a good light. One thing we are grateful in Underberg, is that the Vuvuzellas have now gone quiet. How quickly an event, such as the World Cup can be now a pleasant memory. The flags are still flying high on vehicles, which truly shows how proud we are as a Nation. A quick link for you to click on is  Keep Flying it should remind us World Cup fever is here to stay!

The weather in Underberg has really gone wintery. My parents are basking in glorious sunshine in the U.K. (Lynmouth, North Devon)  whilst here it is decidedly chilly. The last few days have reminded us, that we are in the mountains. Again, it is soooo cosy in the house.  If we had chestnuts, they would definitely be roasting by the fireside. In absence of the latter, some guests found that the age old tradition of toasting marshmallows  seemed to suffice.

June was a terrible month for us, having had to say farewell to our beloved dog Baja. He was a gentle giant, rescued from kennels 6 years ago. He was a true ambassador to his breed, and converted many a guest into dog converts. In the end, the injuries sustained by his previous owners just got too much for him. On his last day, Ember, our other dog just knew. She gave him a farewell kiss…. It was very touching to see.

Farewell my friend, we, along with our past guests, will miss you.

World Cup chats

You know, you have all heard how the foreign tourist is going to have a fabulous experience. But how about this? What experience are our black Africans getting from the foreigners? This is how it unfolds….

We have in tonight, 5 contractors, of which one is from Zimbabwe, and the others are South African. Off the street we picked up two Germans, who saw the Durban game.  Our contractors are in absolute awe, talking to the German guests. The banter between the two parties is absolutely touching.  We have noticed the interaction between African and foreign guests has improved 100% over the last 5 years. Tonight  we have reached the pinnacle of this. As we are under a severe snow threat at the moment, it is a tad chilly, so all parties are sitting around the fire place, swapping foreign currency!  Yep, the Germans were so interested in the Zim Dollar, the Germans bought 50,000 Zim Dollars, for a couple of Euro. The Zimbabwean got the better deal, well of course, and they know that, but where else can you exchange stories, Dollars and Euro’s. Pile-Inn B &B of course!

One thing has been brought up by our World Cup visitors is, that the vuvuzella’s are a pain. So loud and in your face. Africa has always been different….the World Cup is no different. Must sign off, as it is time to watch the Italy and Paraguay game. Germany, Zimbabwe and South Africa have settled in for the night by the open fire, with some Pile-Inn provided snacks. And quiet reigns….not a Vuvazella to be heard…..well, in the lounge, that is!