My goodness, winter here is serious business! Some may say; ‘what do we know, you have not even been here for a full winter”, or “what are you talking about, this is nothing compared to …” Not that it is just cold, it is the cold and wet! During the past ten days we had three mornings with the temperature … Read More
Both sides now
The first comment people make when they step onto our property at Over The Mountain, is: “It is so beautiful!” I’ve looked at this place from many sides now and all I can say it’s like an illusion. I can also say I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now, because the wind in this valley turns the clouds around, … Read More
First 100 Days
During the past week we passed the 100 days mark. Not sure what the significance is, but it certainly made me reflect on what we have experienced and achieved thus far. The vision I had of a retreat centre all those many years ago started happening right under our noses, without our planning or doing; Firstly we had Esti and … Read More
Leaving a Legacy
It is only every seven years or so that Estelle and I have our birthdays over a weekend, she is on the 23rd and I am the 24th. This year two of our daughters and their families came to stay at Over the Mountain for the weekend. It was a wonderful time together for all of us, even though it … Read More
Slowing Down
It really struck me this past weekend that we have made the choice to change our lifestyle, slowing down and getting out of the rat-race. It was when, for the umpteenth time, one of the guests in our Tea Garden observed how beautiful the view was and how relaxed and peaceful everything was, that I had an “ah-ha” moment; We … Read More
‘n Boer Maak ‘n Plan
Lately Gerrit and I have just been so amazed at the resilience of our people. There are just so much wrong in our country because of many different reasons and one can quickly become disillusioned with our corrupt government and the overall lack of services. Everyone has been talking about load shedding, breakdown of our postal service, our … Read More
Friends
In 2007 I started writing and blogging on the LitNet forum, an Afrikaans literary website. It was because of a need to express myself in an anonymous environment. It was addictive. We had discussions, arguments, some really brilliant writing and many fights. It was a smallish community of contrary people, who had one thing in common; they needed to express … Read More
A Swartberg Pass Adventure
Our guests often ask us about scenic routes in our area. We live in the middle of about 7 breath taking mountain passes. We prefer to tell people about places we have been to, so whenever we have some free time we go and explore the area. On Mothers’ day our children came to pick us up to do the … Read More
Early morning…Food for your Soul
Early in the morning, just before sunrise I often get to see the moon preparing to dip Over the Mountain across the valley. Sometimes the valley is shrouded with fog that muffles the sound of everything waking up. In the distance I can hear a cock crowing and now and then I can hear someone walking down the road, already … Read More
The New ‘Must-Do’ Garden Route Art Experience
Welcome to the Over The Mountain blog! This is officially our first post, so firstly we’d like to cordially invite you to follow the blog or our Facebook page so you can check-in with us more frequently. Formalities aside, we aim to not only keep you entertained with what’s going on here at the farm but also the surrounding area … Read More