West Coast hospitality

Last spring I travelled with a friend up the West Coast to see spring flowers at Clanwilliam and Nieuwoudtville, which were somewhat disappointing after the prolific displays of 2008 and 2009. We were booked to spend our first night at an eco-farm called Elandsberg near Clanwilliam, run by Annette and Chris du Plessis, and we arrived in time to join some other guests on a tour through the veld driven by Chris du Plessis. On the way he shared his observations of some of the intimate wonders of Nature. As he spoke, his fascination with the interaction between plants, insects, weather and moisture spilled over and caught us in its spell. The delicate, subtle and wondrous adaptation of one to the other to enhance and maintain the flow of life by conserving moisture and enabling pollination is truly amazing. We were also taken
over the rooibos tea factory and instructed in the numerous merits of this pleasant drink.
Throughout our stay we were treated with warm open-hearted hospitality and comfort, including delicious meals. I wish to pay tribute to this man who shared his enthusiasm with us and whose deep love of Nature evoked responses of gratitude and wonder. I sincerely hope that many other people will find their way to this delightful place.
Pamela Smuts, Cape Town