Loved strolling down the beach at Paternoster yesterday on the west cape of South Africa. All these little bundles of shell encrusted sea weed had washed up on the sand. Felt like a little kid again squatting down for ages to see what other little creatures had got caught up in the weed. Perfect way to end a Monday! . .. ... .... #compassandladle #paternoster #beachwalks #southafricatrip #sandybeach #seashells (at Paternoster, Western Cape)

Desolation Valley may have a fairly sinister name but damn does it make for cracking views from the heights of the Camdeboo National Park. We had such a lush time moseying around the mountains gazing out at the never ending expanse of the South African wilderness. Barely another person around. Crazy ancient pinnacles of rock towering out of the desert. Amazing! . .. ... .... #compassandladle #southafricatrip #southafricanskies #lovesouthafrica #camdeboonationalpark #graafreinet #mountainlifestyle #mountainviews #wilderness_culture #outside_project #adventureculture #naturesbest #serenity_nature #wildlifecentral #awesomeearth #fantastic_earth #amazingearth #amazingtrip #amazingview (at Camdeboo National Park)

While we were mildly underwhelmed by the Garden Route, Otter's Trail in the Tsitsikamma National Park was awesome. Rugged coastline, multi-colour rock formations and smashing surf make it a pretty amazing place. Here is a little taster. . .. ... .... #compassandladle #tsitsikamma #gardenroute #ruggedcoast #coastwalk #lovesouthafrica (at Tsitsikamma National Park)

Boerwurst cooked over open coals, under a sky packed full of stars in the South African bush. Does life get any better than that? . .. ... .... #compassandladle #braaitime #valleyofdesolation #camdeboonationalpark #sausagesizzle #graafreinet #boerwurst (at Camdeboo National Park - Environmental Education)

We've been loving charging around the back roads of the eastern cape of South Africa in our little rental beast. The other day we had the most awesome drive up from Hermanus to the little village of Greyton. Flanked by this awesome mountain range and surrounded by awesome rolling hills and little farms, it made for stunning driving. The cows were pretty cool as well! . .. ... .... #compassandladle #roadtriplife #greyton #southafricatrip #lifeisgood❤️ #livingthedream (at Greyton)

Semi dried tomatoes, fromage blanc and button mushrooms. Doesn't sound like much but this was another cracking course from The Kitchen at Maison. Quite simple flavours but when the base ingredient is primo the taste really rocks your socks. Certainly did ours! . .. ... .... #compassandladle #thekitchen #maisonestate #franschoek #vegetarians (at The Kitchen at Maison)

Boschendal Estate just outside of Franschoek is outstanding. Founded in the 1600's and surrounded by stunning scenery it's got a vineyard, Black Angus stud, HUGE market garden, beautiful old buildings, bakery, butchery, cafe and restaurant. We could have spent SOOOO much time and money there. Need to get back there to eat, drink and be merry! . .. ... .... #compassandladle #boschendal #boschendalwineestate #franschoek #marketgarden (at Boschendal)

Had an epic lunch the other day at The Kitchen at Maison Estate in Franschoek. This sous-vide squid was off the hook good! Super tender, sweet and delicious. Looks pretty good as well. . .. ... .... #compassandladle #squid #thekitchen #maisonestate #sousvide #franschoek #wineforlunch (at The Kitchen at Maison)