Blog Update – 24 December 2012

Somerset East is where the Botton ancestors are and John spent a happy morning visiting the graveyards and taking pictures.   Very sad to see the vandalism that has taken place and also lack of any sort of care.   Suppose that’s what happens when the heart has gone out of a place.

Lunchtime and we were heading to Hogsback.   Wow, what a drive up a hill.  The campervan pulled like a dream, slowly though.   Just as we entered Hogsback on the left was Swallowtail….shew….we were happy to see our campsite.  We would be staying for at least a week.

Swallowtail is family run by Fritz and Ansie, along with their three dogs.  We selected a really nice site, surrounded by trees and a few bushes.  We got our campervan sorted and took the dogs into the village for a ‘stretch legs’.  Hogsback centre consists of a general dealer, gas station and always a liquor outlet.  There are numerous accommodation choices and two hotels.  The theme in Hogsback revolves around hobbits, hobbiton, elves and fairies.   Apparently JJ Tolkien grew up in

Hogsback and apparently a huge amount of his inspiration was drawn from her for ‘Lord of the Rings’.

We met a really super couple from Cape Town – Mike and Judy who were camping just below us.  They invited John and I to join them in the Tracker lounge (a general meeting place for campers) where there was an indoor braai area and bar, pool table and deck area, the dogs were welcome too.  We had a super evening chatting, sharing our stories and sipping on chards.  Christmas Eve, without family is very, very difficult, so it was so nice being with people who enjoy a laugh.  Thanks Mike and Judy J.