Supernova Stardust: Feathers, beer and shooting stars.

Since my early days in Johannesburg, back in 2003, I can recall the adventures that my friends had enjoyed in Dullstroom. It seemed to be a far off place that I would only ever get to visit when I came into either a) lots of money or b) enough leave to take the trek there. 9 years later I realize on my first trip to Dullies that neither are necessary.

So last Friday we packed the car and missioned off on our adventure. Craig has been to Dullstroom 3 times before and is a veteran visitor to the small town culture. On the other hand, I was naive to the quiet, one road town that it really is.

Literally one road of small curio shops and pubs, this sleepy village is surrounded by rolling hills and almost Shire-type rock faces reminiscent in JRR Tolkien's books. Just 2.5 hours drive from Johannesburg I found myself intrigued with every turn we took, wondering if my expectations would be met, exceeded or crushed. Expecting so much more than just one street, I wasn't disappointed when I found how much there is a visitor can in fact experience.

The accommodation was meant to be a rustic cottage in a suburb called Critchley Common, well at least thats what I had fabricated in my mind. The accommodation turned out being almost 5 star and the "suburb" a complex.

I was pleasantly surprised to find the beautiful "Delagoa Cottage" was in fact a fully furnished, feather down duvet inclusive, DSTV installed luxury pad. A great relief in comparison to some of the less attractive venues we had investigated online. Not to shabby for a weekend away - the pictures speak for themselves.

Our adventures found us gem stone hunting at the lock rock shop and tempted by a back massage at the spa next door. Galleries and coffee shops are plentiful and a Whisky tasting bar can be found in Auldstone House. The tiny, all-year-round Christmas shop is a hit and you can't leave the town without trying at least one pancake from the famous pancake house. We had a delicious meal at the Grill House and enjoyed beer at Anvil Ale, the local foundry with the cutest little dog named Mac. Mac shouldn't be fed, but begs for food anyway. He sits in the cutest upright position in the hopes of receiving a table tidbit.

A snippet of my diary entry reveals my sentiments. "October 6th 2012, - It was a goal I had set somewhere in our early months together. My vision had initially been a wild west shoot out scene. The local villagers walking through the streets with a head full of curlers and a bible under one arm.

The local pub would consist of 2 tables and chairs and the menu would be as bland as their meal offerings. The streets are in fact laden with small shops including Crocs, Jeep and Seattle Coffee Co. The pristine and ornate homes exude a cottage-cum-private estate feel.

The lawns are small yet evergreen and well kept. A tall aluminium windmill stands proud in the center court of our complex. Each home is surrounded with greenery and the uniformity of the artists impression that may have been found on the original real estate advert. There has been no deviation from any of the homes aesthetic appeal. You can see this tin roof residence is both respected and treasured. I yearn for this lifestyle. I yearn to be surrounded by the option to choose fauna and flora over taxi's and deadlines. This is how I would dream my happily ever after would be, where my children can enjoy the beauty of the milky way skies and bright blue dragonflies.

Although not as quiet as my Johannesburg home, the sounds of passing trucks are drowned out by the distinct call of the Fish Eagle. I yearned for Dullstroom and I made it happen. I yearned for peace, and here I sit as the morning sun creeps towards my toes on a stoep 2 hours from home. Peace will mend the pieces".

On Saturday evening Craig and I visited Dunkeld Estate. Another magnificent venue with tall pine tree's and a forest floor wedding venue that literally escaped from my imagination and presented itself in front of my eyes.

Saturday evening found us pub crawling all the way up the street to the famous Duck and Trout (and back down again in the pitch dark) giggling away as we clumsily walked arm in arm back down to our 'home'. As we stood in the garden staring at the Milky Way, Craig gentle turns us in the opposite direction, changing the view. As he does so the longest, brightest shooting star sweeps the night sky. A perfect ending to a great weekend. Thank you Craig for sharing this with me. I couldn't have asked for a greater blessing than being with you through this adventure.

Sunday morning it was off to the Dullstroom Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Centre.
This was the highlight of my weekend without a doubt. Face to face with birds of prey that have been rescued and rehabilitated thanks to owner Mark Holder and his team of international volunteers.

Mark is a passionate and highly educated bird lover. His knowledge is admirable and his patience has paid off through the skill and "bird whispering" which is evident in his demonstrations. Here we enjoyed the likes of Heidi the Barn Owl, Landy the Spotted Eagle Owl and Perigrine and Lanner Falcon demo that just blew my mind! To end the days experience Craig and I enjoyed a hands on with the birds under Marks guidance.

Thank you Mark for your amazing contribution to the education of these birds of prey to the public and visitors that see you every day. I am so grateful to you and your team for all you do for us and the birds - we look forward to joining you again soon.

What a blast, can't wait to go back. If you haven't been, make sure you go. Just don't forget to visit our friends mentioned in this blog, no doubt they will greet you with big smiles and lots of laughs.