The Heritage Day long weekend at the end of September sees thousands of eager whale watchers  embark on a pilgrimage to Hermanus - the land based whale watching capital of the world.

Here, they eagerly jostle along the cliff paths with binoculars and long lenses, pointing and oooohing as these great beasts leap and splash their gigantic bodies out of the clear blue sea to breach and fluke and lobtail and skyhop. These massive mammals intrigue and fascinate us with their haunting calls and immense power.

But here’s the thing………..whales are very intelligent, but they can’t read calendars so they just loll about in the bay EVERY weekend in September, and October, and even in November before their babies get big enough to swim all the way down to the Antarctic where supplies of krill are more prolific.

So pay us a visit any time between now and the end of the whale season, and you will be rewarded by their evocative calls and jaw dropping displays as they leap out of the water in playful glee. You may not get the music and concerts, the fun and the games but you’ll still get the whales, without the crowds!

Today is the day we have all been waiting for, when our team runs onto the pitch at the magnificent showcase of soccer in Soweto. We have listened to the countdown from 1000 days ago, we have worn our yellow jerseys on ‘Football Fridays’, we have watched with trepidation as construction crews ripped apart our road system and dug great gouges in the earth, we have cheered in the streets as our boys have driven past, we have been whisked to the airport on the mighty Gautrain and now we smile with pride as we drive through the sleepy early morning streets with our beautiful flag flapping from our car. Today is the day.

Today is not just the day our national team plays the opening game against Mexico, its the day where we can look back on all that has been achieved, we can hold our heads high as the world looks on, impressed. We can believe in our future, we can revel in the unity of our nation. Once again, we can dream of a wonderful future for our land.

Good luck Bafana Bafana, good luck. Ke nako

This quiet part of heaven always manages to lift my spirits and heal my soul. Driving over the mountain from Cape Town into a misty, wet afternoon I watched grey clouds hanging over the mountains and expected a cold and miserable week ahead. I was delighted by the glimpses of autumn shades on the orchards as I sped by and I looked forward to lighting a comforting log fire on arrival. A snug night, bundled up warmly, and deep restful sleep prepared me for any kind of day. Waking to a crisp blue sky with no trace of the grey mood was an unexpected  treat and I celebrated the sunshine with the brilliant sunbirds in the garden. A late afternoon walk through the quiet and gentle streets, bathed in golden fading light rewarded my senses again. I stayed out until the last traces of pink over the mountain had deepened to deep charcoal and drank in the peace and quiet and contentment. This village is a special place.

The annual Boxing Day Cricket fundraiser was held on the hallowed grounds of the Stanford Cricket Ground, otherwise known as the Market Square . The 12 illustrious teams battled it out in the hot sun, gallantly defending their pride. Delicious smells from the potjies wafted across the pitch, while families enjoyed the entertainment. The children had their very own cricket corner . This wonderful village event has been on the local calendar every year for the past 10 years. It started as a challenge from the locals to the weekend visitors, and now attracts a host of celebrity sportsman.  Jake White, Schalk Burger and Peter Grant were spotted patiently signing autographs.  The funds raised are for the local Animal Welfare charity and the Okkie Smuts ‘koshuis’ children. Make plans to be there for Boxing Day 2010 and be part of the fun!

Spring is getting here, with the forecast looking better and better.  But while it may still be a bit nippy, why not warm up in one of the local eateries? On Friday evening, 4th September, you could enjoy a Greek evening at Mandelis. Smash plates under the vines, while enjoying delicious Greek lamb, Meze and Baklava.

Over the first ‘official’ spring weekend, 4th - 6th September, there is a Mountain Bike night race on Friday night, starting  at 18:45 from Oom Tats. On Saturday, starting at Beloftebos, there will be three distances offered; 10 km,  30 km and 65 km. The route takes you through the local fynbos and wine farms. Beloftebos is a beautiful oak forest on the farm Paardenberg, next to Salmonsdam Nature Reserve.  Bring the family and enjoy the day under the oaks – there will be a farmer’s market, with lots of food stalls, local wine and beer and lots more!

The Stanford Village Market has been moved back to Saturday mornings, by popular demand. Pop into Stanford Galleries between 10 and 12am, and stock up on the locally produced goodies for the weekend.