"You forgot the kitchen sink?!!!" The horror and disgust was palpable.
"But the champayne, chocolate dipped strawberries and Egyptian cotton bedding is here" was my retort.
"You forgot the kitchen sink....."
"My darling husband, there were two of us packing" I paused; "And you do remember we were packing to camp! In a tent! The purpose of which is to rough it not live in luxury."
"And where do you expect to wash the plastic champayne glasses, my sweet wife?" He answered.
Before I could come up with another witty retort, the Heavens opened and it started to pour.
"I don't suppose you packed an umbrella?" He smiled sweetly.
So began our two night getaway. A very rare and seldom occurring extravagance. Our first break for the first time in a year. And in the magnificent coastal De Hoop Reserve. Of course at home rain is as precious a commodity as .... well, in this case; a kitchen sink .... the possibility of setting up camp in the rain was the last thing on my mind. But set up we did as the pouring rain continued through the morning. It would've been rather miserable, if we weren't totally delighted at the novelty of rain. By early afternoon the rain had stopped and we plus the tent could dry out.
We percolated fresh coffee and lit a fire for lunch, while the children played. Sipping our steaming coffee, the view across the vlei is remarkable. We watched the pelicans gliding on the breeze over the water. A fish eagle called in the distance. Cape robin and francolin fussed around our feet hoping for tidbits.
Despite years living in a Reserve I am always in awe at being out in Creation, surrounded by the beautiful creatures. At De Hoop there are plenty to watch. Or to be watched by.
Eland, bontebok, zebra and of course ostriches. The bird life is indescribable. And then there is the beach. With white sand stretching for miles, gently embraced by the shades of ocean blue. But our seaside wanderings will have to wait for another day. Right now there are piles of dishes to wash that were saved up from camping. Because - yes, you heard correctly - gasp - I forgot the kitchen sink.