What's Up @ the Pat Busch Private Nature Reserve

Millar Wedding 2005

2012-02-29T05:40:00.001-08:00

This is the wedding of very good friends of ours, the Millar's, who got married on our reserve back in 2005 (with little Jack, unfortunately no longer with us RIP).
I have had some interest in weddings lately so I thought I would post some extra images of weddings & our surroundings, truly a nature lover's paradise.

They had a small, intimate ceremony under the pines at a large boulder which had some significance for them ;)

We had the tables set up on the meadow in a banquet style similar to an Asterix & Obelix feast............that is before the heavens opened and we were obliged to grab everything and make haste for more weatherproof surroundings.

D&T Wedding - more images

2012-02-29T05:26:00.001-08:00

Bass Fishing

2012-02-27T06:20:00.003-08:00

Spent a few hours on the farm dam on our reserve recently, and managed to bag a number of bass including this one which weighed in at 1.6kg. Not bad for a farm dam I thought.

The majority of the bass caught were more this size though, hovering just below the 1kg mark. I wasn't really counting, but in 3 hours we probably caught 10 bass between two of us on a slightly overcast day.

D&T Wedding

2012-02-23T03:43:00.003-08:00

Congratulations to Thorsten & Danielle who recently got married on the Pat Busch Private Nature Reserve, may you have fond memories of your special day and a lifetime together of bliss & happiness.

Despite queries about what the weather would do (it had been raining all week), on their wedding day the weather could not have been more perfect, with everything looking fresh & lush including the bride :)

Family & friends all got involved and the result was a beautiful ceremony on the meadow, followed by a sumptuous dinner under the Old Oak tree provided for by local caterers.

The gay bunting gave the wedding a country feel and helped to create a festive mood.

Every guest got their own initialed mug to use during the festivities, and to keep as a memento of the special day.

The weather was perfect for an outdoor feast, and the improvised paper lanterns confirmed that the celebrations would continue well into the evening.

Here they got married with their friends, family and the mountains as witnesses.

Cool Off Special

2012-01-12T00:21:00.000-08:00

The crazy season is over, Christmas music has subsided in shopping malls around the country, only to be replaced with Back-to-School specials, while Easter Deals are being prepared in the wings. Perhaps you didn't get a chance for a break over season, perhaps like us you are in the hospitality industry, perhaps you didn't get a chance to perfect your tan while everyone else had you serving them?

Treat yourself, this is the special for you, we have a few vacancies this weekend and if you book now and mention this deal we will offer you an additional 10% discount on your booking this weekend only !

Rest assured, the weather this weekend should cool down to below 29 degrees, at least until Monday that is, but why not indulge yourself and book one of our exclusive cottages (Nightjar or Hadeda) with spa baths, hammocks, cooling outdoor showers and blessed air conditioning all with magnificent views!

Plus, you could explore one of our trails through the many kloofs and picnic in a shaded glen under tree ferns and beside a mountain stream.

Alternatively try out the fabulous new Christina's restaurant at Van Loveren, situated in their shaded botanical garden and serving superb thin crust designer pizzas or burgers with great affordable wines.

Don't hesitate - book now - email : cottages@patbusch.co.za

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-27T04:26:00.000-08:00

The table is set...

...everything is ready...

...and the tree is adorned...

...apologies for the delay...........but MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

Ready for parties & weddings!

2011-12-16T03:05:00.000-08:00

We have been working on our rustic banquet hall the last few days, basically giving it a good once over so that it will be ready for the upcoming Christmas parties we have booked. The improvements include the installation of a large 4 door, under-counter, stainless steel fridge (thanks Craigan!), as well as a brand new drop in sink with professional bar mixer tap. We have also re-positioned the bar to free up extra space in the hall which will make catering easier.
We also did some minor improvements to House Protea by repairing the braai area, painting the stoep, planted a couple of trees, replaced the kitchen cupboard handles, varnished the cupboards and installed smart spotlights in the kitchen & lounge area - just a few nicer touches. Stay posted, photographs are sure to follow this week.

Stonehenge

2011-12-12T23:45:00.000-08:00

This is our Stonehenge, a collection of giant, moss covered granite boulders with gnarled trees pushing them aside. You'll discover this beautiful spot along our Teebos Hiking trail.

Fancy a spot of hiking?

2011-12-07T02:32:00.001-08:00

We recently cleared our most popular hiking trails, and even before we were finished we had our first customer. This tok-tokkie loved the cleared path on our Teebos Trail which meanders through a poplar forest, then along a fynbos covered stream and up to the very base of the Langeberg.

Nearly at the foot of the Langeberg, with the stream on our left.

A perfect rest or picnic spot in this small glade, at the base of an enormous bolder, an ancient tree and the mountain stream with fresh, clear water meander's through.

This is one of my favourite spots on the farm, a short distance down Teebos Trail you'll find a magic spot filled with gigantic granite boulders and ancient gnarled trees holding them back - it is our Stonehenge and a very special place.

AMAZINGLY WE STILL HAVE AVAILABILITY FOR THIS SECOND WEEKEND IN DECEMBER, SO IF YOU HAVE THE CHANCE, WHY NOT TAKE A BREAK & EXPLORE OUR HIDDEN VALLEYS?

Thief caught with paw in the cookie jar!

2011-11-28T05:45:00.001-08:00

Before I have guests contacting me to find out why there are rodents in our cottages, let me be very clear and qualify this post : this tiny little thief was NOT caught at our guest cottages since we don't keep any dog food there ;)
It was however caught in my own pantry. I heard a faint scratching and followed the noise to catch this little guy trying to steal dog food cubes bigger than his head. I let him go in the garden, with a few cubes for the road - sweet little fellow.

Crazy Last Minute Special - 50% off !!!

2011-11-23T05:49:00.001-08:00

View from Fig Cottage

2011-11-21T04:09:00.001-08:00

We received this fantastic photograph from Rudi Kurt who stayed in our Fig Cottage this weekend. This is basically the view from Fig Cottage which sits just above the vineyards and looks down the valley. I love the dramatic sky and saturated vineyards (is this a HDR image?). Well done and thanks for the submission.

Lazy Summer Days

2011-11-18T05:53:00.001-08:00

Bovine Bliss on the meadows opposite the Rusticus Wine Cellar, as our Nguni herd lazily move through the grasses having been moved from the pastures in the mountains near the cottages.

Don't forget Hadeda Cottage !

2011-11-10T02:10:00.000-08:00

Here are some updated images of our exclusive Hadeda Cottage, which is in fact very similar to Nightjar. The only differences being that Nightjar has an indoor braai / fireplace and Hadeda has an indoor fireplace, the layout of the cottages also differ slightly as you can see from the images. Hadeda has a long lounge & kitchen, with Nightjar being more squared.
The biggest difference is in the gardens, although Nightjar is very sunny & open with great sweeping views, Hadeda also has great views but it is perhaps more private & secluded, wind sheltered & shaded by a wild olive grove with fantastic bird life.
Feel free to compare the images and decide which you prefer - both are very popular due to the finer touches such as air conditioning, fireplaces, percale linen with feather duvets in winter, luxury spa bath, hammocks and not to mention 2000ha of spectacular mountain fynbos & kloofs to explore!

Exclusive Cottages - Update Photos

2011-11-10T00:16:00.000-08:00

I thought the images we had of the exclusive cottages on our website were a bit dated, so yesterday I grabbed my dslr and took some new photographs, they'll soon be added to the website.

The view from Nightjar Cottage - it was a perfect day yesterday.

This is one of Hadeda Cottage's bedrooms.

Here is the lounge of Nightjar Cottage.

The bathrooms of Nightjar & Hadeda are basically identical with spa bath and shower.

4th - 6th November Special

2011-11-02T04:13:00.000-07:00

The vineyards are shooting, the bees are buzzing, the birds are chirping, the bass are slowly but surely biting, and our most popular hiking trails (Karin, Teebos & Middelrug) have all been cleared and are ready for exploring. PLUS -there is the promise of good hiking weather this weekend (20 degrees, partly cloudy, no rain).........and yet we still have space this weekend in our cottages......

This means you have the chance to capitalise on this weekend's hiking & accommodation special. Book now with the Pat Busch Private Nature Reserve and mention this special deal and we'll give you an extra 10% off our already good accommodation rates for this weekend.

John's Deer (Deer John?)

2011-10-28T04:35:00.000-07:00

Thanks to John Rayner for sending in this early morning (6:35am) image of a very shy Fallow Deer in our vineyards on the reserve, no doubt having a good breakfast munch on the young shoots of our vines.

Take a break, you deserve it

2011-10-20T01:36:00.000-07:00

After a few good weeks of being pretty fully booked due to great weather and the Wine on the River Festival, this weekend we have some vacancies which we are eager to fill. So if you are keen and have a gap - then grab the family and come spend the weekend in nature exploring the hidden valleys & mountains of our reserve. The bass are biting, the sun is shining, the birds are tweeting and I can smell the braai from here.

To sweeten the tempation, if you make a booking for this weekend, and mention this post, then we'll give you an additional 10% 'short-notice' discount.

Nosy Parker found on reserve !

2011-10-06T01:25:00.000-07:00

Pentax K5, Tamron 90mm Macro, 1/200, f9, ISO800

Pentax K5, Tamron 90mm Macro, 1/100, f10, ISO400

Pentax K5, Tamron 90mm Macro, 1/200, f8, ISO800

Found this Nosy Parker in the office this morning, somehow he fell into the dustbin and couldn't get out. I'm sure there would be some guests who would complain if this little guy found his way into their cottage, but this is why we live in Africa after all isn't it?
The elephant shrew is native to Africa, and lives on a strict diet of insects which it sniffs out with its elephant like nose and then devours ferociously - so he is a good guy eating all those pesky insects :)
Despite his diminutive size, apparently this is one of the fiercest creatures on the continent, attacking at the slightest provocation and preferring to fight than flee. Luckily for us it is only a tiny little mammal otherwise we'd live in constant fear.
Just another small miracle you'd find on the Pat Busch Private Nature Reserve.

VACANCIES October 7-9th

2011-10-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

We still have a few vacancies for this coming weekend the 7-9th of October. So give us a call on 023 626 2033 or drop us an email on cottages@patbusch.co.za before these cottages get booked.

School Break Special!

2011-09-20T02:52:00.000-07:00

Lindi, baby Logan and I have just returned from a few fabulous weeks in France for a well deserved vacation - now it is your turn for something special :

SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAY SPECIAL!

Although these school holidays are very short, we are offering FREE accommodation for all children under 15 years of age

for the upcoming spring school break!

This special is only valid midweek (NOT WEEKENDS)

Monday - Thursday, 3-7 October 2011

Keep posted for more specials to follow.

SLOW FOOD FESTIVAL

2011-07-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

The first weekend in August will see the annual SLOW FOOD FESTIVAL come to the Robertson Wine Valley again. A firm favourite event is the pasta & gnocchi making evenings held at the Rusticus Vintage Cellar hosted by Stephan & Lindi Busch.

Here are a few images of last years evenings where everyone got stuck in - wine was flowing, the fireplace was crackling, music was playing, hands were working, faces were smiling and aprons were getting covered with flour.

On the first evening we focused on pasta making and the second evening was purely gnocchi making. The night of festivities & preparation culimnated in the handmade Italian creations being enjoyed with a variety of homemade gourmet sauces prepared by myself.

The sauces are all completely homemade and include a delicious slow cooked venison bolognaise, a rich Alfredo mushroom & ham sauce including 3 types of ham & 3 types of mushrooms, and finally a fresh tomato Arabiata with a hint of chilli to combat the winter chill. The gnocchi are prepared & then tossed in a classic butter & sage sauce, which can be enjoyed as it is (with some Parmesan shavings) or with any of the other pasta sauces.

I must say, it is one of the best wine festivals all year as the guest truly enjoy themselves, cooking, eating, drinking & making new friends and fantastic memories in our antique cellar.If you are keen on attending, please book for 2012 since both evenings for 2011 are already fully-booked & deposits have been received & confirmed.

Nightjar or Hadeda

2011-07-26T03:59:00.000-07:00

I often get asked which is better and I am having a hard time trying to decide which cottage I prefer, Nightjar or Hadeda. I think that at the moment my favourite cottage is Hadeda for winter months since it gets more sunshine as it is north of Nightjar and gets the morning sun, and it has a fireplace inside which makes it nice and cosy. Nightjar on the other hand still has better views though, and it has an indoor braai / fireplace which is great in winter if you feel like a grilled lamb chop or some wors while it is raining..... In summer Hadeda still gets more sun which might make it warmer, but then it has more trees in the front garden so it is easier to find shade and perhaps the trees also make it more private....while Nightjar perhaps doesn't get as much sun being to the south of Hadeda, but it still has those great views and is more open with fewer trees. Decisions, decisions................all I can say is that each has their charm and hopefully you'll find your favourite when you come visit us.

This is Hadeda inside, taken quite sometime ago so unfortunately the photo is a bit outdated but nothing has really changed - the fireplace is still the same and makes the cottage nice & toasty in winter (otherwise the aircon makes up for the deficit :)

And this is Nightjar inside, once again this photograph is outdated but nothing has changed EXCEPT for the fridge on the right, which is now about 50% bigger :)

Fridges - all upgraded

2011-07-26T03:51:00.000-07:00

Finally all the fridges have been upgraded in the cottages - so Nightjar & Hadeda have brand new larger fridges (220l) with plenty of ice space, and the smaller standard cottages sleeping 4 persons (Pine & Quince) have also all been upgraded to 220l fridges. The old mini-bar fridges in Oak, Peach & Fig which all sleep 2 adults each have all been sold & upgraded to one size bigger (about 120-150 liters or so).
All in all each cottage has plenty of space for a long weekend's worth of chop & dop :)

I have also listened to all the feedback with the exclusive cottages Nightjar & Hadeda and have moved the wall in the garden to make the cottages more private, and also to improve the view at Hadeda which is now stunning.

Herd it on the grapevine...

2011-07-20T04:02:00.000-07:00

We have two new additions to our herd of Nguni cattle, one little calf was born a few weeks ago and recently we had another young calf born - this one is only a few days old. Unfortunately at this stage the mother's are still quite protective and camera shy, hence they keep the calves well hidden in the bushes.....but I'll get my chance to take their portraits soon enough. In the interim, here is half of our herd leisurely grazing near the Rusticus Vintage Cellar down the road from the cottages.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY SPECIALS

2011-07-01T04:35:00.000-07:00

We are running another famous special to entice families to the farm during the chilly winter holidays - this time it will run for the duration of the school holidays now in June / July 2011...

SPECIAL - KIDS STAY FREE FOR THE WINTER HOLIDAYS !!!

So beat the winter blues and come spend a few days at the Pat Busch Private Nature Reserve where kids under 12 stay for free for the holidays!!!

Bring the Wellington boots, the rain hats, the fur-lined parkas and do some huddle popping with the kids!

To qualify for this special rate please cut & paste or mention this special when you make your booking enquiry at : cottages@patbusch.co.za

Aftermath SPECIALS

2011-06-07T02:57:00.000-07:00

The aftermath of WWW has left our standard cottages with a few vacancies this weekend - so we are running another famous special on our already very good rates of R195 per person per night.
So, if you book for this coming weekend and mention this special, we will give you another 10% discount off this rate mentioned above - don't delay!

And if you have a 4x4, and some experience with a sprinkling of guts, you can even enjoy fabulous views from our rather tough, grade 4 off-road track.

WWW a roaring success

2011-06-07T02:49:00.000-07:00

We just had the Wacky Wine Weekend the last few days with probably just under 20.000 people visiting our valley, going from one estate to another estating tasting wines & having fun with the various events. It was a roaring success with plenty of Rusticus wine sales and our Pat Busch guest cottages booked a year in advance - speaking of which we are nearly fully booked for WWW 2012 already!!! If you are interested in accommodation for next year - you better hop to it!

SPECIALS - This weekend only 27-29 May

2011-05-26T02:34:00.000-07:00

With everyone holding their breath (and their purses closed) for the upcoming Wacky Wine Weekend the start of June, we have quite a number of vacancies for this coming weekend.

So, if you are keen on a quiet & relaxing weekend out of town, up in the mountains, where nobody can find you, only bird sounds to delight you, in front of a cosy fireplace, rain on a tin roof outside, clouds hanging over the majestic mountains, a glass of vino in hand, and nothing to do but perhaps stir the stew in the potjie or remove a roasted marshmallow off a skewer - give us a call for a 10% discount on any cottage!

Amazingly both our exclusive cottages Nightjar & Hadeda are open this weekend (I can't remember when last this has happened, if ever) so you can do all of the above, wrapped in a feather duvet, and fresh out of a hot spa bath!

Or you can stay in one of our very comfortable standard cottages, also with fireplaces and everything you need to do nothing but reflect. Don't forget you favourite book, chocolate & marshmallows though.

SO, GIVE US A CALL NOW AND CLAIM YOUR 10% DISCOUNT FOR THIS WEEKEND ONLY.

WACKY WINE SALE

2011-05-21T02:47:00.000-07:00

Rusticus Vintage Cellar has quite alot of wine stock to move, so we are having a crazy sale over the Wacky Wine Weekend (2nd-5th June 2011).
Our Odyssey will be about 50% off for 6 bottles, so if you purchase a case of 6 it will only set you back R250. This works out to about R41 per bottle which is great for a Cabernet / Merlot blend which spent 18 months maturing in an oak barrel, plus it is a Platter 3 star wine made by hand in our rustic cellar with antique machinery in small quantities.
Our Barrel Fermented Viognier is the same price at R250 per case of 6, it was barrel fermented & matured for 12 months and got 3,5 stars in Platter - this is a firm favourite in the cellar.
Our flagship, and the best wine I have ever made (and one of the best wines I have ever drunk if I may say so), namely SWANSONG which is a blend of Syrah, Mourvedre and Viognier, will be marked down 25%, so for a case of 6 you will only pay R500 (about R82 per bottle). This wine has not been submitted to Platter yet, but I'm sure it will score very highly (4 stars plus).

Wacky Wine Weekend

2011-05-17T02:04:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that if we had another 100 beds available for the upcoming Wacky Wine Weekend 2nd-5th of June we could have quite easily rented them out too.....I also find it quite amazing that so many people leave it to the last minute, they are really going to struggle finding accommodation for this busy weekend. For those of you who have managed to secure accommodation, well done and I'm sure you are going to have an amazing weekend.

Naming Ceremony

2011-05-14T04:59:00.000-07:00

A beautiful naming ceremony was recently held for my son Logan with many friends & family in attendance. It was held on the lush meadow at the foot of the Langeberg near the Pat Busch guest cottages on the reserve. Thanks to everyone who drove such a long distance to attend & give their blessings on this special day, for a very special boy indeed.

Feather Duvets are out

2011-05-05T02:09:00.000-07:00

That's right, winter is here without much warning. Sure, we still get a sunny day in between but the temperature has dropped very quickly and the days are much shorter now. So we have committed to winter and taken the feather duvets out of storage. We have one on our own bed at home, although my wife had ours taken out of storage last week already ;)
And now are are getting them ready for use in the exclusive cottages Nightjar & Hadeda. So guests can come stay for the weekend, have the fireplace roaring, coffee in the pot and stay snuggled in bed under a feather duvet! You can't get much better than that!

SPECIAL : 6-8th May

2011-05-05T02:03:00.000-07:00

I can tell that the "But wait, if you took off 3 days from work last week, you'll get a long 10 day Easter break in total" is over as suddenly the roads are quiet, the traffic is gone, and our cottages have a last minute vacancy.
So, for this weekend the 6th-8th of May, we can offer our exclusive cottage Hadeda at a special rate of R300 p.p.p.n. - that is R50 off per person! The cottage has a spa bath & shower, percale linen, feather duvets, hammocks, fireplace inside & braai outside, air conditioner & tea, coffee, etc. It includes firewood & towels too, all of this for a special rate of R300 p.p.p.n.
Alternatively, we still have availability in our standard cottages which are very comfortable & full equipped, with indoor fireplaces, all bedding, linen & towels, but without the extra luxury items of the exclusive cottages. The standard cottage rate is R195 p.p.p.n. but for this weekend on short notice we can give you an 10% discount on this already crazy low price. Just enquire with Elna in the office on 023 - 626 2033.

Last minute special

2011-04-29T06:42:00.000-07:00

Well, we had quite a bit of interest in our large farmhouse Erika for this coming weekend from various groups, but as things go everyone pulled out in the last minute because of numerous reasons. Anyway, that means House Erika is still available for this weekend, it sleeps 14 comfortably in 7 rooms (4 bathrooms), but can fit 20 if every bed is filled. So I'm open for offers - give us a call and make me an offer for this long weekend and we'll see what we can do for you!

FIRST SNOW!!!

2011-04-27T01:22:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it, one day it was summer.........and then it was winter! What happened to autumn? It isn't even May yet and already we have the first snow on the farm mountains with -1C last night. True, it is high up in the Langeberg above the farm, and just an icing sugar powdering.........but snow is snow.
Thankfullly there are brand new fireplaces in Quince, Peach and Fig cottage, Pines fireplace is waiting to be upgraded the moment we have a few days open (we have been fully booked for 10 days solid!)

EASTER SPECIAL

2011-04-19T00:31:00.000-07:00

Strange as it may seem, but we don't have any large groups booked for the Easter Weekend - so our large farmhouse Erika is still available.
This farmhouse has several comfortable rooms, a large lounge with fireplace, a dining room and a large farmhouse kitchen, not to mention a superb covered stoep and 4 bathrooms. It is fully equipped with everything you can think of, from two fridges & freezer space, a large oven & stove, to a tv (no reception due to the mountains) but we do have a selection of kids dvds and board games. In total it sleeps 16 comfortably, but can accommodate 20 if every bed & sleeper couch is filled. We generally charge R2500 per night for this house which is a great deal already if you can get a large group together, but for Easter we are prepared to let it at the per person rate of R195p.p.p.n. (minimum stay of 3 nights at least please). This is a really good deal since you get a free crate of wood, firelighters and exclusive access to 2000ha of mountains for hiking & exploring.

CONGRATULATIONS

2011-04-19T00:24:00.000-07:00

To Barbara and Carl on their beautiful marriage - we wish them love and all of the very best for their future together. Perhaps one day they'll return to the Pat Busch Private Nature Reserve with little ones in the near (or not so near) future :)

This wedding was held on the front lawn of our large farmhouse Erika, under a beautiful Oak tree.

We have never had a wedding here in the garden before, but just goes to show how many options & possibilities exist on our reserve. It is always exclusively hired by the bride & groom so they have free reign to celebrate as they please.

Prep is underway

2011-04-16T02:29:00.000-07:00

The free-form tent is up, the tables & chairs are arranged, the spit-braai sheep are marinating, the DJ is on his way, the bride & groom are nervous, the in-laws are fretting, the weather is holding................all is set for a fantastic wedding at the Pat Busch Private Nature Reserve this afternoon.
Friends & family alike are running around, adding their final touches & help to the event, naturally all is being directed & approved under the watchful eyes of various in-laws :) .... spirits are high and it is sure to be a wonderful day.
We wish Carl & Barbara the most special & memorable wedding possible, and a blissful marriage to follow.

Weekend Wedding

2011-04-12T00:49:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately I cannot offer any last minute specials this week - but the whole weekend will be special since we are hosting a wedding on the farm. It should be a fantastic, down-to-earth wedding with a large marquee tent erected in the garden under the huge oak tree, a delicious spit braai, friendly guests, cool weather and plenty of accommodation for all the visitors to relax in. So no drinking or driving, no rushing around, just a full weekend of celebrating the bond between a young couple with good family & friends.

10% DISCOUNT 8th & 9th April

2011-04-06T07:23:00.000-07:00

We still have a few open cottages for this coming weekend for which I can offer you a 10% discount on our already affordable rates. So if you cut & paste this promo into an email and forward it to cottages@patbusch.co.za we'll contact you with availability and book you in at a rate of R175 per person per night, including all bedding & linen, towels, and a crate of braai wood, plus exclusive access to 2000 ha of pristine mountain fynbos to explore (or you can chill infront of the braai or fireplace with a glass of Rusticus in hand)!

3 day conference success!

2011-04-06T07:14:00.000-07:00

I just finished two conferences which I was running at the same time, one mini-conference in the cellar for 6 delegates over 2 days, and another conference in our banquet hall for 21-32 delegates over 3 days (the numbers varied each day).
PLUS, I was running around answering phones and emails for the Pat Busch accommodation, and doing a Rusticus tasting here and there, all because the evil flu has struck our valley. Both Elna, my trusty right-hand woman in the office, and both my parents are incapacitated (Karin would otherwise have given a hand in the office since Logan is still keeping mom Lindi very busy). So beware, the flu strain is pretty bad this year - if you haven't had the shot yet, go and get it!
All in all the conference went well, the delegates are all pretty laid back and enjoyed the solitude & natural surroundings, as well as the relaxed environment. They had a chance to have a huge braai competition with their colleagues, and squeeze in a good 8 hours of conferencing each day, with plenty of drinks in the evening. Nowhere to drive, nothing to do but get to know your fellow worker and build some team spirit..............while you top up your spirit of choice of course :)

The air conditioner was also a success in the hall, although day 1 was pretty cool - so it was only really used on day 2.